DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

NOVEMBER 2012

Volume 12 Number 10 Happy Holidays!

Behind The

BADGE

Inside this issue:

Class #7: Citizens

Academy Graduation

BCOC Class #286

Marlene James’ Re-

tirement

Thanksgiving Cele-

bration

“Bridge to the Com-

munity” Latest

DSO Cycling Team

KwanzaaFest 2012

FROM THE SHERIFF

Pictured left:

Some members of

the trailblazing

team which

helped create the

Sheriff’s Citizens

Academy.

November 16, 2012 marked the graduation of Class #7 for the Sheriff’s Citizens

Academy. It was also reunion time for various individuals who were there from the

program’s inception. The first Citizens Academy began in 2008. Among the visiting

guests, Chief Joseph Costa, who now heads the DeSoto Police Department.

During the evening celebration, State Senator Royce West served as keynote

speaker. He and Sheriff Lupe Valdez echoed the importance of being involved

within the community. Officials praised the graduates’ commitment for dedicating

10 weeks, a total of 13 classes since September, to getting an in-depth under-

standing into the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. The class had the chance to tour all

the jail grounds, including the traffic division and got the opportunity to get super-

vised firearms training. CONTINUE ON PAGE 2

Reflecting on my time as sheriff, there are so many department accomplishments

to applaud because of so many hard working individuals. In November, we paid

tribute to Marlene James, manager of the Data Management Unit. Her 35 years of

service to Dallas County have been such a vital component to our daily opera-

tions. Marlene will be missed. We also had the chance to have some of the found-

ers of the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy during the most recent graduation. Former

Chief Joseph Costa was in attendance. As the holiday season continues, I would

like to extend a warm greeting to each and every one of you. I look forward to con-

tinuing to serve as Sheriff of Dallas County.

—Sheriff Lupe Valdez

Sheriff’s Citizens Academy: The Evolution

Next Executive Staff

Evening Shift:

Dec. 5th and 6th, 2012

Dallas.Sheriff.Dept

@dallas_sheriff

Courtesy of Ed Clark

Volume 12 Number 10 Page 2

Pictured top left: Citizens Academy Class #7, Top right: Class Sergeant Jim Rodriguez with Reserve Lt. Mary Johnson who will be joining the DeSoto Police Department. Bottom left: State Senator Royce West, Bottom center: Sheriff Lupe Valdez presented with the traditional class plaque, Bottom right:

J.D. Monson provided the musical entertainment for the evening.

Class #7 also had the opportunity to merge a class session with the DeSoto Police Department’s Citizens Academy. During the graduation, the graduates paid tribute to the dozens of individual who dedicated their evenings and weekends to the program this fall. The class paid special recognition to Lt. Mary Johnson who announced this would be her final citizens academy class. She will be joining Chief Costa at the DeSoto Po-lice Department and helping lead the DeSoto citizens academy curriculum.

Of the 23 individuals who started the course, 21 graduated in November. Some will go on to join the Citizen Support Team which operates under the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, Reserve Division on a voluntary basis.

Dallas Sheriff’s Department Citizens Academy Graduation

Courtesy of Ed Clark

Volume 12 Number 10 Page 3

Welcome to the members of BCOC Class #286 who graduated on Nov. 16, 2012. These 24 men and women begin their careers as detention service officers at the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. CONGRATULATIONS!

Dallas County Sheriff’s Association: 2012 Annual Christmas Party Fri. Dec. 7, 2012, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. @ Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake-Winfrey Point Drive, Dallas, TX 75218

The National Latino Peace Officers Association-Dallas Chapter: 2012 Christmas Party & Toy Drive Thurs. Dec. 13, 2012, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. @ La Calle Doce 415 West 12th Street, Dallas, TX $10 donation or $10 unwrapped toy per person Donations will benefit needy children in the community

Door prizes! EVERYONE WELCOME TO BOTH EVENTS

Congratulations BCOC Class #286

Courtesy of Ed Clark

Employee Association Holiday Parties

Volume 12 Number 10 Page 4

Ms. Marlene James’ Retirement Celebration

Pictured top left: Executive Chief Jesse Flores and Ms. Marlene James. Top center: Ms. James is pre-sented with a watch for her many years at Dallas County. Top right: Ms. James with District Attorney

Craig Watkins. Pictured second row L to R: Early arrivals for Ms. Marlene James family.

After more than 35 years of service to Dallas County, Ms. Marlene James is retiring. The Dallas Sheriff’s De-partment, along with family, friends, and several long time colleagues like County Commissioner John Wiley Price, Constable Roy Williams, and District Attorney Craig Watkins gathered on November 29, 2012 to pay tribute to an incredible woman.

The celebration kicked off with remarks from Chief Marlin Suell who made a comparison between the Cham-pionship NBA Basketball Team of the 90’s—the Chicago Bulls with their reigning MVP Michael Jordan, a.k.a. MJ— with Dallas County’s own MVP Marlene James a.k.a. “our MJ”.

Sheriff Lupe Valdez addressed Ms. James through a video message. The sheriff commended Ms. James’ hard work and commitment to the department. Colleagues praised Ms. James for always being so helpful and for going beyond her call of duty to always getting things done. Her clerical staff thanked her commitment to helping bring recognition to the Data Management Unit staff which has come a long way over the years.

Ms. James thanked everyone and talked about how lucky she was to have such a wealth of friends. She su-pervised the data unit for the second largest county in the state, seventh largest in the country.

She will move on to dedicate her time to her church where she recently was voted pastor. Best of luck in her future endeavors!

Volume 12 Number 10 Page 5

Bridge to the Community

The Intelligence Section treated guests to a delicious Texas-style Thanksgiving feast Nov. 16, 2012. The men served up some Bar-B-Q along with many homemade side dishes and desserts. The Executive Staff was among the guests.

Many thanks to the Intel. Section for their kind hospitality.

Thanksgiving Celebration

Join “The Bridge” for these upcoming events

Wed. Dec 5th: By popular demand for evening shift personnel! Burgers, chips and bottled water for $5

at Kays Tower. Chance to win a door prize to be determined! Stop by 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Fri. Dec 21st: 2 chili dogs, chips and bottled water for $5 in Frank Crowley A-5 Room. There will be

an assortment of desserts, popcorn and candy apples ranging from $1 to $2. Raffle for following items

will take place:

Raffle tickets on sale now. One ticket for $5 OR three tickets for $10 for a chance to win a iPad mini or

$250 Visa gift card.

Coming January 2013, exact date to be announced

Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen, Duncanville restaurant location

Enjoy an evening mixer and dinner in a private room. DJ will be provided and there will be many door prizes! $30 tickets available and the following menu will be provided:

The St. Charles Package which includes:

Popcorn shrimp OR Catfish beignets, Chicken tenderloins, Shrimp & crawfish fondue, Red beans and dirty rice Tea & Coffee included

All proceeds go to the Bridge to the Community. Thank you for the support!

Volume 12 Number 10 Page 6

Bridge to the Community: Holiday Spirit

Pictured top left: Ms. Yolanda Lara greets patrons at the entrance. Top right: Ms. Diane Skipworth serves up the warm Frito pie orders. Bottom left: Ms. Rosalind Reeves collects toy donations and meal payment. Bottom right: Chief Cheryl Wilson does the honor of pulling the winning ticket for the

32 inch television. Courtesy of David Williams

Congratulations to DSO Kenisha Bryant, Second Watch-Intake Section! Ms. Bryant was the winner of the 32-inch television set raffled off at the Nov. 30, 2012 fundraising event. The Bridge to the Community organizers collected toys and monetary donations. Part of the proceeds will go to help lift a child’s spirit during the holi-day season. Another portion of the proceeds will help fund the upcoming spring recognition award banquet to be held in honor of all Dallas Sheriff’s Department employees, as well as community and business leaders.

If you haven’t had the chance to donate for this year’s Joseph Bryant Christmas in the Community event, there is still time. The event will take place Sat. Dec. 15, 2012 at the P.C. Cobb Stadium from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations can be in the form of cash, canned goods, new unwrapped toys, as well as Christmas decorations.

If you would like to get involved, contact one of the following people:

Sgt. Fonda Boyd, Kays South Tower 214.962.5831

Sgt. Ruthie McCain, Kays South Tower 214.962.5802

Lt. Darren Hodge, Warrant Execution Section 214.653.2705

Lt. Raymond Williams, Traffic Section 214.589.2315

Volume 12 Number 10 Page 7

DSCO Cycling Team: Turkey Roll 2012

Pictured left: DSO. J. Knoble, Capt. D. Mitchell, Chief B. Mikule-wicz and Leah Probst at the Tur-key Roll 2012 in Denton. Courtesy of Mrs. R. Mitchell

Individual times: Jeff Knoble (North Tower DSO): 50.01 miles ride distance, 3:23:09 time, 15.47 mph Leah Probst (Compliance Officer for Juvenile): 68.4 miles ride distance ,4 hours flat ,17.1 mph Blaise Mikulewicz (Chief Deputy/Detentions): Finished it in 3:36:30, avg. 17.5. (Ran into the wall @ 59 miles and wanted to die. Last 5 miles were painful as I cramped up but gutted it out.) [NOTE: His honesty is appre-ciated as others will consider his insight for next year. Thanks for being so candid, Chief!] David Mitchell (Captain, West Tower Jail): Distance - 68.5 mi., Ride time - 4:09:31, Avg. - 16.4 mph, Total time (including rest stops) - 4 hours, 32 minutes The Team had four (4) members participate at the final 2012 season ride: The Turkey Roll 2012 in Denton, TX. Those members were among about 1,800 riders. 2012 was a fabulous ride year for individual riders & the team. It is truly amazing the number of comments made by people who see our members (because of their easily identifiable jerseys and/or banner) and recognize Dallas County's involvement in rallies. There are cur-rently 17 members of THE Team but more are always welcomed! The 2013 season begins with the "Freeze Your Fanny Off" Rally in Longview, TX in February. Check www.bikestuff.com for a calendar of upcoming events. Supporters are welcome, too!

KwanzaaFest 2012: Sign up!

December 8, 2012 - 8:00 a.m. Register at http://johnwileyprice.com/kwanzaa-5kwalk-registration.php

Team Captain - Captain S. Carter-Bass Cell: 214.850.9844

Office: 214.653.2743

Volume 12 Number 10

Announcements

GET WELL WISHES

Nov. 5, 2012: DSO Henry Boone, Personnel Section,

was hospitalized earlier this month and is recovering

well.

DEATHS

Oct. 27, 2012: Irene Banks, mother-in-law of Michele

Banks, Communications Section Dispatcher, passed

away.

Oct. 31, 2012: Alyce Faye Ward, mother of Umeka

Ward, Clerk Six-2nd Watch Vault, passed away.

Nov. 2, 2012: Willie Mae Combs, grandmother of De-

metricus Taylor, DMU Release Clerk, passed away at

the age of 98.

Nov. 5, 2012: Pastor Antonio and Illaria Castillo, uncle

and aunt of Deputy Barney Martinez’s wife, Court Ser-

vices/Bailiff Section, passed away as a result of a car

accident.

Nov. 11, 2012: Homero Ramirez, father of DSO Pedro

Ramirez, Sterrett Kitchen-3rd Watch, passed away after

a lengthy battle with cancer.

Nov. 25, 2012: Retired Deputy Edgar Ray Dees passed

away. Deputy Dees was a former Dallas Police Officer

that served a bailiff under Sheriff Bill Decker.

Our thoughts and prayers are with each family mem-

ber during this difficult time.

Shoppers’ Corner

Dallas County Sheriff’s Department

133 N. Riverfront Blvd. LB-31

Dallas, Texas 75207-4313

Page 8

Sheriff’s one inch badge lapel pins $3.50 each or

get 3 for $10

Contact: Marian Ogletree (214) 653-3462

For submission of a newsletter item:

Sheriffmedia@dallascounty.org

For the latest updates:

www.dallas-sheriff.com

48’ X 68’ throw to keep you warm, $35.00 each

Sheriff’s Department Throw

FREE BREAKFAST: UNIFORMED PERSONNEL

Sat. Dec. 29, 2012

Provided by John L. DeGrazier Masonic Lodge

5300 Forest (just east of the Inwood/Forest in-

tersection and west of Dallas North Toll Rd.)

Full breakfast 8 a.m. to noon for all uniformed

personnel.

It is offered in appreciation of your heroic ser-

vice to the citizens of Dallas County.

Next breakfast: Sat. March 30, 2012

Volume 12 Number 10 Page 9

Volume 12 Number 10 Page 10