A publication for the employees of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office

Volume 8, Issue 3: Winter Issue

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Misuse of Identification SectionBy Lieutenant Robin Osborn, Administration and Support Bureau

The Travis County Sheriff ’s Office (TCSO) Misuse of Identity Section was created 10 years ago after the 83rd Legislative session enacted new laws in the Gov-ernment Code. TCSO was one of the first counties in the state of Texas to implement the required steps. The Sheriff ’s Office serves as an example to other counties. TCSO’s best practice model is based on interaction and cooperation with other local criminal justice agencies that streamline the process making it more efficient for all, especially the victim. Lawmakers realized the need to protect innocent people who had their identity mis-used by another person during the course of an arrest. Criminal Justice Information Services Security Coor-dinator Dawn Teague did the vast majority of the work in setting-up the entire section. She quickly became an expert in her field and has gained recognition for it. At the request of the District and County Attorney Offices, Dawn has traveled around the state and attended con-ferences to train prosecutorial staff. She has also trained several other criminal justice agencies and employees. The most typical scenario occurs when a person arrested is issued a citation or summons and gives a peace officer the name and birthday of someone they know. The innocent victim who had their name used without their consent or knowledge most often ends up being the person wanted for the crime which can have devastating effects on the victim. Misuse of identifica-tion has caused people to lose their job, become unable to secure employment, lose their eligibility for housing and be arrested for the actual crime their name was used

in, as well as other crimes that are generated from the original charge. A common way a person learns someone has misused their name is upon renewal of their driver’s license. The victim learns their driver’s license was suspended because someone used their information subsequent to a driving while intoxicated, reckless driving or other similar arrest or traffic offense. The majority of these cases involve a person known to the victim. Occasionally, persons with the same name, race, sex, and date of birth will errone-ously have warrants or information attributed to them

Dear Sheriff,

This is to commend your Misuse of

Identification Section, and in particular

Criminal Justice Information Services

Security Coordinator Dawn Teague.

I brag on it all the time and it finally occurred to me that I should brag to you.

Just the concept is a wonderful service

to the public. In an era when many see

the government as the enemy, it is so

refreshing to see an example of a gov-

ernment service that helps people who

have been wronged. We are so fortunate

in this country to have such a service.Sincerely,Evelyn P. McKee

Volume 8, Issue 3: Winter Issue

Misuse of Identification SectionMisuse of Identification SectionDear Sheriff,

EDITORKelly Page

MANAGING EDITORJeannie Maldonado

GRAPHIC DESIGNERTiffany Taylor

Thank you to the following employees and guests for your contributions:

FIVE POINTP R E S SJanuary 2014 VOL.8, ISSUE 3

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

12

Jeannie MaldonadoRobin OsbornMarcelo PocaressiMark SawaAlesia Turner-CaleRoger WadeJames Williamson

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Our Life as a Foster Family

Team Building

Cupcake Challenge

World Police Games

Phyllis ClairBucky EacretOscar GonzalezMark HardinKasben HarrisDennie HedlundJerry Kovar

Happy New Year and I know as in years past many of you have made resolutions for 2014. It may be to save more money, purchase a home or car, take an exotic vacation or maybe the usual, become healthier and/or lose weight. Some of you have started on these resolutions and some are just waiting for the right time (wink-wink). Well, if we don’t take care of our health nothing else really matters. The weather is getting warmer, those pants are fitting tighter and the blood pressure gauge keeps rising higher at every check-up. Maybe now is the time to stop talking about getting some exercise and really do it. However, we must realize that good health includes both physical and mental well-being and the two go hand-in-hand. A healthy mind contributes to a healthy body. The mind, like the body benefits from low blood pressure, low cholesterol, nourishing food, a healthy weight and physical activity. Many of the same things we do to keep our bodies fit contribute to healthy minds. Over the past year, TCSO has had numerous staff mem-bers that have been diagnosed to have a stress related illness (whether from a spouse, significant other, rush hour traffic, finances, work or a combination of these). Stress can wear our bodies down and increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, it can also affect the way we think, our moods and abil-ity to remember. Stress has also been known to cause depression and anxiety. Regular exercise can help improve your mood and help you better manage stress. Just remember, everyone can gain the health benefits of physical activity-age, ethnicity, shape or size do not matter. So, in order to lead a successful life, nothing can be more important than maintaining good emotional health. And just as importantly, keep in mind that, despite your work, there are other things in life which are obligatory, which is your leisure time. To sum up, becoming healthier both physically and mentally depends on you. Sure this life can be hard, but you need to make it worth living. So give your best everyday of your exis-tence. Start thinking of yourself as someone who exercises and eventu-ally, that will become your identity. Let’s get moving in 2014 as TCSO becomes a healthier agency. Good luck and let’s get moving.

www.tcsheriff.org

Sheriff’s Spotlight

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Travis County Sheriff

moving.

Travis County Sheriff 2

1. How I got started in this field... My mom has worked for the Sheriff ’s Office since I was six years old. I saw her enjoy her job and the envi-ronment that she worked in and I wanted that too.

2. What I do – my career highlights and education... I started in 2006 as a security coordinator in Building 3 and worked there for four months before my oldest daughter was born. After maternity leave, I worked in Central Booking for almost two-years before becom-ing a corrections captain’s assistant. I then worked for Captains Lisa Brown and Bennie Cureton before join-ing the Building 12 transition team. When Building 12 opened, I went back to being Captain Brown’s assistant and stayed there until January 2013, when I moved to the Training Academy.

3. What I like best about my job is... My coworkers; I work with the best group of guys any-one could ask for. It’s really like a family at the Training Academy and I enjoy it immensely.

4. The best advice I’ve received for my current job is... Be everyone’s friend, but no one’s best friend, simply meaning be nice to everyone, you never know when you’re going to need someone’s help.

5. Advice I would give a new hire at TCSO is... Have fun. Get to know your coworkers. Enjoy what you do. Don’t be afraid to try something new. I’ve worked in four places in seven years, which can seem like a lot, but I’ve gone after positions I wanted, positions that I thought would make me a better employee and teach me something I didn’t know.

6. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found... At a bookstore.

7. People would be surprised to know that I...Cross stitch.

8. Book, magazine or newspaper article I’ve read recently that really influenced my thinking... The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

9. My best day on the job... Probably the day Building 12 opened. To get to be a small part of something that big felt really cool.

10. How I think I make a difference... By being helpful and pleasant, whenever possible; I think that makes a difference because people know that I’m available to them when they need answers about their training. I try to smile at everyone every time I see them, which can improve my mood and hopefully, improve someone else’s too.

QUESTION FOR MAJOR MARK SAWA...

Why was this employee nominated to be in the Five Point Press? If I chose who would be the face and voice of the Administration and Support Bureau it would Leah Stubbs. Leah brings her best every day she comes to work and brings her best to every customer contact she makes. She works seamlessly into the mind-set of the Training Academy and carries the same “can do attitude” as do the academy instructors. Don’t let Leah’s soft voice, always present smile and diminutive size fool you. She is as tough as any of the officers around the complex and is one of the Cross Fit crazies that you can see working out around the Training Academy in the scorching heat of a Del Valle summer. One phone call to the Training Acad-emy (hence the voice of the Administration and Support Bureau) and you’ll see what I mean about Leigh and I’m sure that you’ll agree!!

Employee Profile ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT

Leigh StubbsSENIOR OFFICE SPECIALIST

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A little over a week ago, I said goodbye to my babies. I handed them off to strangers and watched as they carried them in their arms into the Austin Bergstrom International Airport. All the while knowing I would never see my babies again. No, I did not carry them for nine months, but from the moment they came into my home I was their mommy. I did the late night bottler duty. I answered every cry. I was there for the first smiles, first time to rollover and first beautiful giggles. I held them for days when they were sick and I was there when some said their first word. But on that day, that horrible, gut-wrenching day, I had to say “goodbye” I cried and cried and cried, because I knew that I would never see them again. I wouldn’t be able to kiss any more boo-boos or walk them into their first day of kindergarten. I would never be their “mommy” again. The reality is they won’t even remember me. They will never know about the tons of pictures I have of them. They will never know that we pray for them every night. That day was the worst day of all, the day we said goodbye. I heard one foster mom refer to it as the “dark day” which seems fitting. Six times I have had to endure a “dark day,” running into my husband’s arms and holding on for dear life; every time feeling my heart break into a million pieces. Yet, every time I find myself praying to God to take my “dark day” and he turns it into a beautiful story. I pray for the babies, the biological parents and for us to become a story of hope, rescue and redemption. This prayer helps me welcome the next baby, knowing the pain will be nothing compared to the beautiful story God will tell through my foster baby’s lives. That hope in God’s power to transform the worst situations brings light into those “dark days.” That hope gives us the strength to say “yes” to the next foster baby who needs us. Our family’s foster journey started with a phone call and a ton of questions. Our placement agency has always been honest with us about the harsh realities of fostering and the foster care system. I remember during one of our classes my husband Smedley became so overwhelmed that he leaned over and said, “I am not sure about all of this.” I told him it would be O.K, to just be quite. Then at the next break Smedley suggested that we just slip out the door and not come back, needless to say we stayed. We were certified on May 30, 2008, and we received our first placement call that night! It was for two little

Our Life as a Foster FamilyBy Administrative Assistant Alesia Turner-Cale, Corrections Bureau

girls. Smedley said that he wanted our first child to be a boy and he only wanted one. We declined our first placement and the voice on the other end of the phone said, “Not a problem we want this to be a good fit for both sides.” The calls kept coming in, but they were all for baby girls and or sibling groups. Finally, in November of 2008, we received the call we had been waiting for. It was a baby boy and he was being released from the hos-pital that day. We screamed YES! We’ll take him. What they didn’t tell us was that he had been on Methadone for the past three weeks, which were also the first three weeks of his life. We would be helping him through withdrawal for the next several months, but it didn’t matter, we had accepted the placement and we fell head over heels in love with him the minute he came through our door. Jackson immediately became a part of our fam-ily, he was our son! Thirteen months later we adopted him, making it official. The reality is we need more people who are willing to endure the “dark days.” We need more people who are willing to open-up their lives and turn them upside down for the sake of a foster child and be able to surren-der them back even though it is painful. We need more who are willing to find the beauty in a broken system and willing to love and care for overworked and under-paid state employees. We need more people who look past the struggles of the biological parents and not judge them. We need more moms who are willing to rock-a-baby all night long and dads who are willing to become the only father figure these children may ever know. We

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Alesia and Jackson Turner-Cale

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By Lieutenant Bucky Eacret, Corrections BureauTeam Building: Slaying the Dragons! This year one goal of the Corrections Bureau was for all supervisors to have at least eight hours of team build-ing and/or cross-training. Captains Mike Gottner and Bennie Cureton led two team building events at Lady-bird Lake on September 17 and October 8 for a total of 61 supervisors, from security and support. Attendees joined together to learn about, as well as race the dragon boats. Great meals were provided by Sergeant Mark Maxwell, Senior Corrections Officers Mike Sargent and Greg Coo-per, the on-land team building activities were led by Lieutenant Bucky Eacret. Both events started at the crack of dawn with breakfast, followed by instruction from Captain Gottner on how to properly paddle the dragon boats. The supervisors then hit the water to practice in the boats. In the beginning, it was very noticeable that coordination and teamwork was needed to maneuver the large wooden boats, this learning experience would be a challenge. In order to be successful, it was going to take preparation, listen-ing, collaboration, guidance, encouragement and leader-ship. Wait, that sounds a lot like supervision! In no time, individuals who had never paddled together were synchronized in harmony and were pro-

pelling their boats down Ladybird Lake. The race began with choreographed rhythms while good techniques were utilized, resulting in wonderful collaboration. After a good morning practice, it was time for a great lunch. Participants spent time together eating, talking and laughing; all bonded together as a team of supervi-sors regardless of which boat they had been assigned to,

hmmm that sounds familiar too. After lunch, supervisors participated in on-land team building activities involving super heroes, a helium stick and teamwork quotes. The winning teamwork quotes were:

Afternoons were all set for the races! Participants put their newly acquired skills to work and raced the dragon boats down Ladybird Lake. On September 17th, Captain Cureton’s boat won by a dragon head. However Captain Gottner got his revenge on October 8th, winning by a whole boat length. But, as we all know, supervi-

sion and teamwork is not about winning or losing, it is about everyone working together, cooperating, seeing the big picture and moving in the same direction to achieve success. Together we did and will, slay the dragons!

Central Texas K-9 FoundationBy Senior Deputy Oscar Gonzalez, East Command

The Central Texas K-9 Foundation is currently in the process of being developed as a non-profit organization. The mission is to support, educate and assist with police K-9 programs in the Central Texas area and beyond. Recently, the group received a donation from John Paul DeJoria to purchase stuffed police K-9s. The dogs are available to be purchased for $15.00 with the proceeds going to the foundation. If you are interested in purchasing a stuffed police K-9 or for more informa-tion on the foundation, please contact Senior Deputy Oscar Gonzalez at oscar.gonzalez@co.travis.tx.us.

of being developed as a non-profit organization. The mission is to support, educate and assist with police K-9 programs in the Central

Recently, the group received a donation from John Paul DeJoria to purchase stuffed police K-9s. The dogs are available to be purchased

interested in purchasing a stuffed police K-9 or for more informa-

September 17 – “Teamwork: when we all paddle to the beat of the same drum!”October 8 – “Teamwork makes the dream work!”

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Employee Profile LAW ENFORCEMENT

Richard A. HaleSERGEANT

1. How I got started in this field... I began my career in law enforcement in 1978 when I joined the United States Air Force as a security police-man. I served from 1978-1982 with tours of duty involv-ing the Iranian Hostage Situation and Grenada. After separating from the Air Force I was hired by the United States Marshals Office. I worked one year in the Hous-ton Office and three years in the Austin Office. After some budget cuts at the Federal Government, I decided to apply with the local Sheriff ’s Office.

2. What I do – my career highlights and education... I am currently assigned to the East Command as a day shift supervisor. My previous positions with the Travis County Sheriff ’s Office began in 1986, when I was hired as a jailer. I continued my employment with Travis County and in 1988, I moved to the patrol divi-sion. I was an original member of the first SWAT team and patrol rifle class. My career expanded from patrol deputy to detective (prior to Civil Service), narcotics officer, back to detective, working burglary, theft and major crimes. I promoted to sergeant in 1999 and have worked midnights, evening and day shifts. I also was the supervisor for the narcotics section for three years and supervised the East Command Criminal Investigations Section for six years. I have recently decided to finish my degree and look forward to obtaining my degree before I retire.

3. What I like best about my job is... After 35 years of being involved in law enforcement I can truly say that I still feel the need to help people. Not everyone I come in contact with is a bad person. As I have grown older and wiser, I have come to the realiza-tion that people make mistakes. It’s what they learn from their mistakes that makes them a repeat offender or whether they choose to be a repeat offender. I often find myself looking at calls in a completely different manner than I would have in years past. The sense of finding that resolution to issues is a truly rewarding experience.

4. The best advice I’ve received for my current job is... The best advice I was ever given was to allow people to make mistakes and learn from them. I have adopted the following principles to correct mistakes in any area of life; whether it’s business life or home life or personal life, the principles of apologizing remain the same. Good employees make a lot of mistakes, and truly great employees are those who have mastered the art of apologizing for those mistakes: Great People Practice “The Six A’s” of a Proper Apology, Admit – I made a mistake. Apologize – I am sorry for making the mistake. Acknowledge – I recognize where I went wrong that caused my mistake to occur. Attest – I plan to do the following to fix the mistake on this specific timeline. Assure – I will put the following protections in place to ensure that I do not make the same mistake again. Abstain – Never repeat that same mistake twice. When I implement the Six A’s I find that the level of trust and respect others have for them will grow tenfold. People who implement the Six A’s will find that others will be quicker to forgive them and more likely to extend a second chance. It’s not the making of a mistake that is generally the problem; it’s what you do with it afterward that really counts.

5. Advice I would give a new hire at TCSO is... The advice I would give new hires is try to stay away from the rumor mill. If you have a question about something you heard simply ask. You should feel that your supervisor has the intestinal fortitude to give you a forthright answer and quell the rumors. The second is, be you. Do not try to impress others, simply do your best at all times and others will notice your actions. Lastly,

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CUPCAKE CHALLENGE Coconut Pecan Cheesecake with Orange Peel1 box HEB vanilla cake mix1 medium size orange1 cup of HEB brand orange juice1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese1/2 cup of sugar1 bag (8 oz.) of coconut1 small bag of pecans3 eggs1/4 cup of oil1/4 cup of milk1 container of HEB brand vanilla frosting

Heat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl mix vanilla cake mix with 1 cup of orange juice, 3 eggs and ¼ cup of oil. Fold in grated orange peel from a medium size orange. Save the rest of the orange to use later. Place mix in cupcake holder, should make 24-30 cupcakes. Bake for 18 minutes. Take out of the oven and let cool down.

In a small bowl add sugar, cream cheese and use the juice from the left over grated orange (2 tbsp.) and milk (2 tbsp.). Add 1/2 cup of coconut and 1 cup of chopped pecans to the creamy mix (set aside).

Take one of the cooled cupcakes and make a hole the size of a small bottle top and set aside the cake you just took out in another bowl. Place the rest of the set aside cake back into the cupcake (don’t worry if it does not fit).

Frost the cupcake as best as you can and sprinkle the left over cake on top of the frosting.

2ND PLACE

Strawberry-Almond Spaghetti Cupcakes1/3 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 1 tsp. almond extract – or more!1/2 tsp. vanilla extract – or more!1 1/4 cups milk (or water whichever)1 1/2 cup sugar 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder 2 1/2 cups cake flour

Whip all liquids together then add dry ingredients while the mixer is on low. Whip for at least 5 minutes. Bake 350°F. until slightly brown.

Use strawberry jam/preserves for filling and “spaghetti sauce” and Ferrero Rocher® chocolates for “meatballs” (roll in strawberry jam).

The icing is Italian Buttercream, but you can use your favorite icing and add almond extract to taste. To apply icing, use #3 tip and squeeze piping bag evenly and randomly to look like “spaghetti.”

*Optional - white chocolate shavings on top to resemble “parmesan cheese” (I opted not to use it).

size of a small bottle top and set aside the cake you just took out in another bowl. Place the rest of the set aside cake back into the cupcake (don’t worry if it does not fit).

Frost the cupcake as best as you can and sprinkle the left over cake on top of the frosting.

1ST PLACE

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Women in Partnership hosted their second annual cupcake challenge. All 13 entries were judged by five unbiased judges who scored the entries on a scale of 0-5. The scoring catego-ries were: 1. Originality 2. Cake taste 3. Frosting taste 4. Cake to frosting ratio 5. Presentation

1st Place: Deputy Allisia Gaskamp, West Command2nd Place: Senior Office Specialist Cindi Leal, TCCC Records3rd Place: Senior Corrections Officer Tekeisha Gordon, Hospital Visitation Unit

For more information about Women in Partnership contact:

Captain Lisa Brown @ 512.854.5351Lieutenant Nelda “Sally” Pena @ 512.854.9207Lieutenant Maria Velasquez @ 512.854.5347

7 www.tcsheriff.org

Dear Sheriff, On behalf of the Jewish Community Association of Austin, we extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude for you and your agency’s participation in the security of the 2013 JCC Maccabi Games. Your assistance ensured the safety and security of the Games, and provided for an enriching experience for the international delegations, 1,200 young athletes, and 300 coaches, 2,500 visitors, and thousands of local spectators. Please allow this let-ter to serve as commendation to Major Mark Sawa and Senior Deputy Wayne Samson.

Greg BourlandDirector of SecurityJewish Communiy Association of Austin

Dear Sheriff, On behalf of the Sunshine Kids and their families, I would like to thank you and our friends from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office for your generous dona-tion of youth program for the Kids in support of our annual Teen Lake Escape. Your contribution helped to make this year’s trip an unforgettable experience for a very special group of courageous young cancer patients from across Texas. The Kids are still talking about their trip to Lake Travis and the people who made it all possible! Thanks to your extraordinary gift, the kids had the opportunity to make friendships and memories that will last them a lifetime. It is our hope that they will be able to call upon these experiences and newfound friends to find additional strength and confidence to help in their fight against cancer. Thank you once again for your continued support. We feel fortunate to have friends like you who help to make each day brighter and better for children with cancer. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Teen Lake Escape!

Sincerely yours,SUNSHINE KIDS

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Sergeant Richard A. Hale continued from pg. 6

I would say do not lose your own sense of self-respect. If you can answer yes to: “Am I doing this for the right reason, at the right time and for the right purpose?” then do it.

6. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found...No Response

7. People would be surprised to know that I... Am going back to college and teach classes off duty to enhance my instructor skills. People would be surprised that I am taking dance lessons and I think I am a good dancer. People would be surprised to know that my mother is Mexican and that I am half Mexican. I grew up in Houston and learned to speak Spanish at an early age; unfortunately, I did not retain much, but can get by. People would be surprised that I have traveled to Egypt, Italy and Germany. I played baseball and was looked at by the Phillies as a pitcher.

8. Book, magazine or newspaper article I’ve read recently that really influenced my thinking... I am constantly reading articles on management and supervision techniques that apply to the current trends in law enforcement and how to manage today’s work-force. I subscribe to numerous articles and newsletters that give me up to the minute law enforcement related safety and concerns and trends.

9. My best day on the job...See response to question #3.

10. How I think I make a difference... I try to do the best that I can, on the job, for the agency and the people of Travis County.

QUESTION FOR LIEUTENANT JAMES WILLIAMSON

Why was this employee nominated to be in the Five Point Press? I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Sergeant Richard Hale for many years. He is a hard, sin-cere worker and believes in what he is doing and helping people, including me. He has helped me in many areas of leadership and supervision. He is my “go to” person when I need to be sure the job will get done correctly the first time. I also think it was a good opportunity for everyone to get to know Richard a little better.

Misuse of Identification continued from cover

based on another person with the same information committing a criminal offense(s). This has resulted in a wrongful arrest, as well as other negative consequences. These are known as misuse by coincidence and the inno-cent party is issued paperwork indicating they are not the same person named in the warrant or other docu-ment. This information is shared by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to help ensure the individual is not arrested for a warrant with their information that actually belongs to another person. The Misuse of Identification Section only handles cases where there was an arrest or citation issued for a criminal charge. It does not deal with misuse or theft of a person’s identity to commit any type of financial crime. In the 10 years that the section has existed, they have successfully investigated and helped over 765 victims.

Dear Sheriff, I wanted to let you know how much I really appre-ciated the assistance that I received from Senior Deputy Vincent Cain. I had some car trouble and was stranded at the intersection of 183A/Brushy Creek Road in Cedar Park. Deputy Cain was not the first first responder that came up on me but he was the first to stop and see if I needed help even though he was on his way home. I didn’t have my cell phone with me and he was nice enough to offer me his so that I could call to get help. He was very nice and went out of his was to ease my embarrassment while we waited on Cedar Park Police Department and my rescuer.

My sincere thanks,Jennifer Mosteller

www.tcsheriff.org

Shining Example Of GivingBy Executive Assistant Jeannie Maldonado, Executive Office

Pink Badge Project The Sheriff ’s Office Women In Partnership (WIP) launched the Pink Badge Project in the month of Octo-ber allowing employees to purchase a pink badge, caps, t-shirts, water bottles, mugs and lanyards to focus on breast cancer awareness. The amazing outpouring of support turned the entire Sheriff ’s Office pink while raising $12,378.87 for the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Central Texas and for the WIP Program. The WIP Program plans to use the funds towards education and development amongst female staff. Throughout the month, Pink Badge Project Awareness posters hung all over the office to remind us to take the necessary steps and focus on early detection of this devastating cancer. Employees also proudly wore their pink badges to honor their loved ones battling breast cancer, those that are survivors and those we have lost.

November Challenge In November, the men of the Sheriff ’s Office were challenged to grow beards or mustaches to help change the face of men’s health and support the national project on men’s health. Amazingly, the November Challenge created a team-building movement and boosted morale while supporting the Testicular Cancer Foundation (TCF). Over 360 male employees, and their support-ers, enthusiastically pledged to donate in support of the project which raised a total of $9,065.00. At the end of the month, many selected the top beards in their sections to participate in a public shave off. The TCF will use the funds to educate the public on early screening of testicu-lar cancer.

Golfing for Youth Scholarships In early December the Sheriff ’s Office hosted a charity golf tournament to raise funds for the Army Aviation Association of America Scholarship Fund, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Central Texas Chapter Scholarships and the Sheriff ’s Memorial Benevolent Society of Travis County Inc. With over 60 participants working together in this semi-competitive tournament, the focus was on ensuring that monies were raised to support our local youth. In the end, the tournament raised a total of $10,470.60.

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1. How I got started in this field... After being laid off from my job as an overseer for an ethical review committee in human research for Phar-maceutical Product Development, Inc., the opportunity at the Travis County Sheriff ’s Office came open in 2009. I had received my undergraduate degree in 2008 and I was considering going forward with my master’s degree also in criminal justice. It seemed only logical that I should select a position where I would be utilizing my hard earned degree as I had worked and taken classes part-time for eight years. I applied, and was selected to begin Corrections Officers Basic Recruit Academy (C.O.B.R.A.) Cadet Class 56 in April of 2010.

2. What I do – my career highlights and education... At the time I was hired, I was dually enrolled in Austin Community College’s Basic Peace Officer Course (B.P.O.C.) and beginning my graduate stud-ies in criminal justice at Texas State University. During C.O.B.R.A., I was the class treasurer and a squad leader. My first work assignment was Building 3, C-shift. I quickly learned the ropes, moved to A-shift, completed B.P.O.C., tested and became a peace officer. I received my intermediate jailer’s license and became a field train-ing officer (FTO) all during 2011. During 2012, I transferred to the Central Booking Facility (CBF) in February, where I had the best FTO ever! I again quickly learned the ropes at booking, was deputized by the Sheriff ’s Office in June, graduated with my Master’s in Criminal Justice in August, and gave birth to my amazing baby boy Ryan Christopher in September. In May of 2013, I attended the American Jail Associa-tion (AJA) conference in Michigan. While attending, I was enlightened to the fact that our training efforts at Travis County are on the cutting edge, not only in Texas, but nationally. During my attendance I also learned about the Certified Jail Officer (CJO) program offered by AJA. I applied and tested for this certification and have recently attained my CJO designation. I helped

coordinate the TCSO pink project and I am the newest FTO at CBF.

3. What I like best about my job is... CBF is different every day. We work in a fluid and flexible ever changing environment which allows me to learn every day!

4. The best advice I’ve received for my current job is... Set goals for yourself, both short term and long term, and reach for them every day. The only unachieved goal is one that is never set.

5. Advice I would give a new hire at TCSO is... Always be prepared. Come to work with an open mind and think about the big picture, because your decisions affect others.

6. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found... Playing softball or attending a family BBQ.

7. People would be surprised to know that I... Speak fluent Spanish.

8. Book, magazine or newspaper article I’ve read recently that really influenced my thinking... The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner. The central theme of this book is that leadership is for everyone and it can be learned. Prior to reading this, I always believed that leadership was something you were born with. After reading only a few chapters into this book, I learned that leadership is something that can be learned, with hard work of course!

Employee Profile CORRECTIONS

Elizabeth SmithSENIOR CORRECTIONS OFFICER

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Elizabeth Smith continued from pg. 10

Hummingbird Cupcakes3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda1 tsp. salt2 cups sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon3 large eggs, beaten 1 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained 1 cup chopped pecans 2 cups chopped bananasCream Cheese Frosting1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preparation:Combine first five ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not beat. Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans and bananas.

Pour batter into cupcake holders (a little more then half full, the batter rises) greased and floured. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans.

Cream Cheese Frosting1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 (16 oz.) package powdered sugar, sifted1 tsp. vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add pow-dered sugar, beating at low speed until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting on each cupcake and sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Store in refrigerator.

Elizabeth Smith continued from pg. 10

3RD PLACEHummingbird Cupcakes

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9. My best day on the job... Is any day that I achieve a goal I have set for myself. I can go home feeling fulfilled and accomplished.

10. How I think I make a difference... By being positive everyday no matter how I feel, because I know that we all affect each other.

QUESTION FOR CAPTAIN JERRY KOVAR

Why was this employee nominated to be in the Five Point Press? Officer Smith is our newest FTO for CBF. She has participated with the Pink Project for Women in Partnership (WIP), presented to the Commissioner’s Court and the community. She comes up with new ideas, (such as new uniforms for Central Booking) and seeks ways to implement them in proposals up the chain of command. She attended a 40 hour print certifica-tion class and is certified to train other staff for quality prints that has a huge impact for securing convictions on criminals. She is in the process of revamping our finger-print procedures for updates and a step-by-step how to and is being currently trained in receiving and discharge, one of the highly specialized areas of Central Booking. This year, Officer Smith attended ROPES – a teamwork course sponsored by WIP and attended the AJA Confer-ence and “Winning Minds for Women” seminar. Officer Smith is dedicated to her career and is always looking for ways to improve the Sheriff ’s Office, develop herself and promote to a supervisory rank.

Cupcake Challenge continued from pg. 7

TCSO presented a check to the Jack H. Dibrell Alamo Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Central Texas Chapter for $6,000 to members of AAAA for the Youth Schol-arship Award for Academic Excellence. Pictured left to right SSG Robert Maldonado, CW3 Scott Skogebo, Corrections Officer Pete Vargas, Sheriff Greg Hamilton, MAJ Christopher Spahn, Stepha-nie Webb of the 36th CAB Family Readiness Sup-port and MAJ Robert Guevara.

Charity Golf Tournament to support theUS Army Aviation Soldier

Know of a co-worker who shouldbe profiled?

Mention it to your supervisor!

Detective Dave Tosh pictured left.

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West Command Detective Dave Tosh and his wife Senior Office Specialist Anne Tosh, recently returned from the World Police and Firefighter Games. The bian-nual games were hosted in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from August 1-10. There were over 6,700 competitors present from over 60 countries, competing in 56 events. Team USA led the games, with a total medal count of 346, with 148 gold medals awarded. Dave (with trainer/manager Anne) traveled to the games to represent Team USA in Track & Field and Olympic Weightlifting events. Dave has represented the Sheriff ’s Office in the Track and Field events in the Texas Police Games over the past four years, winning consecutive gold medals in the Men’s 400M, as well as gold in the 4X400 relay. Team USA for the 2013 World Games consisted of runners from Las Vegas Metro Police, Department of Homeland Security (Virginia), the Lacey Fire District (Washington) and Detective Tosh from TCSO. The team placed fourth in the finals. Dave also competed in Olympic Weightlifting (Men’s Master-A division, 75KG class), earning a bronze medal in bench press and a silver medal in Push/Pull (combined bench press and deadlift). After some much needed rest, he says they plan to compete in the U.S. National Police and Fire Championships next year, and possibly the 2017 World Games.

World Police Games By Administrative Assistant Kasben Harris, West Command

• There are 61 towns in the United States with the word turkey in their name. Examples include Turkeytown, Alabama and Turkey Foot, Florida.• Brazil is a land with a lot of big creatures – it is home to the world’s largest snake (the anaconda, measuring up to 35 feet in length), largest spider, largest rodent (the capybara, a sort of guinea pig the size of a police dog) and the world’s largest ant.• Half the foods eaten throughout the world today were developed by farmers in the Andes Mountains. Potatoes, maize, squash, beans, peanuts, pineapples, chocolate, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and many others were first grown in the region.

UBI ReportBy Senior Public Information Officer Roger Wade, Executive Office

Overall The accomplishments of these projects have been a group effort by many caring employees that have the same desire to bring awareness to important health issues and to aid youth in the community. The Sher-iff ’s Office is a shining example of philanthropy by donating over $31,000 to charity in just the last few months. The key to the success of each project was great leadership. Sheriff Hamilton’s love of commu-nity service and giving back serves as a great example to follow. These are traits that are encouraged and expected of all of our employees as part of our leader-ship roles in the community. TCSO employees go above and beyond the call of duty in their professional and personal lives…that’s just who TCSO is!

Shining Example of Giving continued from pg. 9

C-TAC to Houston for CompetitionBy Sergeant Mark Hardin, Corrections Bureau

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office Correc-tions Tactical Unit (C-TAC) sent a six man team to Houston to compete in the 2013 Texas Tacti-cal Police Officers Association SWAT Competi-tion. The competition was hosted by the Hous-ton Police Department in October 24-27. A total of 24 teams including teams from Florida, Loui-siana and Arkansas; the Travis County Sheriff’s Office C-TAC was the only corrections team participating. The teams competed in seven events that covered numerous scenarios includ-ing pistol relay, officer down, tower scramble, sniper challenge, hostage rescue, super SWAT and obstacle course. These competitions tested firearms precision, team work and athleticism. The team trained six days for the competition and worked extremely hard to prepare the best they could. C-TAC placed seventeenth overall.

Left to right: Senior Corrections Officers John Herrmann, William Montgomery, Luke Thormann, Jonathan Barrientes, Bryan Funderburgh, Orlando Deleon and Sergeant Mark Hardin.

My Dearest Members, I can’t thank you all enough for all of your hard work to help make the Over the Edge event in Austin a huge success! Your dedication to detail and willingness to go above and beyond is what really made this event such a success. I am receiving a ton of warm wishes and praise from everyone involved and it is because of you all that we could host the first Over the Edge of the Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) season at a new hotel and have everything run beauti-fully! Thank you for spending your Friday and Saturday with me in Austin. You all are truly the only reason we can host these wonder-fully successful fundraisers like no other! I can’t thank you enough for your support of not only SOTX but willingness to help me in whatever way is necessary. You all make my job easy and fun and I’m looking forward to working with each and every one of you again and continuing our success in 2013!

Melissa Matherne, Development DirectorSpecial Olympics Texas

Corrections Captain Wes Priddy

repelling with a great view!

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By Major Phyllis Clair, Law Enforcement Bureau

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For the second consecutive year the Sheriff’s Office SWAT participated in the Bay Area Urban Shield, hosted by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, in Oakland California, October 23-29, 2013. The team was com-prised of Senior Deputy Sheriffs Brett Hellerud, Brian Harthausen, Joseph Zahn, Mark Knight, Jerry White, Anthony Hostetler, Aaron Marco and Ser-geant Bryan Whoolery. Logistics coordination for the team was handled by Office Specialist Robert Pelly who also accompanied them to California. Urban Shield began six years ago and continues to attract teams of first responders from across the United States and foreign countries. It has become a compre-hensive, full-scale regional preparedness exercise pri-marily for the purpose of assessing the California Bay Area Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Region’s response capabilities in the area of SWAT, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This year some scenarios incorporated all three disciplines which gave a new dimension to the planning and operations of large scale critical events. Every scenario was designed to be as lifelike as possible, placing teams in critical event situations. Many were designed to replicate real-world events such as the United States Embassy attack in Benghazi, the terrorist takeover of the In Amenas facility in Algeria, the 2012 Camp Liberty murders, the Washington Navy Yard attack in September, the Boston Marathon bombing and the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

“We Have The Watch” Urban Shield 2013 Kudos goes out to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for putting on such an amazing event. Col-laboration with their community appeared to be the key to their success. SWAT teams were given a driver and a van, and a schedule that keeps them moving from one scenario to another (35 total) for 48 hours with little time in-between venues. An invitation only event, Urban Shield is not designed pri-marily as a competition, however teams are scored and recognition is given to the top three teams at the final banquet. Travis County should be very

proud of their SWAT team. This same team partici-pated, last year and they ranked right in the middle of the pack of 35 teams. Not bad for first timers, certainly well enough that they were invited back and that says something! This year TCSO SWAT knew what they were in for and came well prepared. Despite a little bout with a stomach bug, TCSO SWAT finished the grueling obstacle course with the fastest time. One Urban Shield coordinator on the course turned to me and exclaimed, “They look like a bunch of spider monkeys!” I truly hope TCSO SWAT is invited back next year and can’t imagine they won’t be. These guys made a name for themselves as the epitome of class, representing TCSO with professionalism and the image of discipline. I learned that at many of the scenarios, actors com-mented on how polite they were treated by TCSO at the end of the scenarios, asking hostages and active shoot-ers if they were O.K. and helping them to their feet. In fact at the banquet, TCSO was the only team that arrived dressed to the nines in suit and tie fashion, very impres-sive. Oh yeah, wondering how they did in the competition, err I mean ranking? At the final banquet, the top three teams of each discipline were announced and TCSO SWAT was not among them. After a brief let down, the scoring sheets were made available and TCSO ranked in the top 10, (my personal prediction was for first, but surely under seventh). TCSO came in at #6, very excit-ing! Congratulations to all!

Left to right: Senior Deputies Mark Knight, Brett Hellerud, Joseph Zahn, Brian Harthausen,Jerry White, Aaron Marco, Sergeant Bryan Whoolery and Senior Deputy Anthony Hostetler.

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Members of Women in Partnership promote breast cancer awareness at the roller derby.

Pictured left to right (seated) Senior Corrections Officer Scotty Noble and Detective Charles Smith, (standing) Texas Rollergirl Christina Pocaressi and spouse of Senior Maintenance Worker Marcelo Pocaressi.

Dear Sheriff, The Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) is so excited about the Travis County Sheriff’s Office October fundraising campaign and we were so honored to be the beneficiary of the event. Special thanks to Officer Tracy Shumard and Senior Corrections Officer Elizabeth Smith for spearheading this herculean effort! We value this wonderful collaboration and with your support, the BCRC will provide navigation, information and support to more than 2,600 women and their families in Central Texas. It has been wonderful to be included in the county com-missioner’s court, as well at the promotional ceremony where I got to see firsthand the dedication and com-mitment you all have to our community. I recognize it, because the 13 employees of the BCRC have it as well. It’s what drives us to meet our vision, that no one should face breast cancer alone.

Gratefully yours,

Ray Anne EvansExecutive DirectorBreast Cancer Resource Centerwww.bcrc.org

Sheriff Greg Hamilton served as the celebrity whistle blower for the Texas Rollergirls Championship bout to promote the pink badge campaign.

“My wife’s aunt Bobbie wore my pink badge during the October Susan G. Komen Walk in Temecula, California. She had just beaten breast cancer, so I bought her the survivor badge. She shared that she cried when she received it in the mail, because she was thankful for our love and support.”

Senior Corrections Officer Dennis Hedlund

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Dear Sheriff, Sure wish I could personally THANK each and every guy doing the November Challenge. My hus-band is battling Stage IV Prostate Cancer that has metastasized into his lymph nodes and bones – it has now begun to spread further, meaning his cur-rent treatment is no longer effective. Prayers are so appreciated. If nothing else, this should RAISE AWARENESS of Prostate and Testicular cancers that are both totally treatable and very often curable, if found early enough. Goodbye isn’t the saddest word anymore….the sad-dest words are “If Only”…. If only I had gone to the doctor – if only I had demanded my husband go to the doctor for yearly physicals…”IF ONLY” are words that can be totally avoided through the awareness. Could you send a special THANK YOU to all of the participants from a very thankful heart? Thanks!

Senior Office Specialist Ellen MuellerTravis County Correctional ComplexClassifications/Records

Senior Corrections Brandon Gamble gets a trim after completing the November Challenge.

Left to Right: Deputies Guy Lanford, Steven Jackley, Michael Orman, David Ortiz, Sergeant John Loughran, Deputies James McFall and Bryan Gardner

Left to Right: Senior Correctiosn Officers Joseph Ferguson and Timothy Parrish.

The Sheriff ’s Office November Challenge was our month to raise awareness about men’s health issues and to promote the importance of early detection in cancer! We raised over $9,000 for the Testicular Cancer Foundation to create educational materials! Thank you to everyone that donated!

november

challenge

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Left to right:Kimberly Torres, Senior DeputyBrandie Sanchez, Corrections OfficerMaria Chandler, Senior Corrections OfficerKaren Gillespie, Sergeant CorrectionsLorri Rivers, Sergeant CorrectionsDebbie Galloway, Retired Lieutenant Corrections

need more who are willing to love so deeply even when they feel that they won’t be able to face the “dark day.” Simply put, we need more who are willing to live and love unconditionally, sacrificially and completely. I pray that you will open your mind and heart to be the family who has a new face in your yearly family photo. Some may say you are crazy, you may at times, get funny looks and get asked lots of questions. But, you will also be the special someone in a child’s life and will experience love in a way that you have never known. Smedley and I are inspired daily by the beautiful foster families that we have met on our journey; I hope that you too are inspired to become a foster parent.

Our Life as a Foster Family continued from pg. 4

on the cover?Who’s

Honor Guard For the first time in the history of the Sheriff ’s Office Honor Guard’s inception, an all-female squad trav-eled to Dallas on November 22, 2013 to participate in a ceremony honoring fallen Dallas Officer J.D. Tippet. During the ceremony Dallas Police Chief David Brown presented Marie Frances Gasway, the 85 year old widow of Officer Tippet, with an American flag. The gesture is tra-ditionally made to all fallen Dallas officer’s families but was somehow overlooked when he died on Novem-ber 22, 1963 after President JFK’s assassination. Five of the six honor guard members are pictured next to a replica of the patrol car Officer Tippit was driving on the day he was mur-dered which is stationed outside the Dallas Police Association Hall and they also met and took a picture with Marie Frances Gasway while attend-ing the ceremony.

Members of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.

Left to right: Corrections Officer Brandie Sanchez, Senior Deputy Kimberly Torres, Senior Corrections Officer Maria Chandler, Marie Frances Gasway, Retired Lieuten-ant Debbie Galloway and Sergeant Karen Gillespie.

Left to right: Sergeant Karen Gillespie, Senior Corrections Officer Maria Chandler, Corrections Officer Brandie Sanchez, Senior Deputy Kimberly Torres and Retired Lieutenant Debbie Galloway.

Left to right: Sergeant Karen Gillespie Senior Corrections Officer Maria Chandler