Volume 3,
Issue 2
Spring
2008
Balagia honored for 28 years to TCSO
In honoring Major David
definitely has raised the bar in the
By Sheriff Greg Hamilton
Balagia, we wanted to do so
field of Corrections. He is a leader
much more, so we take this
among Texas Jail Administrators
opportunity to truly honor the man. The man we call
and Travis County Sheriff’s Office has been the
Major, ‘Sir’, peer, and friend. I feel a mix of emotions,
beneficiary of his leadership.
joy for what his retirement will mean for him and his
Major Balagia started his career with the department
family; but I also have a heavy heart, for I know what his in 1980 and retired March 31. His career tells a story
retirement will mean for the Travis Country Sheriff’s
of worth and accomplishment. He joined the Travis
Office.
County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer, back in
This is a man, who understands the role of law
the day when officers had to buy their own uniforms. He
enforcement; who works to carry out the mission and
promoted to Sergeant in 1982, he was there when
vision of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Of course,
booking went from a manual operation at the old jail to
there are methods that you are trained to use, but
computers at the new Travis County Jail.
ultimately, one is going to have to recognize the unique
He was also a shift supervisor who was promoted to
needs of the community he serves, the employees that Lieutenant in 1988. He played an integral role in the
he leads, and successfully build the relationships
development and growth of the Corrections Bureau. In
necessary to carry out the mission and vision 1992, he was promoted to Captain and served as facility
put forth by the department. Major Captain for both TCJ and TCCC. It was during this time
Balagia has excelled in his
of turmoil and expediential growth that he began to hone
career because he has done
his skills in the classification of inmates, knowledge of
just that, gone beyond the call
variance beds and design capacity, and further
of duty.
enhanced his expertise with legal liabilities in
This is a man who
Corrections. Those attributes and his character
epitomizes exemplary
prepared him for his new position of Corrections Bureau
service; one who talks the
Major in January 1997.
talk, but also walks the
The resilience and steadfast attitude he displayed in
walk. Major Balagia
organizing and leading staff launched him and the staff
provides the insight that
to one of the Corrections Bureau’s major
guides each and every
one of us to do the job
See BALAGIA,
and do it well. He
Page 17
Photo by
Cristina Warren
Celebrating the career
of Corrections Major David Balagia
A publication for the employees of Travis County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Hamilton’s
Every
employee
can
help
Spotlight
pave the path for TCSO
A
s I reflect on the past few years at the Travis County
Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) and the progress we have
made as an agency, I look forward to the time
ahead and the path before us. I challenge, not only the
TCSO Command Staff to continue to pave the road for our
agency’s success, but for them to encourage all
employees to realize their potential leadership qualities
within. I expect my Command Staff and all supervisors
to set an example as a solid leader who is not only
compassionate, but committed to moving forward as a
team, even at times when
there may be setbacks. I
encourage all supervisors to
follow the advice from Tom
Peters’ 1982 classic book,
“In Search of Excellence,”
to get out from behind their
desk and know first-hand
the pulse of their section by
“managing by walking
around (MBWA).” It is
important to acknowledge
that the success of TCSO
is contingent upon building
a solid foundation for all, by
promoting everyone to think
“outside the box.” One
advantage of being a
member of the TCSO family
of almost 1,500 members,
is that there is a wealth of
diverse experiences with a wide-range of optimism in
developing new ways of doing things that must be
recognized.
When we look back on who has influenced us in our
life’s path, it is often a relative. But there are also outside
influences. I reflect on the life and leadership of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., as he inspires me to move forward
in my progressive thinking and to have continual hope.
My actions, as well as your actions, are reflective of the
agency and how we together can shape the future for
TCSO. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sums up not only how
leadership guides not only one, but all, “Whatever
affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be
what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.
This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
You don’t have to be a supervisor to lead and make a
positive difference; every employee’s ideas are worthy
and needed for our agency to develop and prosper. I
encourage everyone to be a leader and make a
difference.
In the forefront for TCSO is a Leadership Academy,
this academy is in the early developmental stage. It is
my hope that this academy will inspire and assist in the
development of TCSO employees, increasing their
knowledge base and confidence as a leader, in addition
to developing their skills in
influencing and mentoring
others.
Remember, being an
effective communicator
and critical thinker are
progressive leadership
qualities. I encourage
you to develop,
market and
express your
ideas; help pave
the path for
TCSO.
Sheriff Greg Hamilton
2
April is Sexual Assualt Awareness & Prevention Month
overturned, dismissed, and the
Please join TCSO as we partner with
By Connie Geerhart
perpetrator released. The Chief Judge’s
SafePlace to raise awareness and
Victim Services Director
statement argued that “because the
encourage dialogues about rape and
victim wore very, very tight jeans, she
sexual assault misconceptions by
had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it
wearing jeans on Wednesday, April 16th. Why jeans? Many
was no longer rape but consensual sex.”
people hold the misconception that how someone dresses
The Italian Supreme Court’s ruling underlines many
makes them more likely to be victimized. This is especially
true in rape cases. Even those of us who know the facts can be misconceptions and myths about sexual assault still
prevalent in society: myths such as women encouraging
influenced by such myths, as is shown in this story from Italy:
rape by wearing sexy clothing or that there is only one “right”
In Italy, in 1992, an 18-year old girl is picked up by her
way to respond to an attack.
married 45-year old driving instructor for her very
Within a matter of hours, enraged by the verdict, women in
first lesson. He takes her to an isolated road,
the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and
pulls her out of the car, wrestles her out of
responded by wearing jeans to work.
one leg of her jeans and forcefully rapes her.
Sheriff Hamilton has approved the opportunity
Threatened with death if she tells anyone,
for TCSO employees to join SafePlace in this
he makes her drive the car home. Later that
show of support by wearing jeans to work, if
night she tells her parents; they help and
your duties do not constitute wearing a
support her to press charges. The
uniform, on Wednesday, April 16th.
perpetrator is arrested and prosecuted. He
Thanks for your participation.
is convicted of rape and sentenced to jail.
In the spirit of maintaining
He appeals the sentence. The case
professionalism in the workplace, please
makes it all the way to the Italian
make sure that you wear jeans without
Supreme Court. Within days the case
holes, rips, etc.
against the driving instructor is
In this issue ..
The Five Point Press
Kitchens’
Award 4
Bike
Patrol 5
Moments
In Time 6
Brown
Santa 8
West
Command 9
Reserves
& TABC 13
Deputy
UBI 16
Training
Academy 18
Employee
Profile 20
Editor
Managing Editor
Graphic Designer
Kelly Page
Jeannie Maldonado
Carrie Fortner
Thanks to these employees who contributed
articles, pictures and ideas.
Andrea Buckley
Florence Briceño
Capt. Art Cardenas
Deputy Vince Galloway
Connie Geerhart
Kasben Harris
Tracy G. Hill
Det. Lee Jones
Sgt. Frank Lofton
Chris Richter
Sgt. Vincent Richter
Carrie Singleton
Roger Wade
Sgt. JD Williamson
3
Kitchens receives “Crime Prevention Officer of the Year”
empowering citizens through
In December, the Central
By Senior Deputy Vince Galloway
educational efforts to instinctively
Texas Crime Prevention
Community Outreach Officer
anticipate, recognize, appraise and
Association (CTCPA) held their
reduce potential crime risks that will
annual Awards Dinner where
enhance
the
quality
of life and preserve safe
Officer James Kitchen received the “Outstanding
environments.
Crime Prevention Specialist Award,” while the
“One of James’ most integral accomplishments this
Travis County Sheriff’s Office Community Service
past
year has been gaining national recognition for Travis
and Outreach Unit was awarded the Outstanding
County’s
participation in the National Night Out
Crime Prevention Agency Award for “Outstanding
program,”
said Nancy Gresham, first vice president of
and Unselfish Dedication and Service.”
the
CTCPA.
“James has shown immense integrity in
Officer Kitchens was nominated for
expanding
neighborhood watch programs
“Outstanding Crime Prevention
around
his
county and educating neighbors of
Specialist” by his peers in law
how
they
can
do this for their own
enforcement and the CTCPA, based
neighborhoods.”
on his good standing as a member
Both Officer Kitchens and members of the
within the Association, his
Community
Service and Outreach Unit strive
outstanding contributions to crime
to
make
our
communities a safer, better
prevention including encouraging
place
to
live
and work by continuing to
prevention through training,
introduce
new
progressive programs that
establishing professionalism,
promotes
safety
prevention and unity in our
leadership and growth, while
community.
Officer James Kitchens
Dear Sheriff Hamilton . .
I hope that you do get many of these letters or emails to let you know what a wonderful job that your staff is
doing. This one in specific is for Deputy Jeff Smith. Last night around 9:30, I was driving Westbound on
Slaughter Lane where it is pretty dark and not very visible. I ended up hitting a tire that was in the middle of the
road with rim and all.
This caused both of my right tires to blow out and completely damage both rims. I can’t even say I was
pulled over for five minutes before Deputy Smith came to my rescue. He was kind, generous and very, very
helpful. My father was already en route to help change my tires, so while we waited he proceeded to change
my tire. Yes, I said he got on his knees and changed my tire for me! This was very kind of him because one,
he didn’t have to and two, he could of just waited for my father to get there and leave, and three, he didn’t have
to wait until we were all done and leave. He stayed there to insure not only my safety, but the safety of others
wasn’t further jeopardized. To further say, an Austin Police Department officer pulled over and removed himself
from the situation immediately, but not Deputy Smith. I wanted to take these five minutes to say “thank you” to
you and your wonderful men and women, and of course THANK YOU to Deputy Smith!!!!
Cindee Rivera
St. David’s Pre-Admissions Office
Austin, Texas
4
Bike Patrol Unit provides innovation in perimeter patrols
Officer Jeremy Pierce
According to the International
By Captain Art Cárdenas
Officer Greg Mitchum
Police Mountain Bike Association,
Administration Bureau
Officer
Christina Churchill
one of the fastest growing trends
Officer
Clayton Jones
in law enforcement and
The
officers
assigned
to
this
unit
have received
emergency medical response is the utilization of
specialized
training
in
the
discipline
of bicycle patrol and
mountain bicycles. Mountain bicycles are cost
are
utilizing
these
skills
in
their
daily
duties which
efficient, amazingly effective, and are able to bridge the
include:
gap between automobiles and foot patrol.
Response to assistance calls throughout the
With this premise in mind, the Travis County
complex.
Correctional Complex (TCCC) implemented a formal
Perimeter
patrols of the complex.
Bike Patrol Unit in 2006. The Bike Patrol Unit is a
Patrol
of
the
complex parking lots.
component of the TCCC Complex Security Unit and is
In
addition,
these
officers are also trained to respond
staffed by the following officers:
rapidly in the event of an escape. The versatility of the
mountain bike enables the operator to quickly traverse
any terrain. The bicycle used by the TCCC Bike Patrol
Unit is the durable
Rockhopper.
This unit is under the
direction of Lt. Michael
Gottner. A special
thanks to Lt. Jerry
Kovar for his work on
getting the unit
implemented. A special
thanks also to Sheriff
Greg Hamilton for his
support of this unit.
COBRA
Graduates
Class #45
Arnold, Porshe
Busano, Bernard
Canfield, Jason
Cook, James
Cray, Trevor
Dail, Darnell
Davis, Geoffrey
Erickson, Paul
Flowers, Michael
Fuller, Victoria
Gilbert, David
Hill, Dennis
Martinez, Michael
Nava, Daniel
Novak, Mandi
Pemberton, Ernie
Perez, Jacqueline
Rogers, Ricky
Rush, Sandra
Taylor, Joshua
Willis, Daniel
Handbags For Hope
TCSO and the Texas Advocacy Project are inviting you to join us in donating
your gently used or new purses to be taken to domestic violence shelters across
Texas. The donation drive runs April 1 -14 and purple-wrapped barrels will be at
every TCSO location.
Working with children’s programming coordinators at the shelters, children
will be able to select handbags to give to their mothers on Mother’s Day. Inside
each handbag, these women will find hotline numbers for the Texas Advocacy
Project allowing them to access our completely free legal services. Thank you for
bringing a little sunshine into the lives of these victimes of domestic violence on
Mother’s Day. For more information, please contact Det. Lee Jones at 854-8451 or
[email protected].
5
Moments In Time
at the Travis County
David Merka, senior corrections officer in TCCC-HSB
makes the rounds.
Officers
William
Anderson and
Vanessa
Nimrick in
Central
Booking.
Victoria
McKinney,
senior
corrections
officer, and
Geoffrey
Davis,
cadet
corrections
officer, work
the third
shift at TCJ.
Officer Jeff Nigro, senior security
coordinator, works the night shift at
TCCC-Complex Security.
6
2am
Licensed vocational nurses Sanda Martinez and Valerio Rodriguez
evaluate files during the midnight shift.
on Jan. 9, 2008
Sheriff’s Office
2pm
Sandra Burdette answers the main line at the East
Area Command.
Paralegal
Shelly Eaton
discusses
procedures
with Senior
Deputy Curtis
Orton.
Richard Dimeo in Human Resources always greets everyone with a
smile.
Officer
David Leal
evaluates
offenders.
Deputy T. Rob Brown works a
traffic offense on Blake-Manor
Road.
7
Brown Santa achieves
record donation year
By Tracy G. Hill
9-1-1 Telecommunications
Specialist, Senior
B
rown Santa had a very
successfull year.
Brown Santa served 1,371
families, the most we have ever
helped, which includes more than 5,000 children
receiving Christmas presents, and families receiving complete
Christmas dinners.
We had more than 3,000 volunteers who wrapped presents, made
food boxes and delivered to recipents. All this would not have been
possible without the help of the people in the community making
donations of cash, toys and food.
Other fundraising events include:
Rack Daddy’s had a pool tournament that rasied more than
$600.
5K Run raised more
than $6,000.
Central Texas Harley
Davidson raised more than
$7,000 in money, toys and
food.
Senior Deputy
Curtis Orton helped
organize a baseball
tournament that brought in
more than 1,300 toys
Dell Inc. had a toy
drive at all of their
locations that brought in
more than 1,000 toys
Wal-Mart donated
$3,200.
This was the 26th year
of Brown
Santa helping the Travis
County
community.
8
Above, Sheriff
Greg Hamilton
and Deputy
Constable Al
Reyes, along
with Motors Unit
deputies Jeff
Hulsey, Deke
Pierce and Tim
Williams unload
Santa’s goodies
for families who
gathered at the
Del Valle Softball
Fields near
TCCC.
Left,
Sheriff Hamilton
visits with a Travis
County resident
during the Brown
Santa distribution
day, while Sgt.
Manny Mancias
packs a box.
A Very Good Friday
West Command, Community Outreach deliver goodies
to Austin Children’s Shelter
On Jan. 15, Capt. Phyllis Clair
By Kasben Harris
sent out an e-mail to the West
Senior Office Specialist
Command challenging them to dig
deep and give back. Sheriff
Hamilton had recently asked for assistance helping The
The office
Austin Children’s Shelter. This is the place kids go to live
staff took the
while the issues in their lives related to abuse are sorted
donated
out. The Shelter provided a wish list for the things that
money, and
would be helpful to give the children that have to live
went shopping
there, which included more than just basic necessities.
to purchase
The West Command detectives and office staff decided to
items from the
purchase selected things from this list and attempt to
wish list on
make a dent in filling the needs for these kiddos.
March 17. Wal-Mart was so generous when we told them
This effort blossomed into a Command challenge that
what we were doing, they gave us a tax-free card to shop
reached heights that we never imagined. Not only did the
with (it seems this giving spirit becomes contagious).
patrol shifts and special operations join in, they even
We shopped and purchased health and well-being
challenged each other. In a couple of instances, deputies
products, personal care products, food and household
matched shift donations! We were so
needs and facilities.
excited to give back in a way that helped
We even had enough
kids in our own community.
to go back and
purchase an HP
Digital Camera with
an extra 1GB
memory card!
The office staff,
Criminal
Investigations
detectives,
lieutenants and some
of patrol met with
Community Outreach
and the Easter Bunny
on March 21 for the
delivery.
Who’s the
Easter Bunny
?
9
Underage Drinking & Driving Prevention
Area agencies present consequences to Akins HS students
By Roger Wade
Public Information Officer
About 9am on March 6, there was a
horrific crash at W. Charles Akins High
School, 10701 South 1st St. Some
students died, others were hurt and one
student went to jail for DWI. This
gruesome sight was witnessed by the
Akins student body.
Luckily this event, called Dead End/
Shattered Dreams, was not real. It was a
staged event made to look very real and
send a message to students that life is
fragile and one wrong decision to drink
and drive can cost a lifetime of misery and
pain.
Shattered Dreams was brought to
Texas in 1997 by then Texas Alcoholic
Beverage Commission Chief of
Enforcement Greg Hamilton. The first
school to host the program was San
Antonio-McCollum High School in in 1998.
Since that time it has become a very
effective way to get the message to young
adults that drinking and driving is a deadly
choice.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office is
taking the bold step of hosting the program
and bringing it to the
schools of Travis
County. With public
safety partners and
many sponsors, the
Sheriff’s Office began
planning this event
September 2007 to
deliver a quality
program to Akins
with the hopes of
providing the
program to other
schools in the
future.
10
Above, Akins HS
students watch while
emergency services
personnel cleanup the
aftermath of the staged
crash on March 6. As a
part of the program,
student partcipants
serving as the “Living
Dead” made crosses
signifying their death
that later lined South
First Street during the
rainy morning.
Academy transitions
smoothly with promotions
of assistant director
By Carrie Singleton
Senior Office Specialist
The TCSO Training Academy would like to say
goodbye and good luck to Lt. Jerry Kovar. Kovar was
promoted on Dec. 6 and is now assigned to Travis
County Correctional Complex (TCCC) as the midnight
watch commander.
Lt. Kovar accomplished much during his 14-month
assignment at the Academy. Under his directions, the
Academy received its recent outstanding Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and
Education (TCLEOSE) inspection, acquired the Academy
Training networked drive, which computerized all
Academy lesson plans, videos, photographs and
associated TCLEOSE files. Kovar was soley responsible
for the expansion of the COBRA program to allow officers
to complete intermediate courses and makes them
eligible for license and salary upgrades when they reach
certain time in grade milestones. “Wellness” training was
also put in place by Lt. Kovar for all cadet and Sheriff’s
Advanced Law Enforcement Training (SALT) classes.
Lt. Kovar will be greatly missed.
The new assistant director is Sgt. William “Billy”
Poole. Sgt. Poole came to the Academy from Law
Enforcement’s West Area Command. Sgt. Poole has
more than 14 years with TCSO. He started in the jail,
then was promoted to patrol, and eventually transferred
to Narcotics as an Investigator. In 2004, Sgt. Poole was
promoted to detective and assigned to the Major Crimes
detail where he investigated and solved numerous
homicides and other high profile criminal cases. He was
promoted to sergeant in 2007.
We welcome Sgt. Poole to the Training Academy staff
and look forward to working under his leadership.
From Sheriff Hamilton . .
I want to applaud each of you at the Del Valle complex that worked to maintain
safety and security during the power outage that occurred recently. Your quick
response in maintaining security during this tense time is a testament to your
dedication and to the leadership that we have within this department. I say,
“THANKS for a Job Well-Done.”
Longevity of Service
Awards
35-Year Award
Richard Gruetzner - Lieutenant, West-Patrol
25-Year Award
Phyllis Clair - Captain, West Command; Richard
Cosper - Senior Deputy, Training Academy;
Durrell Jackson - Sergeant, Central Booking
Facility; Charles Taylor - Senior Deputy, EastPatrol
20-Year Award
Donald Banks - Sergeant, Central Booking Facility;
Dale Boring - Senior Deputy, East-Patrol; Lonnie
Bridger - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; Sandra
Collier - Office Specialist, Transportation; Paula
Cross - Senior Certified Peace Officer, TCCC;
Robert Frederick - Senior Deputy, Patrol-East;
Richard Hale - Sergeant, East-CID; David Law Sergeant, West-Patrol; Al LeBlanc - Lieutenant,
Patrol-East; Cookie Maldonado - Senior Office
Specialist, Central Records; Demtrio Medina Senior Deputy, East-Patrol; Brian Rubel - Senior
Certified Peace Officer, Central Command Security;
Juaniki Stewart - Counselor Coordinator, TCCC;
Willanne Stewart - Sergeant, TCCC; Wesley
Sutherland - Senior Certified Peace Officer, TCJ;
Coy Turner - Senior Deputy, East-Patrol; Edward
Walker - Sergeant, TCCC Complex Security; Tim
Martin - Sergeant, West-Patrol
15-Year Award
Kerry Boykin - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC;
Dennis Clark - Senior Certified Peace Officer,
Transportation; Ramon Lopez - Detective, East-CID;
Vanessa Nimrick - Senior Corrections Officer,
Central Booking Facility; Lee Parker - Senior
Certified Peace Officer, TCCC; Matt Yarborough Senior Certified Peace Officer, TCCC-Facilities
11
Longevity of
Service Awards
10-Year Award
Andres Alaniz - Senior Deputy, Central Command-Crime
Suppression; Terry Armstrong - Office Specialist, TCCCVisitation; Bill Campbell - Finance Director, Ruiz; Lisa Day
- Certified Peace Officer, Crisis Intervention Team; Raymond
Gardner - Senior Certified Peace Officer, Central Booking
Facility; Javier Hernandez - Deputy, West-Patrol; Gloria
Hoffman - Accounting Associate, TCCC-Fiscal; Jason
Miller - Senior Certified Peace Officer, TCJ; Tracy Stirman Senior Seputy, East-Patrol; Dennis Tumlinson - Senior
Certified Peace Officer, Central -Security
Dear Sheriff Hamilton . .
The Wells Branch Public Safety Committee and
the Wells Branch MUD Board would like to thank
you on behalf of the residents of Wells Branch for
the support you have given us.
We are especially appreciative of the support
you and your staff offered at our Public Safety
Forum in October 2007.
We have received many positive comments that
so many take the time to listen to the residents’
concerns.
We trust that we can assist in continuing similar dialogues at various times, as well as facilitate an increased level of law enforcement in Wells
Branch.
Sincerely,
Tom Cheshire
Chair, Public Safety Committee
Wells Branch Municipal Utility District
5-Year Award
Mark Barron - Senior Corrections Officer, TCJ; Monica
Biagas - Certified Nurse’s Assistant, TCJ/CBF; Peter
Berkley - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; Felicia Cabral
- Crime Scene Specialist, Central-Crime Lab; Juan Campos
- Cadet Corrections Officer, TCCC; Sara Casey - Senior
Corrections Officer, Central Booking Facility; Leroy Dennis Senior Certified Peace Officer, Transportation; Gary Cotter Fixed Assets Manager, TCCC-Fiscal; Guillermo Franken Office Specialist, TCCC-Commissary; Keith Harris - Senior
Corrections Officer, TCJ; Brian Harthausen - Senior
Deputy, East-Patrol; Michael Herman - Building Maintenance Supervisor, TCCC; Julio E. Hernandez - Senior
Deputy, East-Patrol; Chris Hotard - Senior Corrections
Officer - Central Booking Facility; Scott James - Senior
Deputy, West-Patrol; Carolyn Kimble - Senior Office
Specialist, TCCC-Records; James Leach - Senior Corrections Officer, Central Booking Facility; Celerina McIntyre Licensed Vocational Nurse, Central Booking Facility; Jimmy
Milstead - Senior Corrections Officer, Central Booking
Facility; Myra Nesby - Senior Office Specialist, TCCCRecords; Richard Perez - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC;
Joe Piña - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC-Honors; Jaime
Salinas, Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; Tamara Scott Senior Office Specialist, TCCC-Classifications; Judy Seifer Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; Michael Shumard Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; Terri Wilhelm - Senior
Counselor, Central-Victim Services; George Ryan Williams
- Deputy, East-Patrol; Joseph Williams - Senior corrections
Officer, Central-Security
12
Special Awards
Art Cardenas (National Institute of Corrections Executive Excellence Program) - Captain, Central
Command; Michael Wind (Education) - Senior
Corrections Officer, TCCC
Community Service Awards
Wade Bolling - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC;
William Marroquin - Corrections Officer, TCCC;
Richard Gruetzner - Lieutenant, West-Patrol
Safe Driving Award
Terry Burns - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCCFacilities
Interagency collaboration
Reserves, TABC find 100% compliance in minor alcohol sting operation
On March 20, the Minor Sting Unit,
Advantages to this arrangement
By Roger Wade
comprised of Sheriff’s Reserve
are many. Travis County realizes
Public Information Officer
Deputies, an underage actor and
considerable financial savings,
agents from the Texas Alcoholic
the Sheriff’s Office is able to free
Beverage Commission (TABC), conducted a sweep of off- up full time Officers for other assignments. The reserve
premise locations in Western Travis County selling
deputies can take pride in their contribution toward
alcohol.
making a safer community and protecting our children
They visited six businesses in the course of the
from the negative consequences of underage drinking. In
evening and all six refused to sell alcohol to the underage this instance the citizens of Travis County saved the cost
actor. Businesses that refused to sell to a minor receive a of 30 man hours in salaries. Even the project
letter from Sheriff Greg Hamilton applauding their effort to coordinators are reserve deputies. This was spearheaded
prevent underage drinking. These operations occur on a
by Reserve Lt. Matt Baker.
regular basis and will continue.
Citizens aware of businesses selling alcohol to minors
The Sheriff’s Reserve Unit is an all-volunteer unit
in unincorporated areas of Travis County are asked to call
comprised of citizens who have met the same hiring
the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number: 974-0845. In
criteria as full-time deputies, receiving the same training
progress events should be reported through 911.
as regular officers, performing the same services as
The Reserve Unit is under the command of Reserve
county deputies, but do so without pay or other benefit.
Capt. Mark Grosvenor.
Awards
Officers to be Deputized
Eric Barto - Senior Corrections Officer, Central Booking
Facility; Jaime Castaneda - Certified Peace Officer,
TCCC; Greg Pruett - Certified Peace Officer, TCCC;
Greg Sizemore - Certified Peace Officer, TCCC; Christopher Vasquez - Certified Peace Officer, TCCC
Promotion to Senior Deputy
Steven Coleman - Senior Deputy, East-Patrol; Sean
Harrington - Senior Deputy, East-Patrol; Brian
Harthausen - Senior Deputy, East-Patrol; Julio E.
Hernandez - Senior Deputy, West-Patrol; Edward
Nocker - Senior Deputy, West-Patrol; Robert “Drew”
Small - Senior Deputy, East-Patrol; David Tosh - Senior
Deputy, West-Patrol
Promotion to Sr. Corrections Officer
Luke Alvarado - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC;
Kenneth Anderson - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCCComplex Security; James Armenta - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; James Brown - Senior Corrections
Officer, Central Booking Facility; Vincent Cain - Senior
Corrections Officer, TCCC-Complex Security; Cody
Casey - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; Steven Ellis
- Senior Corrections Officer, Central Booking
Facility;Joseph Gangstad - Senior Corrections Officer,
TCCC; Fortino Guerrero - Senior Corrections Officer,
TCCC; Alan Hollenbeck - Senior Corrections Officer,
TCCC; Dennis Hewitt - Senior Corrections Officer,
TCCC; Danny McIntyre - Senior Corrections Officer,
TCJ; Nicholas Muniz - Senior Corrections Officer,
TCCC-Complex Security; Sherri Murray - Senior
Corrections Officer, TCCC; Brandon Newton - Senior
Corrections Officer, TCJ; Willis Passage - Senior
Corrections Officer, TCJ; Martin Perez - Senior Corrections Officer, TCJ; Jimmy Self - Senior Corrections
Officer, TCCC; Charles Smart - Senior Corrections
Officer, TCCC; Michael Wind - Senior Corrections
Officer, TCCC
13
When God Made Cops
When the Lord was creating cops, he was into his
sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said,
‘You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.’ And the
Lord said, ‘Have you read the spec on this order? A
peace officer has to be able to run five miles through
alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health
inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle his uniform.’ ‘He
has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a
stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the
neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next
day.’
He has to be in top physical condition at all times,
running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has
to have six pairs of hands.’ The angel shook her head
slowly and said, ‘Six pairs of hands... no way.’
’It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,’ said
the Lord, ‘it’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to
have.’ ’That’s on the standard model?’ asked the angel.
The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in
a pocket before he asks, ‘May I see what’s in there, sir?’
(When he already knows and wishes
he’d taken that accounting job.) ‘Another pair here in the
side of his head for his partners’ safety. And another pair
of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a
bleeding victim and say, ‘You’ll be all right ma’am,’ when
he knows it isn’t so.’
’Lord,’ said the angel, touching his sleeve, ‘rest and
work on this tomorrow.’
’I can’t,’ said the Lord, ‘I already have a model that can
talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident
and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck.’
The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly,
‘Can it think?’ she asked.
’You bet,’ said the Lord. ‘It can tell you the elements of a
hundred crimes; recite Miranda warnings in its sleep;
detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on
the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to
debate the legality of the stop ... and still it keeps its sense
of humor. This officer also has phenomenal personal
control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell,
coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder
victim’s family, and then read in the daily paper how law
enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal
suspects.’
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the
cheek of the peace officer. ‘There’s a leak,’ she
pronounced. ‘I told you that you were trying to put too
much into this model.’
’That’s not a leak,’ said the lord, ‘it’s a tear.’ ‘What’s the
tear for?’ asked the angel. ‘It’s for bottled-up emotions, for
fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of
cloth called the American flag, for justice.’
’You’re a genius,’ said the angel.
The Lord looked somber. ‘I didn’t put the tear there,’ he
said.
... Written by Officer Gadrim, Ohio State Police
Promotional Awards
Promotion to Building
Maintenance Supervisor
Promotion to 9-1-1
Telecommunications, Senior
Michael Herman - TCCC; Pete Hernandez - TCCC;
Eloy Portillo - TCCC
Angelena Carrizales - CTECC
Promotion to 9-1-1
Telecommunications Supervisor
Robert Pelley - CTECC
14
Promotion to Senior Counselor
Adam Cygler - TCCC
C-Shift Blues
Perfect
Attendance
By Chris Richter
son of Sgt. Vincent Richter
... to the tune of “Folsom Prison Blues” when you read this..
I hear that plane a comin’ It’s flying overhead
And I ain’t seen the sunshine since I went to bed
I work in Travis County and time keeps draggin’ on
But that plane keeps a flyin’ on down to ol’ Houston...
When I was a newbie, my trainer told me man
This C Shift’s hard business do everything you can
Just to keep your eyes wide open and stay on your toes
But when you hear those engine’s going, it’s almost time to go..
I bet that B shift’s sleeping in a fancy, big warm bed
And A shift is drinkin’ coffee just now clearing their heads
Well I know I had it coming, I know I can’t get sleep
But these inmates are a sleepin’ And that’s what tortures me..
Well if they’d let me work the day shift, if that jumbo jet was mine
I’d take my vacation and go get me some sunshine
On a warm sandy beach, that’s where I’d like to stay
And then I’d never have to sleep all my days away...
Two Years
Michael Canales - Sergeant, WestPatrol; Alan Hollenbeck - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; Tommie Jurica Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC; Michael
Wind - Senior Corrections Officer, TCCC
Three Years
Melissa Falcon - Senior Certified Peace
Officer, TCCC-Complex Security/K-9;
Daniel Hartman - Senior Certified Peace
Officer, CJC-Transportation
Four Years
John D. White - Senior Certified Peace
Officer, TCCC-HSB
Six Years
David Bradberry - Sergeant, TCJ
Dear Sheriff Hamilton . .
Please accept this as a letter of appreciation and commendation for Capt. Phyllis Clair of your office.
I was approached recently by an elderly widowed friend at my church, Mrs. Louise Sherman of San Leanna, Texas,
who had evidently lost an item of property to a dishonest handyman she had employed. The value of the item in
question was not great, but I, like you and Capt. Clair, hate to see good-hearted, helpless elderly people taken
advantage of.
In this age and time, so many agencies claim to be overwhelmed with calls and have their priorities scientifically
established to the extent that they clearly do not have the time or the inclination to help someone like Mrs. Sherman.
Fortunately, I know the people of TCSO and I know Capt. Clair.
You are indeed fortunate to have an officer of her caliber on your staff. Such people reflect great credit upon the chief
executive. Capt. Clair and her staff took an interest in this situation and completed the necessary follow-up in a most
professional and timely manner. Mrs. Sherman is extremly grateful and now shares my appreciation and admiration for
Capt. Clair and the entire TCSO.
Sincerely,
Dan T. Richards
15
Deputy UBI Reporting
In 1932, a failed ice-cream salesman,
Herman Lay started selling potato chips
from the Barrett Food Company in Atlanta,
Georgia. He drove all over the South
selling cases of chips from the trunk of his
car. He did so well that he bought the
company in 1938 and changed the name to
the HW Lay Company. Potato chips had to
be made and sold locally because the chips
broke in shipping. To solve the problem, Mr.
Lay bought up smaller potato chip
processors all over the country. By the
1950s, Lay’s Potato Chips had become
the top-selling brand in the world.
If every star in the Milky Way were a
grain of salt, they’d fill an Olympic-size
swimming pool.
Charles Curtis was the first and only
Native American Vice President, 19291933.
Patricia Bath is the inventor of the
Surgical Eye Laser. Before her
breakthrough, cataracts were removed
through a very painful procedure that
involved drilling and grinding them from the
patient’s eyes. In 1988, Bath patented a
method of painlessly removing cataracts
using a surgical laser. She also used lasers
to cure certain types of blindness in people
who hadn’t seen for more than 30 years. She
received patents in the U.S., Canada, Europe
and Japan, and is the first African-American
woman ever to receive a patent for a medical
invention.
Ever thought about the good old days? In
1976, a VCR sold for $1,600. A ticket to
Super Bowl X was $20. A cheeseburger at
McDonalds was 48¢. A new house was
$48,000. The average income was $12,700.
A 24-inch color TV was $600. Gas was 59¢
per gallon. How much was a minivan, CD,
Apple Computer, SUV or Starbucks? $0.
They didn’t exist in 1976.
A two-hour movie uses about two miles of
film.
Dear Sheriff Hamilton . .
I want to thank you for the support your office gives to the election process and to let you know what outstanding
employees you have in Sgt. Manny Mancias and Sgt. Frank Lofton. Their professionalism and cooperative
spirit have helped us develop an election security program that is seen as a model throughout the nation.
During each early voting period, Sgt. Mancias and Sgt. Lofton demonstrate excellent planning skills by
recruiting, scheduling and coordinating officers who manage the deployment and retrieval of election equipment to
and from voting locations throughout (Travis) County. They work cooperatively and seamlessly with the Constable’s
Office on this Early Voting effort and on Election Night to guarantee election results from (more than) 200 precinct
locations are safely delivered to the central counting station. They exercise calm leadership and solid judgment
when assisting with problems that potentially require the assistance of law enforcement. Ther flexibility and attention
to detail are invaluable when logistical adjustments have to quickly be made to deal with the often rapidly changing
situation that occur during an election. And after election returns have been released and many consider the day to
be over, they maintain their team’s vigilance until all election equipment and materials have been accounted for and
properly returned.
The passion and seriousness with which Sgt. Mancias and Sgt. Lofton take their job is reflected in their team
and is appreciated not only by Travis County, but also by all of the different governmental entities we work with.
These two individuals do a fine job in representing your office, and they are a pleasure to work with, too. We honor
~
you, and them, for your part in protecting the integrity of the election process and in promoting democracy in our
~
community.
Best regards,
Dana DeBeauvoir,
Travis County Clerk
16
BALAGIA, continued from Page 1
accomplishments, an accomplishment not met by many Texas jail
administrators. In 2002, after 10 years of non-compliance with the Texas
Commission on Jail Standards, Travis County received 100%
compliance. This catapulted Travis County and its personnel into one of
the leading jail systems in Texas.
His last major initiative among a long line of projects is the planning of
Building 12. It is the biggest construction project to be undertaken by the
Sheriff’s Office. It will house 1,337 inmates and when opened it will be the
first time since 1988 that the Travis County jail system does not have
variance beds.
One of his attributes that has left a lasting impression on me is the role
he plays as an advocate for providing education, counseling and religious
services for inmates. Major Balagia has been instrumental in facilitating
partnerships with other agencies and organizations.
As you have heard many times, the Sheriff’s Office is investing in
individuals who will provide the community with the highest standard of
community service. Major Balagia, I salute you and thank you for
investing in the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. You have invested in this
department by providing astounding leadership, being a mentor to your
peers and employees, sharing your knowledge. I thank you for your
vision, energy, enthusiasm, honesty and respect. The legacy you leave
behind is immeasurable.
I would like to share with you a favorite quote of mine, which I think
sums up the characteristics of Major David Balagia:
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
. . Martin Luther King Jr.
Major Balagia will be missed, but
never forgotten.
John Richardson, right, from the TCSO Citizens’
Academy Alumni presented Senior Deputy
Michael Negus with the “Officer of the Year” Award
for 2008.
WestCommanddeputy
receives “Officer of the Year”
from Citizens’ Academy
By Kasben Harris
Senior Office Specialist
The Travis County Citizens’ Academy has
been awarding deputies with this honor for
about 12 years, and Senior Deputy
Michael Negus is this year’s “Officer of the
Year.”
“He has always been eager to have
[citizens’ alumni] ride out with him,” said John
Richardson, president of the TCSO Citizens’
Academy. “He has been a great example of
what serving the community is all about.”
This was a special occasion and had been
kept secret from Deputy Negus until he
arrived for show-up. Deputy Negus was very
surprised, especially when the award
included a check for $100.
Deputy Negus had been working on the
Day Shift until Jan. 14. He then requested to
be assigned to the Night Shift reporting to Sgt
Williamson. Since he has been on the shift,
Deputy Negus has been adjusting well to
nights and becoming an asset to the platoon.
17
2008 Training Academy In-Service Calendar
Law Enforcement In-Service
Day 1: Use of Force Peace Officer (Intermediate)
Day 2: AM – Use of Force Peace Officer (Intermediate)
Day 2: PM – Intermediate Weapon Recertification
(Expandable Baton)
Day 3: Firearms Training (Pistol, Shotgun, Rifle, FATS)
Day 4: AM – PC / CCP Update
Day 4: PM – Recognition of Excited Delirium / Police
Driving (Classroom)
Day 5: Police Driving (Driving Track)
Law Enforcement Officers will be qualifying at the DPS
combat pistol/rifle ranges in Florence, Texas, throughout
2008. Deputies will qualify with pistols,
shotguns and rifles during their in-service
training. This
qualification will fulfill
the requirements for
TCLEOSE and
TCSO for the year.
Corrections
In-Service
Corrections InService Training
is now on a twoyear TCSO cycle. This training will commence January,
2008 and run through December, 2009. This extended
cycle will allow the Corrections Bureau more flexibility to
complete in-service training, while allowing Officers to
take elective training, the year they do not attend inservice.
Corrections Officers will be qualifying with pistols and
shotguns at Camp Swift in Bastrop. This qualification will
fulfill the TCLEOSE and TCSO requirements for 2008.
Officers can expect more developed and challenging
courses of fire, to include qualification at the “POP UP”
target range.
Day 1: Use of Force in a Jail Setting (Intermediate)
Day 2: Use of Force in a Jail Setting (Intermediate)
Day 3: Firearms Training (Pistol and Shotgun)
Day 4: Unarmed Tactics in the Jail (Ground Fighting)
Day 5: AM – Employees in crisis
18
Day 5: PM – Taser Familiarization and Recognition of
Excited Delirium
Supervisors InService Training
Day 1: Leadership from the TCSO Administration
Day 2: Domestic Violence Resolution
Day 3: Administrative Duties – EDFs, FMLA, PREA, etc.;
Veteran Reintegration Program
Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) Class #14
BPOC will run from Jan. 8 – Oct. 17, 2008. Classes are
held Tuesday through Friday from 730am –1230pm.
Seventeen corrections officers out of 66 applicants
successfully completed the comprehensive application
process. Applicants submitted a letter of intent and
Captain’s endorsement, completed a reading
comprehension test, passed the JST-LE Obstacle Course
and passed an oral interview board. We wish these Cadets
good luck during the next ten months.
Sheriff’s Advanced Law Enforcement Training
(SALT)
Thirteen new Deputy Sheriff slots and one new
Corrections K-9 slot were approved in the 2008 budget.
These already licensed Peace Officers will attend the five
week long SALT class. SALT ran Jan. 07 – Feb. 07, 2008.
SALT coordinators were Deputy Alan Howard from the
Academy staff, and West Command Patrol Sgt. Eric Hoge.
Training topics will include: Report Writing, Mobile Data
Terminal, Penal Code, Arrest Search and Seizure,
Firearms, Juvenile Procedure & Process, Crime Scene
Investigation, SFST, Police Driving, Traffic Stops, Criminal
investigations, Building Clearing, Barricaded Subject, and
the Active Shooter.
Local cardio physician offering CT Scans at reduced rate for TCSO
Texas Cardiovascular, P.A. is
Diabetes
By Dr. David Donley
offering highly-reduced CT Coronary
Overweight
Texas Cardiovascular, P.A.
Calcium scores (“Heart Score”) to the
Inactive lifestyle
uniformed and non-uniformed staff at TCSO during May
We’ll provide more details in the upcoming weeks
(days/times to be determined). The cost will be $50 and
about our locations and what dates and times are
no physician referral is necessary.
mutually agreeable.
Locations for testing will be North Austin (behind North
Anyone who is interested, please contact Jeannie
Austin Medical Center) and South Austin (south of South
([email protected]) or Florence
Austin Hospital).
([email protected]) to make your
This “screening scan” can
reservation.
uncover the earliest stages
We are pleased to
of heart disease using CT
strengthen our relationship
images of the heart’s
with the TCSO force and
arteries and whether there is
promote prevention and
any calcium in those
wellness to its team.
arteries.
The result or “score”
reflects the amount of
calcium within the coronary
arteries. Guidelines for the
interpretation of the results
is provided along with
photographic images. Test
scores can range from very
low risk to very high risk.
The test doesn’t involve needles or
dye, is painless, and takes five minutes.
EKG leads are placed on the patient’s
chest and the patient lays on a padded
table that moves slowly through the
scanner which is taking
photographic images. The scanner is
open faced so that patients don’t
Thank you so much to the Travis County Honor Guard for attending our
experience any sense of claustrophobia.
Dad’s funeral and presenting the Texas flag to us. Daddy loved his
The X-Ray dose for a CT scan is
service with the department and had even requested to be buried in his
equivalent to that of one abdominal Xuniform when he made his arrangements in 1991.
Ray.
When Mom died, he didn’t keep the uniforms when he left to travel
Who should have this test?
across the country. He would have been so honored and pleased with the
This test is for men and women with a
dignity of your service and presentation.
known risk factor for developing
We know there was a conflict in having you attend at all, so we are all
coronary artery disease. The following
very appreciative that you were there. We were all touched by your
criteria are used for self-referral
presence at such a difficult time.
for this screening.
Thank you all,
Men over 40 and women over 45 with
Gray Burt, Sandra West, Lisa Gregory,
one or more of the following risk
Tammy Cernak, Terri Coffman
factors:
and families
Family history of heart disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Smoking
Dear Sheriff Hamilton . .
19
Employee
Spotlight:
Monika Auchterlonie
By Sgt. Frank Lofton
West Area Command
The most impressive thing
about Monika is ... while
working full-time and
managing a household that
consists of her husband and
three teen-aged daughters, she
has continually strived to
obtain her higher education.
Sgt. Frank Lofton,
West Area Command
T
he criminal investigations detectives at
the West Command would like to
“highlight” Law Enforcement Specialist
Monika Auchterlonie.
Monika has been employed with the
Sheriff’s Office since August 2001. Monika
began her career at the Sheriff’s Office in
Central Records. In November 2002, she
transferred to the West Command as a
Senior Office Specialist. Monika excelled at
her job and was rewarded for her
performance by promoting to a Law
Enforcement Specialist position at the West
Command in November of 2006. Monika
continues to exhibit the highest levels of
work ethic and teamwork. She does a great
job and is well-liked and respected by her
peers and supervisors.
The most impressive thing about Monika
is not her work performance. It is that while
working full-time and managing a household
?
Who’s on
the cover
20
that consists of her husband and three
teenage daughters, she has continually
strived to obtain higher education. In May
2005, Monika obtained an Associates
Degree in Criminal Justice from Austin
Community College. Monika graduated from
Austin Community College with a 3.4 GPA.
She is currently enrolled at St. Edwards
University and is scheduled to graduate in
May 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in
Organizational Communication. She is
currently carrying a 3.63 GPA. Monika has
already begun the application process for
the Masters Program in Global Policy
Studies at the University of Texas LBJ
School of Public Affairs.
Monika is also a native of Germany. In
addition to all of these accomplishments,
Monika obtained her U.S. Citizenship in
June 2005. Monika is truly an example of
hard work, determination and dedication.
Alejandro Leo, Sergeant, TCCC-Complex Security; Darla Fuller,
Detective, Central Command-Family Violence; Angelena Carrizales,
9-1-1 Telecommunications Specialist Senior, CTECC; Cookie Maldonado,
Office Specialist Senior, Central Records; Sonny Medina, Senior Deputy,
East-Patrol; Charles Barr, Sergeant, TCCC; Robert Pelley, 9-1-1
Telecommunications Specialist Supervisor, CTECC; Ed Walker,
Sergeant,TCCC-Complex Security; Phyllis Clair, Captain, West Area
Command.