CHRISTUS Health Awards More Than $3.3 Million to Non-profit Organizations
Four Northeast Texas groups from the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances ministry received funds totaling $300,000 for community health initiatives
August 29, 2024 – (TYLER, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health is proud to announce the distribution of more than $3.3 million to 47 non-profit organizations across Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico through the CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund.
Four groups in Northeast Texas received funds collectively totaling $300,000. The announcement came at an event on Tuesday.
Selected organizations were awarded the funds for programs addressing critical social determinants of health in the communities they serve. Priority issues include chronic disease management, mental health and well-being, safe housing, and food insecurity.
The recipient organizations are:
- Carevide in Sulphur Springs
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County
- People Attempting to Help (PATH) in Tyler
- St. Vincent de Paul in Tyler
“We saw a need for support within local CHRISTUS communities and knew we had to create more ways to contribute and collaborate with local organizations beyond community benefit dollars,” said Jessica Guerra, CHRISTUS Health program manager for community development. “This fund allows us to invest in the programs helping to improve our communities.”
The CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund launched in 2011 and is a CHRISTUS Health initiative supporting programs led by local organizations responding to the needs of the community and improving its health and well-being.
Since inception, CHRISTUS Health has invested more than $22 million in the communities it serves.
The CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund will open its next applications process on Oct. 1. For more information or to apply, visit our website: www.christushealth.org/connect/fund
###
CBP Officers Seize $910K in Methamphetamine at Hidalgo International Bridge
August 29, 2024 – HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Hidalgo International Bridge this week seized more than $910,000 in methamphetamine in a single enforcement action.
“Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain their vigilance as summer travel traffic begins to fade and their effective application of inspection skill and technology yielded this significant seizure,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Laredo Port of Entry “These types of seizures perfectly illustrate CBP’s efforts to protect our communities from the harm caused by the smuggling of hard narcotics.”
The seizure occurred on Aug. 27 at the Hidalgo International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2009 Dodge driven by a 48-year-old female lawful permanent U.S. resident for secondary inspection. CBP officers conducted a secondary examination that included utilization of a non-intrusive inspection system and CBP canines. Upon conducting a closer physical examination, CBP officers discovered 95 packages containing a total of 101.89 pounds of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the vehicle. The narcotics had a street value of $910,903.
CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
TAMU-C Top Cop Bryan Vaughn Lays Out His Vision For Future
August 29, 2024 – Sulphur Springs native Bryan Vaughn highlights his vision for the University Police Department at Texas A&M-Commerce in the following press release from TAMU-C.
COMMERCE, TX, August 28, 2024—University police are tasked with the safety and security of students, faculty and staff across campus. That alone is a consuming and complex mandate. Yet, Chief Bryan Vaughn of the University Police Department (UPD) at Texas A&M University-Commerce envisions more. His efforts are redefining policing and safety on campus and in the region.
Ascending the Ranks
A native of Sulphur Springs, Texas, Vaughn attended Kilgore College and Sam Houston State University on a football scholarship before transferring to A&M-Commerce. He joined the University Police Department in 1998 while completing his bachelor’s in criminal justice.
“At the time, there was an officer working here who found out that I had been through the police academy,” Vaughn recalls. “He encouraged me to apply, and I picked up an application that day.”
Three weeks later, Vaughn left his job in insurance sales to join the department and begin his career in law enforcement. He eventually served as assistant chief under then-chief Donna Spinato for 12 years before ascending to the top spot in 2018 following her retirement.
He’s grateful for Spinato’s leadership and support.
“She gave me the opportunity to tag along on a lot of conferences and events,” Vaughn said. “So, I was pretty well-rounded when I came into the position. I knew what it was about. I knew what I was getting into.”
Redefining the Role of University Police
Vaughn says the department has grown significantly since 2018 in both its size and mission.
The department now has 36 employees, including 25 officers. With that growth, Vaughn says UPD has transitioned from a reactive to a proactive approach to campus safety.
“We stay current with all the laws. We stay current on news and trends, not only in Texas but around the nation, related to university policing, policing in general and what may impact our university,” he said.
Vaughn is particularly proud of the department’s newly acquired accreditation by the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA).
“We’ve become an accredited department over the last year. It took a lot of work to get there,” he said. “We were always a good department, but we strive to be the best we can be. Accreditation was a major step for us. It means our policies and procedures are consistent with what the state of Texas and the nation determine a police department should be.”
He said UPD is one of only two TPCA-accredited police departments in Hunt County.
“We are very, very proud of that,” Vaughn said. “At the time when we met the qualifications for it, there were less than 200 accredited police departments out of 3,000 in the state of Texas.”
It Starts with People
Vaughn says his vision for policing begins with people.
“Whether it’s the community we serve or the people who work at UPD, we always try to look at the people aspect of what we do first,” he said. “I want officers who are friendly and that students, faculty and staff can talk to. A lot of our officers are graduates of A&M-Commerce. We’re not just here to enforce the laws. We’re part of the community.”
When dealing with students at A&M-Commerce, he often thinks of how he wants his children treated. He also thinks of his younger days.
“I was young, too, and made mistakes. If I can set a student down and have a conversation that fixes the problem rather than taking somebody to jail, everybody is better served,” he said. “That’s the latitude we give our officers. There are times when we have to take law enforcement action, but if we can have a conversation and fix the problem, that’s what we prefer to do.”
He added: “To me, the worst thing that can happen is for one of our students to leave here with a criminal record. That’s not what this place is for, and it’s not what we’re about. So, we do a lot of talking, teaching and encouraging students.”
Community Engagement
Beyond campus safety, Vaughn said UPD hosts at least one community outreach event each semester and often more. He also encourages students, faculty and staff to meet, interact and communicate with officers around campus.
“We want to come to events. We want to come to classes and be part of the student experience,” he said. “That’s the culture we’re building here. We’ve got to get back to being part of the community, not aside from it.”
The National Night Out event held each fall semester is one of UPD’s biggest community outreach events. The department partners with numerous divisions around campus to make the event a success. Vaughn said more than 1,000 students attend the annual event, which promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The department also hosts a “Know Your Police Department” event each spring.
One significant change in recent years is the creation of the department’s community engagement position. Vaughn said Sergeant Ray Dittrich is the ideal fit for the role, serving as an ambassador and liaison between UPD and the university community.
“His job is to go out and meet with various groups, contact the campus and find out what’s going on,” Vaughn said. “We all do that to an extent, but that’s his specific job, and he’s great at it.”
Another new addition is the crime victim services coordinator position, which is tasked with keeping victims and the community informed on the progress of investigations.
The department also started Safe Walk, a program that pairs students with an officer or student worker who walks them from one campus location to another during evening hours.
Regionally, UPD partners frequently with Lion Athletics to provide officers at some off-campus events. The department also meets monthly with law enforcement representatives from around Hunt County to identify trends and possible problems.
Modern Tech
Technology plays a big part in Vaughn’s vision for UPD and campus safety.
Perhaps the department’s most far-reaching technology asset is a network of nearly 800 cameras providing eyes in the sky at the Commerce and Dallas campuses.
“There’s always someone in our dispatch area who is watching the cameras,” Vaughn said. “When something happens in a particular area, the dispatcher can zoom in and be an additional lookout for officers who are responding to those calls.”
The department is also implementing the use of license plate readers on some patrol vehicles. The technology can help officers quickly identify whether a vehicle belongs on campus, or if it has been reported as stolen or involved in an accident.
Along with its new phone system, which records every call coming into the department, UPD is also considering participation in Hunt County’s new communication system. Called a trunk system, the network connects law enforcement and emergency responders in Hunt, Rockwall and Collin counties under one system. Joining the trunk system would allow UPD to communicate with its officers, regardless of where they are within the three-county network, without interference.
Innovative Training
UPD invests significantly in ensuring its officers are well-trained.
“It’s expensive, but our priority is to have the best officers possible,” he said.
He says the university’s on-campus police academy represents an innovative approach to transforming law enforcement in the region. Director Louis Lufkin continually seeks opportunities to add new aspects to the training cadets receive through the academy.
One critical piece to modern policing, Vaughn says, is the addition of mental health education.
“We’re dealing with more mental health issues,” he said. “So, it’s important that we’re getting that education into the training. We recognize that someone experiencing a mental health crisis doesn’t necessarily need to be placed in jail. We seek out opportunities to get them help, whether that’s here on campus or through other resources in the county.”
Additionally, UPD prides itself on providing the latest defense tactics.
“We train in-house when we can, but we also want to know what others are doing,” Vaughn said. “A common detriment to many departments is keeping things the way they’ve always been. We want to go out and see what other departments are doing and bring some of that back with us.”
For instance, Vaughn said the department began integrating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques into officers’ defense training. Assistant Chief Kyle Lowe recommended the training after significant research.
“We have several new officers with fresh ideas,” he said. “They’re hungry and eager to learn new skills, and we want to make the most of that energy.”
Growth for the Future
The department’s growth has maxed out its current space in Henderson Hall. Therefore, Vaughn said, the university is considering a move that would place UPD, Emergency Management, and the police academy under one roof as soon as 2025.
As the department continues to grow, Vaughn believes it’s important to hire people who fit the culture at UPD. He said the focus is to build a culture by design, not by default. Subsequently, attracting the right people for open positions can be challenging. Recruits often want to advance straight to the rank of detective or supervisor.
“That’s just not the way we work,” he said. “It takes a long time to get to that point. We don’t just hire anyone. We want people who are going to come in and be part of what we’re trying to accomplish within the department and on campus.”
Under Chief Vaughn’s leadership, the Texas A&M-Commerce police department is becoming a model for campus safety and police forces across the state. His stewardship and dedication to community building and best practices foster a sense of trust and safety that makes A&M-Commerce an attractive option for students seeking a safe environment to learn and grow.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Launches Illegal Voting Tipline and Issues Election Integrity Advisory Cautioning Against Unlawful Voting Activity
August 29, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a legal advisory on election integrity and launched an email tipline ([email protected]) where the public may report suspected violations of Texas election law.
In preparation for the 2024 elections, Attorney General Paxton issued guidance clarifying and emphasizing several key aspects of State election law. The guidance notes, “Significant growth of the noncitizen population in Texas and a pattern of partisan efforts to illegally weaponize voter registration and the voting process to manipulate electoral outcomes have created urgent risks to local, state, and federal elections.”
Citizens and governmental entities may review this guidance to better acquaint themselves with the relevant laws that govern who can register to vote, how voting may be conducted, and other legal requirements. Violations of the Texas Election Code carry serious penalties including jail time and fines.
Attorney General Paxton also launched an email tipline where the public may report suspected violations of the Texas Election Code. Reports may be submitted by email at [email protected].
“There is nothing more important than the integrity of our elections. This means protecting every legal vote from unlawful attempts to alter the outcome of our elections. Any attempt to illegally cancel out legal ballots with fraud, vote harvesting, or other methods will be met with the full force of the law,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I invite all Texans to report suspected violations at our new tipline, [email protected]. Your political liberties and your representation in our government depend on secure elections. I will fight every step of the way to protect your vote and your voice.”
This advisory is part of Attorney General Paxton’s Election Integrity Initiative which leverages OAG law enforcement authority and resources to protect the integrity of every legal vote. Previously, Attorney General Paxton announced an undercover operation to investigate allegations that noncitizens were being registered to vote in direct violation of Texas law. Additionally, the Office of the Attorney General recently executed search warrants in furtherance of a two-year investigation into an illegal ballot harvesting scheme.
To read the advisory, click here.
To report suspected election law violations, email [email protected].
Governor Abbott Celebrates Groundbreaking Of New Terrell State Hospital
August 28, 2024 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is beginning construction of a new Terrell State Hospital building that will provide inpatient psychiatric care to North Texans. HHSC held a groundbreaking ceremony this morning to celebrate the start of construction of the 415,000-square-foot replacement hospital. Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature approved $573 million in funding for the hospital building, which is expected to be completed in late 2027.
“This groundbreaking ceremony for the new state hospital in Terrell is a step forward in Texas’ ongoing efforts to expand and modernize state facilities that offer behavioral health treatment to Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “Since 2017, Texas has provided more than $2.5 billion to build, renovate, and improve our state hospitals to ensure that Texans in every corner of our state have access to the quality inpatient psychiatric care they deserve. I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their work on this new hospital as one of seven projects to provide better behavioral health services to those in need.”
“Texans are better served when they have access to health care closer to home, and that is why state leaders and HHSC have invested in facilities like the Terrell State Hospital,” said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young. “When completed, this hospital will offer hope, healing, and recovery for some of the most vulnerable people in North Texas.”
The new hospital will have 275 beds: 175 non-maximum-security, 50 maximum-security, and 50 adolescent. Adult and adolescent patients will have separate living areas, and the maximum-security unit will include strict security measures to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and the community.
The new facility will include state-of-the-art therapeutic spaces that align with evidence-based treatment. Single-person rooms are designed to balance privacy and security for patients, and natural light throughout the facility will help promote recovery and healing. Patients will have access to common activity areas and outdoor courtyards to encourage social interaction.
For nearly 140 years, Terrell State Hospital has played a crucial role in providing services to Texans in need. The hospital first opened in July 1885 after the 18th Texas Legislature passed a bill calling for the establishment of a psychiatric hospital in North Texas. Today, the hospital serves 31 counties.
Since 2017, Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature have appropriated more than $2.5 billion in funding to replace, renovate, or expand state hospitals across Texas. Construction continues on the Texas Behavioral Health Center at UT Southwestern in Dallas, and HHSC hosted grand openings this past spring for replacement state hospitals in Austin and San Antonio. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall for a replacement hospital in Wichita Falls and later this year for new hospitals in Amarillo and Lubbock.
Delta County Enacts Burn Ban This Week
August 28, 2024 – As of August 27, 2024, Delta County, Texas has a 90-day outdoor burning ban in unincorporated areas. A copy of the full order is available on the Delta County, TX website.
CBP officers seize $3M in cocaine at Rio Grande City Port of Entry
August 8, 2025 – RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Rio Grande City Port of Entry this weekend seized more than $3 million in cocaine in a single enforcement action.
“Our frontline officers continue to exercise vigilance in the cargo environment and their inspection skill coupled with technology and our canine unit all contributed to this significant seizure,” said Port Director Rogelio Olivares, Rio Grande City Port of Entry. “Seizures like these exemplify CBP’s commitment to advancing our border security mission while facilitating lawful trade and travel.”
The seizure occurred on August 24 at the Rio Grande City International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a tractor trailer hauling a shipment of charcoal for secondary inspection. CBP officers conducted a secondary examination that included utilization of a non-intrusive inspection system and CBP canines. Upon further physical examination, CBP officers discovered 100 packages containing a total of 228 pounds of alleged cocaine within the conveyance. The narcotics had a street value of $3,044,859.
CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure.
Sloanstead Goods Farm Stand Open in Sulphur Springs
August 27, 2024 – Sulphur Springs resident Grace Sloan has opened a Farm Stand stocked with goodies on Jefferson St.
The stand is stocked with sourdough loaves, scones, cookies, muffins other breads (such as baguettes, sandwich loaves, bagels, english muffins and focaccias). On Saturdays, she features cinnamon rolls!
I don’t put the same stuff out every day, so I always recommend people check my socials to see what we have out that day!
Grace is a stay at home mom, and hopes to expand the baked goods business in the future. She also gardens, and local produce is available seasonally. Grace and her husband have recently added more chickens to their flock, and eggs are also available Wednesday through Saturday. Currently the eggs are provided by Molesworth Family Farm. They are out of Brashear, TX and are close family friends.
Find out more about Grace and what she has in stock, Wednesday through Saturday, by clicking here.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society to Hold Next Lunch & Learn August 28th
August 27, 2024 – The Fourth Wednesday Lunch & Learn will be held this coming Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites anyone who wants to learn more about doing genealogical research to come on in. Bring your sack lunch, salad or drive-through meal and your tablet or laptop, if you wish.
Last month our society president, John A. Sellers, presented the “FamilySearch Experiment,” during which he showed us how to maneuver through this new test site for FamilySearch, what it consists of and what is included. Much of his talk involved searching for people using property descriptions and land records, but how do you use them once you have found them? This month we will view a presentation by Amy Crow Johnson of Generations Connections, entitled “Understanding Land Records – Using Land Records Effectively.” There is so much to be learned about land deeds and other legal land documents and how to apply them to your genealogical research.
We hope you will join us!
DPS Recognizes Courageous Acts at August PSC Meeting
August 26, 2024 – AUSTIN – The Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, recognized the service of several Texans at the PSC meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Commissioners and Director McCraw presented one Medal of Valor, three Director’s Awards, five Lifesaving Awards and one Unit Citation.
“These awards highlight some of the most selfless acts of heroism in Texas,” said Director McCraw. “The stories of the individuals who were recognized this morning show just a glimpse of the passion Texans–both inside and outside of the department–have for keeping people across our state safe. We are truly fortunate to have such a remarkable group of people making a difference in their communities.”
The following people were recognized:
MEDAL OF VALOR:
The Medal of Valor is the highest award presented by DPS, and is given to someone who intelligently distinguishes themselves at the risk of his or her own life. It must be the type of deed which, if left undone, would not subject him to any justifiable criticism. The act must be far above and beyond the normal call of duty.
On Oct. 17, 2023, a Staff Sergeant within the Texas Rangers Special Operations Group was alerted of a multi-agency pursuit involving two armed suspects who fired multiple gunshots at officers, including one from the San Benito Police Department. He immediately responded and maneuvered his patrol car past other pursuing units, intentionally placing himself in danger by moving closer to the suspect vehicle. Using his patrol rifle, he shot through his windshield to deflate the suspect’s left rear tire. Traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour, the suspect continued to evade toward the Brownsville Port of Entry – a populated area with many pedestrians and heavy vehicle traffic. This Staff Sergeant then successfully initiated a PIT maneuver on the suspect’s vehicle, causing it to spin out and stop. Afterward, he pinned the suspect vehicle against a fence with his patrol unit, and the two suspects fled on foot into a neighborhood. One suspect was quickly apprehended by the Staff Sergeant. While another Texas Highway Patrol Trooper completed the arrest of the first suspect, he moved toward an alley area in search of the second. During the manhunt, DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division assisted officers on the ground in tracking the second suspect and located him at a nearby residence. Unaware of whether the suspect was armed, he jumped a fence and entered the yard to find the suspect hiding between a water heater and house. At significant risk of harm to himself, the Staff Sergeant approached the individual to physically remove and arrest him. Tragically, gunfire from the suspect’s vehicle also resulted in the death of a San Benito Police Officer.
In recognition of the courageous and exemplary way he honored his law enforcement duties during a life-threatening situation, this Staff Sergeant was awarded the Medal of Valor.
DIRECTOR’S AWARD:
On May 29, 2024, a citizen suddenly became unresponsive during a Texas Senate hearing at the State Capitol. The individual was removed from his seat and placed on the floor for care by two bystanders. Laura Rogers, who was attending the hearing, immediately began a medical assessment and determined the individual was experiencing agonal breathing and had a faint pulse. Without hesitation, Ms. Rogers began CPR compressions while an AED was retrieved. Ms. Rogers continued CPR for seven minutes and the patient was shocked three times before EMS arrived. Upon their arrival, Ms. Rogers provided EMS personnel with essential information about the patient before transporting him to a local medical center. The patient’s condition later improved and he began breathing on his own.
In recognition of her significant and decisive response to a life-threatening situation resulting in the saving of a life, Laura Rogers was awarded the Director’s Award.
LIFESAVING & DIRECTOR’S AWARD:
On April 5, 2024, while driving over the John Arredondo Bridge in Rosenberg, Special Agent Paul Struve (Houston) noticed an individual sitting on the bridge rail with her feet hanging over the edge. Believing this individual was preparing to jump, Struve quickly turned his patrol vehicle around and radioed the Rosenberg Police Department for additional support. When officers arrived, Struve and Officer Andrew Foulds (Rosenberg Police Department) climbed over the concrete barricade that divided the bridge’s road from the pedestrian sidewalk to get closer. The subject, a juvenile, was sobbing loudly and strong winds were causing her hair to conceal her face. After attempts to speak with the subject were unsuccessful, Struve and Foulds used the strong winds to their advantage by approaching the subject from behind, grabbing her by the shoulders and taking her off the bridge to safety. She was then taken to a hospital for evaluation.
In recognition of their significant and decisive response to a life-threatening situation resulting in the saving of a life, Special Agent Paul Struve was awarded the Lifesaving Award and Officer Andrew Foulds was awarded the Director’s Award.
LIFESAVING & DIRECTOR’S AWARD:
On March 13, 2024, Trooper Bryan Peña (Amarillo) responded to a two-vehicle crash in Dallam County. When he arrived on scene, he observed a woman on the ground with a severe arm injury. Fortunately, Brandon Johnson, an Air Force veteran with first aid training, had stopped at the scene of the crash prior to Trooper Peña’s arrival. Using his first aid training, Mr. Johnson applied a makeshift tourniquet and used Quick Clot to control the bleeding. Trooper Peña assessed the situation and determined a second tourniquet was needed. While the application of the tourniquet was extremely painful, Trooper Peña remained calm and provided the woman with comfort and reassurance. Once the bleeding was under control, the woman was placed in a recovery position until EMS arrived.
In recognition of their significant and decisive response to a life-threatening situation resulting in the saving of a life, Trooper Bryan Peña was awarded the Lifesaving Award and Brandon Johnson was awarded the Director’s Award.
LIFESAVING AWARD:
On April 8, 2024, while conducting counter surveillance around the State Capitol grounds, Special Agent Garrett Ray (Austin) discovered an unresponsive male subject. In a covert surveillance capacity without medical supplies, Ray immediately called for assistance. Once help arrived on scene, it was determined the subject was experiencing a narcotic overdose and a dose of Narcan was administered. Showing no signs of improvement following the first dose, a second dose of Narcan was administered. After the second dose, the subject was placed in the recovery position, where his respiration stabilized and he regained consciousness. EMS assumed medical responsibility and transported the subject to the hospital.
In recognition of his significant and decisive response to a life-threatening situation resulting in the saving of a life, Special Agent Garrett Ray was awarded the Lifesaving Award.
LIFESAVING AWARD:
On Nov. 13, 2023, Trooper Scott Lewis (Freeport) was monitoring visitors and employees as they entered and exited the State Capitol. Trooper Lewis noticed a man lean toward the table, appearing to lose his balance. As Lewis asked the man if he was alright, the man collapsed on the floor. Lewis immediately eased the subject to the ground, began a medical assessment and determined he was not breathing. Sergeant Dakota Keenon (Capitol) arrived and immediately began CPR as Lewis delivered a shock from an AED. The subject regained a pulse and started breathing. EMS arrived on the scene and transported the subject to a medical center.
In recognition of their significant and decisive response to a life-threatening situation resulting in the saving of a life, Sergeant Dakota Keenon and Trooper Scott Lewis were awarded the Lifesaving Award.
LIFESAVING AWARD:
On Oct. 6, 2022, DPS personnel were attending high-risk vehicle stop training when Trooper Edd Holt suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Trooper Holt had not displayed any signs of discomfort but began to aspirate after a training scenario. Sergeant Mike Garza and Sergeant Freddy Duran rushed to remove Trooper Holt from the vehicle and placed him on the ground. When Trooper Holt stopped breathing, Sergeant Garza immediately began chest compressions. At the same time, Duran contacted 911 and passed the phone to Trooper John Moorman to provide dispatch with information about their location and the medical emergency. Duran retrieved an AED from his vehicle and applied it to Holt in between chest compressions. Lieutenant Juan Spivey; Sergeants Heath Bell and Shawn Droddy; and Troopers Damon Williams, Bryan Dorsey and Stephen Nall, who were all at the scene, assisted with CPR rotations and coordinated the emergency response. Upon arrival, EMS assumed medical care and transported him to a local hospital for further treatment.
In recognition of their significant and decisive response to a life-threatening situation resulting in the saving of a life, Lieutenant Juan Spivey (Bryan), Sergeants Mike Garza (Harlingen) and Heath Bell (Texarkana), Ranger Shawn Droddy (Snyder), Sergeant Freddy Duran (San Marcos) and Troopers John Moorman (Kerrville), Damon Williams (McKinney), Bryan Dorsey (Waxahachie) and Stephen Nall (Granbury) were awarded the Lifesaving Award.
UNIT CITATION AWARD:
In October 2009, the Texas Department of Public Safety Bicycle Patrol Unit (Capitol) began as a pilot program under the Texas Highway Patrol with six Troopers. After their initial training, the Unit’s first deployment was at a college football game, where they apprehended a suspect involved in a stabbing at a tailgate party. This incident would solidify the Unit’s place in the department.
Since becoming a full-time unit in 2016, the Bicycle Patrol Unit is now the go-to Unit to separate opposing crowds during rallies, protests and general gatherings across Texas. Today, the Bicycle Patrol Unit remains the premier Unit at the Capitol Complex, providing highway patrol duties, community policing, complex security, training and school visits. The Unit has also been deployed outside of the Capitol Complex to assist other law enforcement agencies with high-profile events across the state. The Bicycle Patrol Unit exemplifies teamwork, professionalism and dedication. Their presence at community events, schools and neighborhood gatherings has fostered positive relationships and promoted safety awareness.
In recognition of their hard work and dedication, the Bicycle Patrol Unit–including Guy Hoffman, Dorian Turner, Michael Telles, Gabriel Macias, Tony Rico, Burke Wray, Ramiro Brito, Andrew Meyer, Thomas Goodson, Jason Galaviz, Tim Gage, Jose Montemayor, Nick Salzer, Steven Smallwood, Jesse Chambers, Marvin Maiten, Michael Reisen, Joseph Osborne, Brandon Zellous, Joseph Stuart, Nathaniel Head, Adrian Castillo, Joshua Delagarza, Bryan Fife, Evan Nazareno, Marcos Damian, Paul Martin, and Scott Brackelsberg—is awarded the Unit Citation.
