Monthly Report for April 2016

Dear Citizens,

We had a great crowd this past Saturday and I was proud to have been a Grand Marshal in the 41st Annual "Back the Blue" themed Corsicana Derrick Days Parade. Thank you to our patrol, tactical and telecommunications officers who came out to participate, support and help display some of our departmental vehicles as well. I enjoyed getting to see and talk with many of our citizens down town during the event.

Each year, the second full week of April is recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Our telcommunicators or "dispatchers" are an invaluable part of our emergency response system here at the Navarro County Sheriff’s Office. Our telecommunicators assist callers with emergency and non-emergency situations, while providing critical information to law enforcement, firefighters and medical personnel as they respond. This week provides an opportunity to honor these courageous professionals for their vital contribution to public safety. They serve the community by helping citizens in need every day. If you've ever been the victim of a crime, had a vehicle collision, reported a fire, or needed emergency medical help, it is likely that you called 9-1-1 and received help from a "dispatcher" on the other end of the line. While not always recognized, the critical role that these telecommunicators play in keeping the public and first responders safe is essential. The N.C.S.O. Telecommunications Division won the law enforcement agencies decorating contest sponsored by NCTCOG (North Central Texas Council Of Governments) and were awarded a $100 gift card. They also formed a telecommunications bowling team and won the contest by garnering the best bowling score and our telecommunicator Deanna Francek won for individual best bowling score. All members won a Fit Bit and Deanna won a 2nd Fit Bit for high scorer. The contest was held in conjunction with week long celebration of National Public Telecommunicators Week. Our group proudly wanted to do "The City of Heroes" theme which is dedicated to Law Enforcement Officers across the United States that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2016.
Congratulations ladies. Not only are we extremely proud of each of you on the designated week, but also greatly appreciate you for the job that you do each and every day. Please thank a telecommunicator whenever you have a chance for their professionalism and dedication to duty.

Also I'd like to again say how grateful I am for Sgt. Gayle Hurley, Patty Medina, Lucretia Steagall, Rosa Ella Ward, Krystal Hogue and IT Specialist Jessica Farmer for all their hard work and dedication in the front office. I appreciate these ladies loyalty to me and to the N.C.S.O. and was glad to thank them again on Administrative Professional's Day last week.

I was not only very honored being invited, but thoroughly enjoyed getting to read Charlotte's Web to the 4th grade boys and girls at Navarro Elementary. It was a nice change to not only get to read to, but to come see and visit with the all kids. Being a country boy myself I can resonate with the location of the story, hope the kids realized it pertains to them in many ways as well and that no matter who we are, all our lives have a purpose. Again, thank you Mrs. Tanya Linex for inviting me and to all the 4th grade classes who were very welcoming, polite and displayed awesome behavior.

I would like to thank Miss Westtie Godbey for not only noticing one of our officers assisting someone in need last month, but for also taking the time to make a positive post on Facebook about the incident when it seems so easy now days for most people to post or comment negatively. The deputy had stopped to assist and push an elderly person in a wheelchair that was struggling to get through the tall grass and rough gravel on the eastern part of town. The deputy she was referring to is Deputy Keith Lewis who was not dispatched or asked to assist, nor did he know he was being observed, it was just an act of compassion, is just Deputy Lewis' nature and doing what he does on a daily basis. The right thing.

The Navarro County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division was active in seizing an indoor marijuana grow in the 14000 Block of East Highway 31 in Kerens with one suspect arrested, three suspects were arrested and over 4 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of marijuana and an out of county arrest warrant was served at a location in Corbet.
The NCSO narcotics unit supported by our criminal investigation division made two arrests in the 700 block of South 42nd Street Corsicana. While serving two arrest warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon the officers located and seized a quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana and $1,315 cash. The charges are enhanced because the location is a drug free zone near Navarro Elementary School. An asset forfeiture was filed against the cash.

Deputy Shane Richards was injured when his marked departmental Tahoe was struck from behind by another vehicle. Deputy Richards was stationary at the traffic light at the intersection of West 2nd and 37th in Corsicana when the accident occurred. Thankfully Deputy Richards was quickly able to return to active duty.

The Sheriff's Office had 1,502 calls for service in April and our dispatch received 2,114 calls for assistance to 9-1-1. There were approximately 312 persons arrested and booked into the Navarro County Justice Center in April and the average daily jail population was 191 inmates. The Narcotics unit arrested fourteen suspects, filed fifteen criminal cases and served eleven outstanding arrest warrants. Six inmates were transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and sixteen other inmates were transferred to State Jail and SAFP units to serve their sentences.

In April we estrayed one bull, along with one horse and transported them to the county farm in Angus. We sold two estray calves and one bull at Corsicana Livestock Auction for $2,461.18

I am glad to report there were no resignations this month but we did have two new officers begin their careers with the N.C.S.O. as Emilia Ramires was hired for communications and Heather Conley was hired for detention. We currently have two detention positions open, and three patrol vacancies. Applications will continue to be taken for any vacancy until the position is filled.

“Reputation is what others think of us; character is what God knows of us. When you have spent what feels like eternity trying to repair those moments of time that destroyed the view others once had of you, then you must ask yourself if you have the problem or is it really them? God doesn’t make us try so hard, only enemies do.” – Shannon L. Adler

As always, God bless and be safe.

Sheriff Elmer Tanner