Monthly Report October 2024
Dear Citizens,
In October we recognized National First Responders Day on the 28th which recognizes the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes. What does a first responder do? In tragedies such as 9/11 and natural disasters firefighters, police, paramedics and more, rush into the mayhem and danger. Whether you've had your own emergency or not, it's not hard to understand and appreciate the dangerous and difficult work they do. Countless selfless men and women willing to lay down their lives every day to keep us safe. Displaying daily hard work, dedication, sacrifice and honor. Regardless of the threat, hate, judgement and lack of support.
In 2017, Congress designated October 28th as National First Responders Day. The resolution was passed to honor the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and all those who are first on the scene in stressful situations.
Few normally give much thought to those who dedicate their lives to being on the front lines in the scene of an emergency. Many go about their daily activities secure in the knowledge that, if needed, they will be there ready to help, even at the risk of their own lives.
During a crisis, all these brave people become the most important people in the world to those in desperate need. What if they weren't available, no longer cared to sacrifice and decided they no longer wanted to serve and protect?
I am always proud to say that in Navarro County, our first responders stand at the ready when a crisis may arise. I want to thank all those who answer the call and I also want to personally thank our citizens who support our first responders daily. Especially during these trying and uncertain times.
We are continually training to provide better prepared and qualified officers at the NCSO. This month, members of our NCSO crisis negotiators attended the Texas Association of Hostage Negotiators training conference in Austin. Our crisis negotiators must attend a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education annually to maintain their certification. This year with over 300 in attendance, the TAHN conference provided an opportunity to meet and network with other officers and teams within our region and across the state of Texas. We appreciate the opportunity to attend this invaluable training so that we may be better prepared to handle crisis situations.
Kristin Bates of the NCSO who serves as law enforcement coordinator, Navarro County Crime Stoppers President Rene Woods and Secretary-Treasurer Jennifer Carlson attended the 35th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Conference in Waco to stay up to date with information and concerns.
Beginning Friday October 4th and continuing each Friday in October, we recognized Breast Cancer Awareness month by wearing pink at the NCSO. We honor all those in the fight, the survivors and those taken by this evil, dreaded disease. As many of you may know, this cause is near and dear to my heart as my wife Mandy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. I'm proud to say she is now a 19 -year breast cancer survivor.
We were busy in October attending National Night Out celebrations in both Corsicana and Oak Valley where myself and other deputies were proud to participate, Deputy JJ Freeland represented the NCSO at the Dawson Homecoming Parade and our tactical, patrol and communications divisions represented the NCSO at the Home Depot Public Safety Event. We have always enjoyed the chance to spend time with our youth who are the future leaders of tomorrow. Thank you to the organizers and sponsors of these events, for helping in our community and for all your continued support.
It was another beautiful fall day and a good turnout of folks for the Kerens Cotton Festival. Our hometown Deputies Tyrone and Pshaun Martin were present and enjoying their time with the residents, visitors, the fun and festivities while also providing additional security if needed for the festival and celebration. We took part and were glad to be a part of Navarro Regional Hopsital's Trunk or Treat event at Navarro. We hope the folks had fun and enjoyed visiting with our own Deputy Hernandez as he handed out the treats.
Our new Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle garnered lots of attention at the Corsicana Air Show. As always we had a great time allowing our citizens and youth the opportunity to tour and discuss the armored vehicle, our tactical surveillance robot and their purpose. Thank you again to our officers for representing our agency and kudos to the organizers of this community event. Also role models and mentors including our NCSO Deputy Mikayla , participated in the DEFY (Dynamic Empowerment for Youth) event at Corsicana High School enteracting with the young adults of tomorrow.
This month we conducted our annual fall roundup which included penning, selling and working cows at our county farm. We always utilize inmate labor during the operation and our inmate trustee program is valuable to these operations at the NCSO in several ways. The inmates who meet the qualifications and criteria are offered the opportunity to work in exchange for "time off" credit. Taking care of livestock is just another example of how we also try to teach inmates a trade that can be applied and utilized once they are released back into society. This is a valuable opportunity for them to gain working experience in ranching as well realizing the process and all it entails. We hope it to be beneficial and that they positively use the knowledge moving forward upon release.
SCAM ALERT: The NCSO began getting calls from people who state they are receiving calls from a person identifying himself as Lieutenant Kevin Scott at NCSO. The caller then asks for money to prevent an arrest, arrest warrant, and in one case alleged the payment was necessary because they had not shown up for court. There was also a reference to paying with bitcoin at a local business in Corsicana. The NCSO does not call to solicit money or payment in lieu of arrest. Don't become a victim. This is just another example of the type of scams that are being perpetrated against our citizens daily. I cannot stress enough...please do not become victim of these frivolous scams. Contact the NCSO or your local law enforcement agency to report any suspicious activity.
Last month our newest telecommunicator HeavynneLeigh Johnson began her new career in law enforcement at the NCSO. We welcome and wish her all the best in her new position. We also would like to introduce our newest NCSO Deputy Tony Villalobos. Deputy Villalobos brings two years of previous patrol experience at the Henderson PD and we look forward to him joining our patrol division. Congratulations to Deputies Aubyn Turner and Gary Wright on successfully completing the patrol FTO program. We know they look forward to serving the citizens of Navarro County.
The Sheriff's Office had approximately 2,942 calls for service in October and our dispatch received 1,908 calls for assistance to 9-1-1. There were approximately 244 persons arrested and booked into the Navarro County Justice Center and the average daily jail population was 232 inmates. Eight inmates were transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and nine inmates were transferred to State Jail and SAFP Units to serve their sentences. In October, we estrayed one donkey and hauled it to the county farm. We sold an estray bull, estray cow and an estray donkey this month at Corsicana Livestock Auction and Elkhart Horse Sale for $4,278.39.
We are accepting applications for all divisions and currently have vacancies in detention, patrol, criminal investigation division and courthouse security. Remember the hiring age for dispatch and detention has been lowered to 18 but with all other enforcement positions, you must be 21 or older to apply. As in the past, applications will continue to be taken for any vacancy until the position is filled.
"Integrity gives you real freedom because you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide." - Zig Ziglar
As always, God Bless and be safe.
Sheriff Elmer Tanner