On January 16, 2020, the Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Celebrate Duncanville: State of the City event at Hilton Garden Inn. Approximately 200 attendees from various businesses and community organizations came together to celebrate Duncanville’s progress over the past year, including awarding Duncanville’s Man and Woman of the Year, as well as the Mayor’s Choice Award for two local businesses.
The State of the City presented by Mayor Barry Gordon shares community highlights and city accomplishments for the year.
Man of the Year was awarded to Duncanville Police Officer Doug Sisk, pictured center with Mayor Gordon and wife Marlyse. Woman of the Year was awarded to community visionary Betty Dunn, pictured with husband Weymond.
Congratulations to the 2019 Duncanville Leadership Academy graduates! Fourteen Duncanville city employees from various departments graduated from the City’s annual Leadership Academy on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. The purpose of the Leadership Academy is to recognize and develop upcoming leaders amongst the staff who exhibit qualities of integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, resilience, vision, influence and positivity.
2019 Duncnaville Leadership Academy Graduates
Members
of the 2019 Duncanville Leadership Academy
Esther Wright, Senior Code
Enforcement Officer
Jose Torres, Crew Leader Streets
Stephanie Lott, Librarian
Duaine Mayo, Police Officer
Christopher McCaleb, Police
Lieutenant
Ronald Wilcots, Police Lieutenant
Richard Jones, Fieldhouse Operations
Supervisor
Derrick Downs, Crew Leader Utility
Billing
Daisy Guillen, Court Clerk
Mike Forester, Crew Leader,
Irrigation
David Dunn, Assistant Utilities
Operations Manager
Angelica Garcia, Building
Inspections Coordinator
Ervey
Morales – Skilled Maintenance Worker Parks
Jimmy
Shelley – Maintenance Worker Streets
The
Leadership Academy is a one-year program that meets monthly for leadership
training, which also includes city-related topics such as Introduction to City
Values and Culture, Community Engagement, Council Relations, Strategic
Planning, etc. Midway through the program, academy members divide into three
groups and select a city-related project they are responsible for researching,
developing, and implementing. The group projects for the 2019 academy program include:
City University – Establish and implement a city-wide training and development program for employees
Senior Center Expansion – Research and recommend expanded programs/services for the Duncanville D.L. Hopkins Jr. Senior Center
Employee “Walk In Your Shoes” Day – Create a program where employees rotate through departments/divisions to learn/observe what each department does in the city
Friends of Tri-City Animal Shelter will soon be breaking ground on a much-anticipated Surgery Suite & Medical Center at Tri-City Animal Shelter.
The non-profit launched a
half-a-million dollar capital campaign in September of last year in order to
renovate the old shelter facility, located next door to the current shelter and
adoption center. The Petco Foundation, PetSmart Charities, the Joe M. and Doris
R. Dealey Family Foundation, and numerous individuals and businesses from the
local community came together to help fund the project.
“We were nearly 80% of the way
to reaching our fundraising goal when I received a message from a local
family,” said Corey Thompson, Executive Director of the Friends. “I updated
them on the status of the campaign, and they expressed their commitment to
helping us save more lives at the animal shelter.” The couple then delivered
the news: they were funding the remaining $100,000 needed to launch the
renovations.
“Four years ago the Friends
board members asked what the shelter truly needed in order to help more
animals,” said Shelter Director, Tammy Miller. “What was the one big thing that
would transform our work?” Miller explained that what the Friends were already
doing for the animals — spaying and neutering and providing veterinary care —
was the most critical need. Her worry, though, was how to make it
sustainable long-term.
“We were resolved about what
needed to happen, but we were a tiny non-profit that had just hired our first
employee” said board member, Donna Fuller. “Building a medical center felt
pretty far fetched at the time, but here we are on the cusp of making that
vision a reality.”
The Surgery Suite and Medical
Center is now slated to open in 2020. Veterinarians will sterilize nearly 1,500
adopted animals next year and work with staff to meet the medical needs of the
nearly 7,000 animals that come through the shelter each year.
A classroom has also been
designed as part of the facility with a large window allowing students to see
into the operating room and watch surgeries.
“We have already begun conversations
with some local school districts and community colleges about how we can bring
CTE, STEM, and veterinary technology students to the shelter to enhance their
learning and train up the next generation of advocates for animals,” said
Thompson. “It’s going to be a really special place for our whole community, but
especially for our kids.”
Local businesses interested in
being part of the renovations should contact Friends of Tri-City Animal Shelter
at 469-850-2287 or director@tricityfriends.org.
Naming opportunities for the facility are also still available, with all
proceeds helping to fund surgeries, medical care, and educational programs in
the coming year. Visit www.tricityfriends.org/campaign for
more information.
About Tri-City Animal Shelter The Tri-City Animal Shelter is a municipal agency serving the cities of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and DeSoto, Texas. The shelter’s mission is to provide exemplary care for impounded and unwanted animals through redemption, adoption, and public education. For more information about Tri-City Animal Shelter, visit www.luvpets.org.
About Friends of Tri-City Animal Shelter
Friends of Tri-City Animal
Shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2006 that partners with
Tri-City Animal Shelter to improve the welfare of homeless, neglected, and lost
animals. For more information about Friends of Tri-City Animal Shelter, visit www.tricityfriends.org.
The Duncanville
Police Department has arrested two individuals, and another is in Dallas County
Jail, regarding the October 2019 murder of Duncanville resident Aaija Smoker.
On November 25, 2019 Duncanville Police
Department detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Cornelius Lydell Broadway,
17, of DeSoto, TX in a Capital Murder offense resulting in the death of Aaija
Smoker in early October 2019. At the
time the Capital Murder warrant was obtained, Broadway was being held in the
Dallas County Jail on other charges. He
remains in the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office custody with the additional
charge of Capital Murder and a bond set at $500,000 for the murder of Smoker.
On November 27, 2019, Duncanville detectives
arrested Jeromey Lemar Young Jr., 17, of Dallas who was also charged with Capital
Murder with a bond set at $500,000. Young was booked into the Duncanville City
Jail and then transferred to Dallas County Jail. On November 30, 2019 Duncanville
detectives arrested a juvenile female of Dallas on Capital Murder charges, and
she was transported to Dallas County Juvenile Detection Center.
Detectives are attempting to locate
an additional juvenile suspect, and an at-large warrant for Capital Murder has
been obtained for the juvenile suspect.
Personnel of the Duncanville Police
Department have worked diligently on this case alongside law enforcement
agencies throughout North Texas, as well as the Dallas County District
Attorney’s Office, to bring accountability and justice for the victim and her
survivors.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone
with information pertaining to this case are asked to call Duncanville Police Detective
Bert Pudgurney at 972-780-4911.
The holiday
season is a busy time of year with the hustle and bustle of work and shopping,
family coming to visit or going out of town to visit friends and family.
Unfortunately,
there are criminals who use the holidays to target victims who may be
distracted by the busy season. The holidays present special challenges to
safety and security. Be aware of the dangers and takes steps to keep your
holidays happy.
Home
Safety:
Don’t let the rush and excitement
of the holiday season make you careless in protecting your home from potential criminals.
The
holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to
theft and other holiday crimes. Be extra cautious about locking doors and
windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
When leaving home for
an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up
your newspapers and mail.
Be sure someone is home if you have packages delivered to your
home. Don’t leave them sitting on your
front porch, since criminals sometimes follow delivery trucks and steal
packages after they are delivered.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds
occupied.
Be sure to do a property inventory and record serial numbers. On new gifts, be sure to keep receipts and
any documentation that has model and serial numbers before they are wrapped.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the
windows and doors of your home.
When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make
sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base, so
children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
If you use lights on your Christmas tree, ensure the wiring is not
damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.
Personal
Safety:
Shopping during the holiday
season can present unique danger. Taking a few prevention measurers can help
keep your holiday season joyous.
The following tips from the Duncanville Department Crime
Prevention Division can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the
holiday season.
Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at
night, go with a friend or family member.
Dress casually and comfortably.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
Fanny sacks work great to keep your identification and money in
while shopping.
Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with
necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
Keep cash in your front pocket.
Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is
lost, stolen or misused.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place
at home.
Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have
clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time
of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you
with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
Extra
Precaution Needed:
Driving on shopping trips during
the holidays requires some extra safety precautions. Avoid driving alone
or at night.
Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of
your car.
Do not leave your purse or valuables sitting in the passenger seat
of your car while pumping gas.
Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars
with tinted windows.
Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of
where you parked.
Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with
children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something
in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put
them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
Beware
of Strangers:
Criminals take advantage of the
holiday season to prey on those who are unsuspecting and generous. Be careful
when someone you do not know comes to your door during the holiday season. Be aware that
criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the
generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations
door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
Ask
for their identification and find out how the donated funds will be used.
If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
Also be sure to keep you pets safe and watch what you feed them.
If you need more information contact Officer Doug Sisk with the Duncanville Police Department,
Crime Prevention / Community Relations Division. (972) 780 – 5027 or dsisk@duncanvillepd.com
At the Town Hall meeting on November 14, 2019 the Duncanville Police Department presented information regarding fraud and identity theft. A variety of topics were covered and the presentation was recorded for those who could not attend. Please be proactive about protecting yourself, and your information, from becoming a victim of crime.
Thank you to Diamond Wished for your donations to start off our 2019 Santa Cop Toy Drive Program. The Santa Cop program is funded entirely by local donations and the Duncanville Police Association and Duncanville Police Employees and families. It is organized by the Duncanville Police Association, and supported by members of the Duncanville Police Department, their families, Ebby Halliday, Realtors’ Southwest Dallas/Ellis Counties office, Duncanville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Diamond Wishes, Duncanville Chamber of Commerce, Champion Cove, Inwood Bank, Assured Self Storage, Champions Cove, Inwood Bank, Duncanville Senior Citizens Center, and community volunteers.
New unwrapped toys or cash
donations can be dropped off at:
Duncanville Police Department 203 E. Wheatland Rd. Duncanville, Texas 75116
Sergeant
Adrian Tijerina has been employed with the Duncanville Police Department since
September 11, 2006 and has been a Texas Peace Officer since December 15,
1999. The acts of terrorism on September
11, 2001 shook the foundation of America and prompted Tijerina to join the
military and serve his country. After
several years, he joined the Texas Army National Guard and was sent to U.S.
Army Infantry OSUT training in Fort Benning, Georgia in October 2010.
At that time
Tijerina had been with the Duncanville Police Department for four years. Tijerina
researched Texas Civil Service Law to learn what to expect and to make sure he
had a job once he returned. The Texas
Local Government Code, Military Leave of Absence section states that an
employee shall be granted leave, without pay, for initial training, annual
duty, and active duty service. Once the
service is over the employee shall be reinstated to the same position that was
held when the leave was granted, with some stipulations, such as, being
honorably discharged and having good mental and physical health.
In 2012, Tijerina
was activated on his first Active Duty Service and deployed to
Afghanistan. He was gone from the Police
Department for approximately 12 months, and that’s when he learned the City of
Duncanville goes above and beyond what is required for its employees who are members
of the U.S. Military. Once his term of
service was completed, Tijerina was honorably discharged and seamlessly
returned to work as a Patrol Officer. Upon his return, Tijerina’s salary at the
City was more than he earned before he deployed. The City computed the difference in the salaries
and continued to pay the difference, so he did not lose money while deployed to
Afghanistan.
In 2015, Tijerina was promoted to Patrol Sergeant and in 2017 was once again activated. This time he was deployed to Somalia for Active Duty Service. In accordance with Civil Service law, there was a Sergeants Promotional Exam held to fill his role while he was deployed. His term of service ended after approximately 12 months and Tijerina returned to Patrol Sergeant duties. The officer who had been temporarily promoted to fill his position during deployment was returned to his previously held Patrol Officer position with one difference. That Officer was placed on a promotional list that would not expire and would be promoted to Sergeant with the next vacancy.
Sergeant Tijerina is one of three Police Department employees who are active in the Texas Army National Guard. Employing Veterans makes the department stronger and more diverse. The training and leadership fostered with military service is a strong asset for the Police Department. Our veteran officers cover three diverse military occupations, Infantry, Medic, and Intelligence, which can be used to enhance each employee’s Police function, and ultimately benefits the citizens of Duncanville.
The Duncanville Police Department will be hosting its city wide National Night Out (NNO) Event on October 1, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The National Night Out Event will be held at the Duncanville Recreation Center 201 James Collins Blvd. Duncanville.
National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
In addition to increasing awareness of crime and drug prevention programs, NNO also strengthens neighborhood spirit and community-police partnerships, while sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime!
For more information contact Officer Doug Sisk, Duncanville Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officer at dsisk@duncanvillepd.com or (972) 780 – 5027.
