Monthly Report for October 2017

Dear Citizens,

Sadly once again I start by saying our hearts and prayers go out to those who were effected by the horrific act in Las Vegas. We are horrified, teary, angry, baffled, weary and just profoundly sad. A gunman chose to perpetrate a cowardly act of hate against Las Vegas and our nation. One person may have made the decision to show us the ugliest, most vicious and evil side of mankind but then countless heroes in tourists and Las Vegas locals alike, immediately showed the selflessness of which humankind is capable.

Those attending the festival threw themselves over others to protect them. People in vehicles opened their doors to help people escape and drive those who needed medical attention to hospitals. First responders ran towards danger with no concern for their own safety and lines of blood donors were wrapped around donation centers. Again I say, it is in times such as these, the majority of people are most compelled to help and rise to the occasion. Once more we see the humanity and the kindness of strangers at its best.

This past month we continued evolution at the NCSO with promotions, awards and newly hired employees beginning their law enforcement careers.

We awarded Deputy Ryan Gantt the Meritorious Conduct Bar for his lifesaving attempt to rescue the driver of a submerged vehicle at an accident scene in March of 2017. The Meritorious Conduct Bar is awarded for heroic achievement in the performance of hazardous duty and displaying unusual courage, at the risk of serious bodily injury, therefore meriting honor and recognition and bringing great credit to the police service. Deputy Gantt was also awarded the Kiwanis Club Deputy of the Year after being nominated for his actions at this accident scene.

We would like to congratulate the following Deputies on their promotions: Deputy Randy Clay promoted from Detective Sergeant to Patrol Lieutenant. Lt. Clay has previously worked in corrections, patrol and C.I.D. during his tenure at the NCSO. Deputy Brandon Bates promoted from Patrol Sergeant to Detective Sergeant. Sergeant Bates previously worked at Smith County S.O. and Bellaire P.D. in Harris County before returning home and joining the NCSO. Sergeant Bates has previous experience in detention, patrol and criminal investigation. Deputy Caleb Loftis promoted to Patrol Sergeant. Sergeant Loftis previously worked in detention, and patrol at the NCSO. Deputy Clayton VanLoocke transferred from detention to courthouse security and has begun the 16 week FTO program. Congratulations and best of luck to all these officers on their promotion and best of luck in their new positions.

The NCSO would like to announce our new employees: Kit Carson Waldrop is our newest telecommunications officer who comes to us from the Limestone County Sheriff's Office where he worked as a Telecommunicator. We rehired Heather Conley who returned to the detention division and Sarai Palomera and Timothy Blackmon became our newest Detention Officers.

We are proud to announce and congratulate the winning NCSO team of Captain Stan Farmer and Sgt. Jeff Harbuck who brought the championship cup back to the NCSO this year as they won first place in the Habitat for Humanity Skeet Shoot. Our team of Capt. Farmer and Sgt. Harbuck, had won two of the last three years before being defeated last year by a team from the Corsicana Fire and Rescue. Teams from the NCSO, CPD and Corsicana Fire and Rescue competed once again this year. Again, congratulations and job well done Capt. Stan Farmer and Sgt. Jeff Harbuck!

It is with great sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Deputy Ed Straubing. On behalf of the NCSO and the Straubing family we thank our community for all the love and support shown during this very difficult time. We also ask that you continue to keep his family and the members of his NCSO family in your prayers. Ed was a great friend, devout Christian, model employee and his joyful presence will be missed by all at the NCSO and throughout our community.

In continuing evolution at the NCSO, we have made another upgrade to our departmental firing range. The range is utilized for training purposes by many law enforcement agencies in Navarro County. For over thirty years the steps leading down the hill to our range were made of bridge timbers and over time, the wood has rotted and become very unsafe and a liability. After exploring several options of replacing them with concrete, wood or metal and reviewing estimates, we were able to upgrade to these new metal steps this week thanks to Oil City Iron Works in Corsicana. They performed a turnkey fabrication of our new steps including handrails along with installation. We couldn't be happier with the final product and look forward to many years of use.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the Child Exploitation Unit (CEU) of his office assisted by deputies of the Navarro County Sheriff's Office arrested 29-year-old Michael Allen Carter, of Rice, on five counts of Possession of Child Pornography, a third-degree felony. Carter could face up to 10 years in prison per charge if convicted.

NCSO narcotics detectives conducted a narcotics investigation in the 600 block of Oakridge Circle in Corsicana. The deputies seized marijuana growing outside of the residence and a quantity of methamphetamine was also seized inside the residence. One suspect was arrested at the location.

Corporal Keith Lewis was on routine patrol in the 8000 block of NW 0150 Rice when he observed suspicious activity at the gated entrance to a pasture. Cpl. Lewis being proactive, approached the occupants of two vehicles parked at the location and ultimately during the course of an investigation seized over 4 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and prohibited weapons. The two suspects were arrested at the scene and charged with man/del over 4 under 200 grams a first degree felony and possession of prohibited weapon.

Two suspects were arrested by the NCSO narcotics unit in the 4000 block FM 1129 Roane. Approximately 11 ounces of marijuana along with baggies and scales were seized at the location along with $1,060 that’s subject to asset seizure. One suspect was arrested for POM >4oz<5lbs and one suspect was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

The Navarro County Sheriff’s Office currently has hay for sale. The hay is a mix of coastal, rye grass and Johnson grass that was recently baled at our Petty's Chapel farm. The hay is 4x6 net wrapped round bale hay. The price is $40 per roll with a ten roll minimum purchase. Loading is available. Contact Captain Jeramy Phillips at 903-654-3002 to purchase yours today.

The Sheriff's Office had approximately 3,691 calls for service in September and our Dispatch received 2,058 calls for assistance to 9-1-1. There were approximately 278 persons arrested and booked into the Navarro County Justice Center and the average daily jail population was 258 inmates. The Narcotics Unit arrested nine suspects, filed 14 criminal cases and served four outstanding arrest warrants. Eight inmates were transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and 13 other inmates were transferred to State Jail and SAFP units to serve their sentences.

This month we estrayed six cows, and two horses and transported them to the county farms. We also recovered $500 in estray fees this month and sold one estray horse at Hubbard Livestock Auction for $165.13

There were two resignations this month in detention. We are currently accepting applications for dispatch, detention, patrol and courthouse security. As in the past, applications will continue to be taken for any vacancy until the position is filled.

"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."
-Ronald Reagan

As always, God bless and be safe.

Sheriff Elmer Tanner