Monthly Report for October 2023
Dear Citizens,
This month we recognized National First Responders Day on October 28th which spotlights the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes. What does a first responder do? Just think about 9/11 for a moment.
Firefighters, police, paramedics, and more, rushing into Lower Manhattan. 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? What if they all walked out.
I am 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.
SCAM ALERT:
We have received reports that someone is making phone calls identifying themselves as the Navarro County Sheriff's Office. The scammer states that the potential victim has warrants and can pay a fine to avoid jail time. The scammer is able to manipulate caller ID to make it seem like the call is coming from the Navarro County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office will NEVER ask for payment over the phone or offer to negotiate for reduced payment in lieu of arrest. Anyone with questions about a warrant may call the courts or local law enforcement. If you receive a phone call of this nature, DO NOT give them any information. Hang up the phone and call NCSO at (903)654-3002.
The countywide Burn Ban has been lifted.
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 Arlington. Our crisis negotiators must attend a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education annually to maintain their certification. This year with over 400 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.
I was honored in being asked to be a guest speaker at the Professional Bondsmen of Texas 53rd Annual Convention in San Antonio. I, along with other law enforcement professionals, spoke on the issues about Border Security and "How it Impacts Criminal Justice and Bail." I was thankful for the opportunity to speak on such an important topic that affects all Texans.
Kristen Bates of the NCSO and Navarro County Crime stoppers coordinator Rene Woods attended the 34th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Conference in McAllen.
Our patrol division assisted by the criminal investigation division recovered several items of stolen equipment valued at over one hundred thousand dollars during the course of an investigation in the 7800 Block of NE CR 2050 near Roane. The NCSO also executed a search warrant at the location and the suspect was arrested for possession of controlled substance PG 1 over 1 under 4 grams and theft.
Crime of the Month:
On October 25th, Navarro County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to 772 E State Hwy 31, Kerens in reference to a burglary. The victim reported that 2 61" Spartan RZ HD series zero turn mowers were missing from the property. The complainant advised fence was cut and how the mowers were removed from the property.
If you have any information involving this crime, please contact Navarro County Sheriff's Office at (903)654-3001 and ask for Sgt. Wilson. If you would like to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at (903)874-8477 or submit a tip online at www.p3tipscom/1464 .
This month the NCSO participated in numerous community wide events:
We attended National Night Out celebrations in both Corsicana and Oak Valley where I along with our deputies were proud to participate in these events. Deputy JJ Freeland represented the NCSO at the Dawson Homecoming Parade. Members of our tactical, patrol and communications divisions represented the NCSO at the Home Depot Public Safety Event.
NCSO Deputy Jamison had an awesome opportunity to spend some time and read a book to the children at The Eagles Nest Play to Learn Center. 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.
Definitely a perfect fall Saturday for enjoying the people, food, fun and music of the Kerens Cotton Festival. I do hope if you were in attendance, you were able to stop by the Navarro County Sheriff's Office tent, visit with our Deputies and pick up some of our information and goodies for the kids.
This month we introduce our newest NCSO correctional officer Thomas Williams. We also congratulate Deputy Michael Feemster who has transferred from corrections to the patrol division as well as our newest NCSO patrol deputy Dakota Yates. Deputy comes to the NCSO with a total of five years' law enforcement experience with McLennan and Bosque counties. Deputy Yates is a state certified peace officer and correctional officer who has spent the past three years with Bosque county as a patrol officer. We wish them all the best of luck with their new positions at the NCSO.
The Sheriff's Office had approximately 2,565 calls for service in October and our dispatch received 2,102 calls for assistance to 9-1-1. There were approximately 200 persons arrested and booked into the Navarro County Justice Center and the average daily jail population was 227 inmates. Thirteen inmates were transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and six inmates were transferred to State Jail and SAFP Units to serve their sentences. In October, we estrayed eleven cows, one bull, as well as sold one estray bull at Corsicana Livestock Auction and one estray horse at Elkhart Horse Sale for a total of $501.30. There was a total of $725 collected in estray fees.
We are accepting applications for all divisions and currently have vacancies in detention, dispatch, patrol, 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.
"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."
-William Arthur Ward
As always, God Bless and be safe.
Sheriff Elmer Tanner
Elmer Tanner