Monthly Report for September 2017

Dear Citizens,

Let me first start by saying that our hearts and prayers go out to all those in Houston and all other surrounding areas devastated by Hurricane Harvey. It is in the most difficult times, the majority of people are most compelled to help and rise to the occasion. It is in times like this past week when we see the humanity and the kindness of strangers at its best. The rescue and recovery efforts I have watched over the past few days not only of first responders from everywhere working for 24 hours straight to get people to safety and help the wounded, but watching strangers from all over the state of Texas and even farther, join together to help. Making a difference. People helping one another, regardless of their race, religion, background or political beliefs. I'm sure I speak for many when I say I find comfort and have renewed faith from seeing all these "heroes", knowing that good people will never stop helping others and coming together when the need arises and in the face of adversity.

As you well know, back to school time is an important event for our entire community and it is hard to believe summer is over and students are back in class. Back to school is always a very busy time for everyone and it really does affect us all. So please, during this busy time, be extra cautious when driving and in traffic. Be mindful of all our school zones especially during the morning hours and early afternoons. Keep an extra look out for potential hazards around our schools and in neighborhoods where children play. Slow down and increase your stopping distances.

School buses are back on the road so please be aware of school bus routes in your neighborhood and throughout your daily travel. Leave plenty of time and space for buses. With school traffic, anticipate delays in your travel and leave early enough so you’re not in a rush. Remember there is a new Middle School this year on FM 744 in Corsicana and we will have added traffic around an already busy area at school times. Always remember when approaching a school zone or school bus on the road, be prepared to stop for bus and pedestrian traffic and by all means do not text and drive. Obey ALL "no cell phone" posted signs. I want to thank all of you who help make our education system an integral, positive force in our community. Our children are counting on us to work together so that going back to school is rewarding, fun and a safe time for all Navarro County residents.

A big thank you to Pshaun Martin and Tammy Sloan of the NCSO for your representation, assistance and smiles at this month’s back to school rally held in Corsicana.

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for voting me "2017 Best of the Best Navarro County Law Enforcement Officer". Being voted "Best of the Best" for four years in a row now, I feel not only honored but I am humbled, greatly appreciate your encouragement, support and will continue to take pride in staying dedicated to serving the citizens of this county.

The NCSO SWAT team, crisis negotiators and patrol were deployed to an armed and barricaded suicidal suspect, with shots fired in Powell. The four hour tactical standoff was resolved with one suspect in custody.

The Navarro County Sheriff’s Office is continuing with efforts to keep illegal drugs out of Navarro County while enforcing the laws of the State of Texas. These are some recent examples of our dedication to narcotic enforcement.

Deputy Caleb Loftis performed a traffic stop 8/28/17 on South Austin Street in Richland and arrested two suspects while seizing a quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Deputy Rick Jamison performed a traffic stop 8/29/17 on Oak Valley Lane near FM 2555 and arrested two suspects while seizing a quantity methamphetamine and marijuana.

Lieutenant Clint Andrews and Sergeant Ricky Ragan of the narcotics division arrested one suspect and seized a quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana and also served a misdemeanor arrest warrant during a narcotics investigation in the 3000 block of Kenwood in Corsicana on 8/29/17.

Corporal Shane Richards performed a traffic stop 8/29/17 in the 100 block of West 1st avenue in Corsicana and arrested one suspect while seizing a quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana and also served two felony arrest warrants.

Lieutenant Clint Andrews and Sergeant Ricky Ragan of the narcotics division arrested two suspects during the course of a traffic stop 8/29/17 at FM 709 & FM 2555 in Retreat. One suspect was arrested after a quantity of methamphetamine was seized and one suspect was arrested for traffic violation.

NCSO narcotics detectives executed a narcotics search warrant in the 500 block of SE 3104 Eureka. During the execution of the search warrant, approximately 6.5 grams of methamphetamine and $386 was seized and two suspects were arrested at the location. Both suspects were charged with a first degree felony of Man Del CS PG 1 > 4g < 200g and two additional outstanding felony arrest warrants were served.

I would like to recognize these officers and their hard work and dedication to keeping our communities safe by taking these drugs off the street and keeping them out of the hands of our youth.

We want to say congratulations to Sergeant Melanie Cagle on being promoted to Lieutenant of the Communications Division. Lt. Cagle began her career at the NCSO in 2001 as a dispatcher and after working 8 years in that capacity she transferred to the patrol division. Lt. Cagle worked as a patrol deputy for four years before being promoted to Sergeant in Dispatch where she has served the past four years.

We also want to congratulate Deputy Rosa Ella Ward who has completed the patrol FTO program and is now assigned to Courthouse Security.

Congratulations to all the Navarro College Police Academy graduates including our own Clayton VanLoocke who received the Dave Garrett award for his hard work and dedication.

Last month I had the opportunity to attend the Sheriff’s Association of Texas 139th Annual Training Conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort Convention Center in Grapevine. Over 1,500 were in attendance. There were over 240 exhibits at the Expo where attendees could get familiar with the latest technology and products offered to the Law Enforcement and Corrections Community. The first Sheriffs’ Association of Texas Conference was held in Corsicana in 1878. Held annually in various cities across the state, this event allows Sheriffs, Deputies, Federal, State, and City Law Enforcement Officers to network and discuss different issues that affect law enforcement across the state and nation. This year, participants received training on a variety of topics including: State Agency Updates, Social Media Education, Parole Warrants, Mail Fraud, Immigration Issues, Mental Health Issues in Jails, New Forensic Techniques used in Investigations, Court Securities Texas Public Safety Broadband Program, Border Initiatives, and Securing Our Communities. Through the support of their members, Sheriff’s Association of Texas provides training, legal/technical information, and other critical resources to Peace Officers in Texas. The Sheriff’s Association of Texas also offers college scholarships to Peace Officers and their children who wish to continue their education. In addition, they honor Fallen Officers with their Lost Lawman Memorial.

The Navarro County Sheriff's Office facilitated a County Corrections Firearms Course for our newly hired officers last month. The three day course consisted of classroom instruction and hands on training at the NCSO gun range. The course was taught by Sergeant Jeff Harbuck and Reserve Captain Jimmy Johnson.

A big thank you to Kelly Jo Lovett from New Century Hospice and Alma Espinoza from Country Meadows Nursing Home, Navarro Regional Hospital, Twilight Home and Jordan Health Services for their generous donations of Gatorade and food to the NCSO officers. Thank you most of all for your passion for people in need and providing those needs.

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 3,519 calls for service in August and our Dispatch received 1,879 calls for assistance to 9-1-1. There were approximately 318 persons arrested and booked into the Navarro County Justice Center and the average daily jail population was 258 inmates. The Narcotics Unit arrested 17 suspects, filed 18 criminal cases and served 11 outstanding arrest warrants. Eleven inmates were transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and 21 other inmates were transferred to State Jail and SAFP units to serve their sentences.

This month we estrayed six cows, and two donkeys and transported them to the county farm in Angus. We also recovered $640 in estray fees this month.

There were three resignations this month and currently have vacancies in dispatch, detention and courthouse security. As in the past, applications will continue to be taken for any vacancy until the position is filled.

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another."-Charles Dickens

As always, God bless and be safe.

Sheriff Elmer Tanner