Sergeant Anthony Carter is working on a degree in criminal justice at Texas State University and currently has a 2.75 GPA. Tony has been with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office since 1999. He initially worked in the patrol division, was then promoted to detective in the narcotics unit and subsequently became patrol sergeant in 2005. Tony is an active member of the National Guard and was deployed in June 2005 on a peace-keeping mission in Kosovo where he served until November 2006. Without taking a break after returning from his deployment, Tony immediately resumed his duties at the Sheriff’s Office. As Sheriff Wilson stated in his letter of recommendation, “I have been impressed with his strong work ethic, knowledge in the law enforcement field and leadership skills.”  

Sergeant Kevin Leverenz is a graduate student at Texas State University and currently has a 4.0 GPA. Kevin has been with the Austin Police Department since 1994 and is a first-line supervisor. Some of his professional accomplishments include: TCLEOSE Master Peace Officer Certification, Monodnock Straight Baton Instructor, Quik-Kuf Instructor, certified TCLEOSE Instructor, two superior service citations, three safe driving awards, two academic achievement ribbons, APD SWAT school graduate, critical incident negotiator, chaired the criteria sub-committee for the Capital Region Amber Alert, establishing guidelines for Amber Alert activation in the 11-county region of Central Texas in 2002. Academically, Kevin attended the Westpoint Leadership Academy at APD in May 2003 and maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning nine graduate credit hours at TSU.

Jade Cruz Volunteer Award for Continued Outstanding Service

The 100 Club lost one of its young volunteers this year in a tragic automobile accident in Arizona. Jade Cruz was a high school senior at Lampasas High School with a bright future ahead of her. In honor of Jade, the following award was approved by the board to be given to outstanding volunteers for unselfish contributions in assisting families of first responders of central Texas in time of tragedy.

The first Jade Cruz Volunteer Award for Continued Outstanding Service went to Teri Howard. Teri is a single mother of an 18-year-old daughter and has relentlessly volunteered time for the past six years to assist with every fundraising event The 100 Club has hosted. Teri works in human resources for Windsor Foods in Lampasas. We couldn’t do all we do without Teri’s help.

Appreciation of Service Award

The 100 Club has hosted a fishing tournament for three years. This year our VP of Special Events, Grahame Jones, had to attend the FBI Academy and was gone for three months. In his absence, one of our volunteers –B. J. Stamper – stepped up to the plate and took over as tournament director. B.J.’s hard work and tenacity helped make the fishing tournament a great success. Thank you, B.J., for your dedicated service.

Circle of Excellence Award Winners Above and Beyond

the Call of Duty

The following 10 awards represent the excellence of our first responder community from all areas of Central Texas.

There were two awards for Outstanding Administrative Technician, three for Outstanding Team, two for Outstanding Officer, two for Lifetime Achievement and one Officer of the Year Award. Each individual winner received a trophy and a $100 gift certificate from Academy Sports and Outdoors – and each winner’s supervisor or department received an engraved trophy. Group award winners and their supervisors or departments received engraved trophies and a $25 gift certificate from Academy.

The first Outstanding Administrative Technician Award went to Department Secretary Jana Green with the San Marcos Fire Rescue Department. She was accompanied by Assistant Chief Len Nored. San Marcos Fire Rescue has 47 paid fire suppression personnel, including a chief and assistant chief. Their civilian administrative staff consists of one department secretary – Jana Green. Every phone call, form, document, letter, sales person, thank you and complaint filters through her office. Jana jokes about having 47 children and Assistant Fire Chief Nored couldn’t agree more. “She ‘mothers’ every one of us by listening to our problems and answering our every need,” he said. She has been with the City of San Marcos since 1984 and transferred to Fire Rescue in 1994. At that time, there were only 27 “children” for her to track. Other monetary demands have overshadowed the need for additional administrative staff. The good news is that with these demands, Jana has adapted by learning and mastering new skills, including managing the department’s Website – which rivals that of a large corporation. “Jana doesn’t respond to fire emergency calls per se,” continued Chief Nored, “but I dare say she puts out more ‘fires’ than all 47 of us combined. Simply put,” he said, “we couldn’t do what we do without her.” The only way organizations can successfully survive is with good administrative help. Thank you, Jana Green, for providing that to the San Marcos Fire Rescue Department – and by proxy to all the citizens of San Marcos.

The second Outstanding Administrative Technician Award went to Training Specialist Marilyn Moller with the Texas Highway Patrol, Region VII, Austin-Capitol. She was accompanied by Major Joel McKinney. Marilyn’s official title is Training Specialist for Region VII, but she also does a tremendous amount of work regarding victim services assistance. As the administrative technician backup for Major McKinney’s office, her duties generally consist of training, victim services and administrative technician duties. She is Region VII’s employee assistance officer and provides peer counseling for both commissioned and non-commissioned employees going through difficult situations. She also responds to numerous calls for Region VI Victim Services, based in the Waco-Austin area. “Marilyn consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty in her everyday responsibilities,” said Major McKinney. She takes it upon herself to make death notifications, spends time with families to assist in making arrangements, and provides information regarding the Crime Victims Compensation Act to those eligible. She responds to hospital and other emergency calls and sometimes spends hours or days with family members. Many times she is called out in the middle of the night to help. Marilyn produces a quarterly newsletter that provides crime prevention information, crime statistics, travel safety tips and other useful information to state employees. She also teaches CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training to Region VII employees. “Marilyn is a take charge, get it done, whatever it takes employee”, continued Major McKinney. “Her commitment to this Agency and Texas is without question.” Thank you, Marilyn Moller, for “getting it done” for the Texas Highway Patrol and the citizens of our fortunate state.

The first Outstanding Team Award went to seven Austin-Bergstrom Airport police officers who are team members of the Airport Public Safety Division. Sergeant Randy Mulroy; Officers Charles Croft, Robert Dikes, Bryan Evans, Derrick Hill, Ralynn Taylor, and Brandon Weiershausen. They were accompanied by Lieutenant Simone Graboskie. Early one day last June, an airport security officer was driving a security vehicle towards the airport terminal building when he noticed a car weaving in traffic. The car stopped and a distressed female got out. The officer and a passerby stopped to help what turned out to be a medical emergency for the car’s driver. Fortunately, the passerby happened to be an anesthesiologist from South Austin Medical Hospital. The officer and the passerby began CPR, and called the incident in to the Airport Public Safety Division. Officer Dikes responded, arrived on the scene, hooked up the AED and delivered one shock prior to other units arriving. Officers Taylor and Weiershausen arrived to assist the patient, and two additional shocks were delivered. Austin Fire and EMS arrived and took over patient care. A total of six shocks were delivered to the patient. Officers Hill and Evans blocked and directed traffic in order to protect the scene and those working in it. Sergeant Mulroy assisted with taking care of and calming the patient’s family. Within an hour, the patient was stabilized and transported to South Austin Medical by EMS and the family by Officer Croft. Airports can be stressful and this was an out-of-town family. Without the quick thinking and soothing actions of these first responders, it is quite possible the patient would have died. Congratulations to you all for making us safer at our airport.            

The second Outstanding Team Award went to seven Austin-Bergstrom Airport personnel who, like the first team award winners, are team members of the Airport Public Safety Division. Aviation Security Officers Ruben Archuleta and Jose Vargas; Aviation Security Officer Supervisor Steve Cervantes; Aviation Training Assistant Perla Compton; and Public Safety Emergency Management Police Officers Darrell Bedford, Mark Nogacki and Monty Pearson. They were accompanied by Lieutenant Simone Graboskie. Last August, a passenger fell down on the lower level in front of Austin’s airport. Airport security personnel reacted quickly and were at his side in seconds. They immediately recognized that the passenger had gone into cardiac arrest. Officers Cervantes and Compton started CPR while another security guard retrieved an AED. The AED indicated a shock was needed. PSEM Officers Bedford, Nogacki and Pearson arrived with additional medical equipment. Officer Bedford prepared the oxygen system while Officer Nogacki applied the non re-breather mask with oxygen and Officer Pearson assisted with chest compressions and breaths. This continued until EMS arrived and took over patient care. Prior to the arrival of EMS, the passenger had been shocked six times by these first responders. He was speedily transported to the hospital and survived. These first responders took quick action, which directly led to the survival of this man. It was gratifying that the training they received was put to productive use and saved the person’s life. They worked together as a team and are hereby recognized for their achievement. Kudos to you all – thank you for being there when you were needed.

The third Outstanding Team Award went to the eight officers of The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Team; Sergeant Mike Sorenson, Officer’s Sean Cox, Javier Melendez, Andy Perez, Reynaldo Ramirez, Rick Romero, Ken Rylander, Gary Schultz, and Joe Waring. They were accompanied by Sheriff Jim Wilson. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Team was formed due to the ever-increasing need for specialized officers to respond to psychiatric emergency crises. The CIT unit is composed of officers who respond to all Williamson County law enforcement agencies, as well as EMS, hospitals, and citizens who request services. Each member must be aware of all State laws, as well as the Texas Health and Safety Code – which directs officers on how to handle psychiatric situations. Their communication skills have to be super effective in order to de-escalate crises and avoid using force for resolution. They responded to 2,285 calls for psychiatric emergencies in 2006 and had to use force on only two occasions – which is a direct result of their communication skills. The unit diverted 570 people from the criminal justice system, who were better served by other assistance and saved the County over one million dollars last year. The County’s EMS only responded to 505 calls of a psychiatric nature last year – a difference of 373 calls from the previous year. This leaves EMS available to respond to medical emergencies. CIT has also been effective in utilizing less restrictive means in assisting people in a crisis rather than taking them to an inpatient mental health facility. Stats for emergency detentions from Williamson County to a State hospital in 2005 were 367 – the number in 2006 was 226. These incredible statistics are due to patience and the training the unit members receive. They are able to handle delicate problems in a manner that is in the person’s best interest and as safe as possible for all concerned. We applaud each and every one of you and appreciate the service you provide the people of Williamson County and the State of Texas.

The first Outstanding Officer Award went to Detective Kevin Bartles with theCentralized Theft / Pawn Unit of the Austin Police Department. He was accompanied by Acting Chief Cathy Ellison. Kevin became an officer in 1989 and immediately began working in APD’s Centralized Theft / Pawn Unit. He is such a thorough investigator that he is known as an “officer’s officer.” Two years ago, he spearheaded aninvestigation which culminated last year in solving crimes involving 204 victims and 42 suspects. These crimes mushroomed into three organized crime rings involving thefts,burglaries, identity theft, forgeries, counterfeiting, credit and debit card abuse and manufacturing of crystal meth. A large number of the victims weren’t even aware they had been victimized until Kevin notified them. There were a number of cases where, after the victims’ mail was stolen, the suspects would then steal their identities and commit subsequent crimes. The victims suffered a combined loss of $146,490.23. To date, four have been federally prosecuted and others have either been locally prosecuted or are pending prosecution. Kevin also credits the contributions of numerous government agencies and in particular APD Detectives Mike Zeniecki and Leslie Kyle. In emails and phone calls, the victims all expressed everlasting thanks. “Not bad for something that started with a tip from a pawn shop manager,” wrote Kevin in a departmental email. According to APD Commander Duane McNeill, this is the type of criminal investigation Kevin handles all the time and is in the habit of spending numerous hours of his own time working cases. “This is the kind of dedication Kevin has to his job,” said Commander McNeill. “My words will not do justice to the kind of recognition Detective Bartles deserves for the amazing work he does on a daily basis.” Our words don’t do justice either, but we hope this award will show our appreciation for all you do to catch the bad guys.

The second Outstanding Officer Award went to Criminal Intelligence Service SergeantDonald Clendennen withthe Texas Department ofPublic Safety. He was accompanied by Colonel Tommy Davis. Donald received this award in recognition of his many years of high-quality work for DPS in criminal fraud investigation. He became a certified member of the prestigious global Association of Certified Fraud examiners in 2002, where membership requires 20 hours of continued education each calendar year. In 2002, he was lead investigator into the fraudulent altering of birth certificates by a Texas Department of Health employee. In 2003, he investigated fraudulent information provided by a Texas Department of Health employee on an application to become the department’s director – a serious matter. In the first part of 2004, Donald led an investigation in which 21 charges were filed and nine defendants – all state employees – were arrested for Tampering with Government Records while working in a State office building. Also in 2004, as lead over 10 other investigators and in coordination with the Texas Attorney General’s office and the Williamson County DA’s office, he delved into theft and fraudulent business practices of a company which had public oversight and where there were concerns of the company’s vulnerability to acts of terrorism. All suspects were convicted within a month. “As a result of the above investigations,” said DPS Director Thomas A. Davis Jr., “Over 20 individuals have been indicted and arrested, over one million dollars in currency and property have been seized and over 150 investigative reports have been submitted documenting the investigation activity of all Criminal Intelligence Investigations involved in these criminal cases.” Thank you, Sergeant Clendennen, for demonstrating selfless devotion above and beyond expectations.

The first Lifetime Achievement Award went to Senior Police Officer John Nelsonwith the Austin Police Department. He was accompanied by Commander Jim O’Leary. John has over 30 years of dedicated police service and has received 44commendations; including the 30-Year Honorable Conduct Citation, Safe Driving Ribbon with four Silver Stars, Meritorious Unit citation, Master Peace Officer Ribbon, three Certificates of Appreciation, Certificate of Appreciation from the DEA, and the BASICS Certificate of Distinction. He previously worked in Patrol, Traffic Platoon Squad, Special Crimes, Narcotics, Narcotics Street Interdiction Unit, Major Violators, DEA/Metro Task Force Unit, and the District Representative Unit. He is a totally dedicated, well-rounded officer now notable for being a mentor, teacher and leader to all who serve in the Northwest District Representative Unit of APD and the area’s citizens. John recently established a networking system throughout Austin that allows him to easily identify and contact appropriate personnel in incidents resolution. He continues to inspire and lead just as he did early in his career when he worked Narcotics. Officer safety is paramount to him whether the officer is undercover or a district representative. Commonly referred to as “Rooster,” John has a reputation for being a “good cop.” According to Sergeant Gena Davis, supervisor of the NWDR Unit, “whether Officer Nelson has received a commendation from the U.S. Department of Justice or from a group of Jollyville Elementary children, his words are still the same – ‘thank you.’” Well, back at you, Officer Nelson – thank you for being there for us for 30 years and making our lives – and the lives of other officers – a whole lot safer.

The second Lifetime Achievement Award went to Sergeant Donna Maga with theUniversity of Texas at Austin Police Department. She was accompanied by Chief Robert Dahlstrom. Donna has represented UT and the UTPD in an excellent manner for over 29 years. A trailblazer for women officers; she was one of the first females to serve UTPD as a police officer, criminal investigator, and sergeant. As UTPD’s senior member, she is currently its representative on the University’s Behavioral Assessment Team, Threat Assessment Team, Voices Against Violence, Sexual Assault Response Team, Juvenile Officer, Victim’s Rights Representatives, and is a Certified Hostage Negotiator. She conducts in-service training for officers and is the lead instructor for practical problems. She also supervises two units within the Support Service Division. Donna recently procured two computer programs which increased efficiency and improved customer service. The first was a Leads on Line database which allows law enforcement personnel to query not only local, but nationwide pawn shop records. As a result, over $30,000 of stolen property was recovered. The second was a law enforcement application of LEXIS NEXIS which lets UTPD quickly and efficiently query a criminal’s background, residence history, relatives, known associates, utility history and other information resulting in speedier case solving. “Sergeant Maga provides the leadership and professionalism we should all strive for in our careers,” said UTPD Captain Don Verett. “Under her supervision and direction,” he continued, “the Crime Prevention Unit has won numerous awards and initiated new and innovative projects to assist with theft clearance rates.” Kudos to you, Sergeant Maga. We’re proud to present you with this well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.

Officer of the Year Award

for 2007

Steve McCraw, director of the Governor’s Office
of Homeland Security presented The 100 Club’s Officer of the Year Award to Officer Patrick Pace with the Jonestown Police Department.

He was accompanied by Chief John Stetar. Pat received this award for rescuing a woman in a fire-engulfed mobile home and putting his life at risk at the same time. Last April, about 7 am, Pat wasdispatched to a residential fire several miles outside the city near the Round Mountain intersection. Upon arriving he observed a smoking and burning double-wide mobile home. He banged on exterior windows and walls trying to get the attention of anyone inside. After no response, he entered a sliding glass door. Smoke and fire had almost engulfed the home, but he circled the smoldering rooms and called out several times – again, no response. Needing to breathe, he left through the front door, caught his breath, entered a second time and called out again – without response. He began a final retreat when he heard a muffled voice coming from inside. He stepped back outside, caught his breath and re-entered a third time – this time crawling on the heated floor. Out of breath, he found a semi-conscious woman on the floor leaning against a piece of furniture, grabbed her and began to pull her towards the door. The home was becoming an inferno. Fortunately, other emergency units arrived and assisted helping Pat get the woman to safety. The woman was flown to Brackenridge Hospital by Starflight and Pat was transported to Round Rock Medical Center where he was treated for smoke inhalation. Both the woman and Pat have recovered. If not for his heroic actions in re-entering the home a third time, the woman would have died within minutes. What makes this incident more significant is Pat’s miraculous survival when he was an 18-month-old tot. He and several other children were playing at Pat’s old wood-frame home. One of the children played with the gas valve on one of the heaters and a few minutes later, the children – except for Pat – left the room. The room filled with gas, which was ignited by the water heater’s pilot light – and the room exploded with Pat inside. Though barely alive and burned all over, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he sustained second and third degree burns over most of his body. His lungs were scorched and survival odds were slim. After months of recovery, therapy and skin grafts, he slowly recovered and has gone on to lead a normal life. The scarring on his lungs makes him extremely sensitive to smoky environments – which makes his actions last April even more admirable. Pat’s wife “Sissy” and several family members and friends were there to show their support. We understand he is an avid sports fan and plays and coaches softball teams. However, wewere informed that when he roots for the Dallas Cowboys, they lose. We salute you, Officer PatPace. You are a winner and the personification of heroism above-and-beyond the call of duty.

We want to thank all of the award winners for going way above and beyond their job descriptions to make our city, counties, state and country safe. The next time you see a first responder, please stop and say “thank you.”

We would also like to say thanks to members of the Awards Committee – retired Judge Phil Sanders and retired APD Commander Robert Gross.

Thanks to The Game Warden’s Police Officers Association for the donation of their in-kind services and for frying up a fantastic catfish dinner with all the trimmings. Thanks, guys!