Public Safety Heroes Awards Banquet
Recognizing honor and valor
From The Woodlands Township
THE WOODLANDS- Thirteen public safety heroes were recognized on March 6 for going the extra mile to make The Woodlands and South Montgomery County a safe community as The Woodlands Township hosted the 14th Annual Public Safety Heroes Awards Banquet with the theme “Recognizing Honor &Valor” presented by Huntsman Corporation.
Held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center with more than 300 honorees, guests, and community leaders in attendance, the event paid tribute to 13 individuals in public safety from 13 different jurisdictions and agencies in South Montgomery County. Each was nominated by their peers and superiors for outstanding community service.
The awardees included:
* Deputy Tom Conklin of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office – Town Center
* Lieutenant Andrew Eason of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office – The Woodlands
* Detective Brent Akin of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office – Detective Division
* Captain Charles Lowrie of the Montgomery County Constable’s Office – Precinct 3
* Sergeant Van B. Smith of the Shenandoah Police Department
* Officer Daniel McGrew of Oak Ridge North Police Department
* Sergeant Patrick Hernandez of the Texas Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol Division
* Sergeant Matthew Blakelock of the Conroe Independent School District Police Department
* Sergeant Robert Newberry of the Lone Star College Police Department
* Driver-Operator Gary Snider Bennett of The Woodlands Fire Department
* Paramedic Supervisor Paul Gould, Jr. of the Montgomery County Hospital District – EMS
* Sergeant George Williamson of Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol
* Lieutenant Bob Watts of AlliedBarton Security Services – The Woodlands Mall
The Woodlands Township (the Township) hosts this event each year, along with support and sponsorships from many other businesses and individuals in The Woodlands and South Montgomery County area.
This year, the major sponsors were Huntsman Corporation, The Woodlands Township, D&D Collision Specialist, and Sterling Bank. Other sponsors included Alpha & Omega Service Inc., Bayside Printing, CB&I, City of Shenandoah, Community Associations of The Woodlands, Constable Tim Holifield, MICRO-MAINFRAME, Milstead Automotive, Munday Chevrolet, Null-Lairson P.C., Schwartz, Page & Harding, L.L.P., and The Woodlands Development Company.
Nelda Luce Blair, Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Township, said, “This is certainly one of the most worthwhile events in our community, and we have once again produced an exceptional program for these special heroes. Since The Woodlands has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, these individuals deserve our recognition and appreciation.”
Stephen P. Sumner, Sr., Vice President of Operations and Public Safety for The Woodlands Township, added, “We are proud to recognize and honor all the public safety personnel who make South Montgomery County and The Woodlands Township one of the safest places in the country to live, shop, work and play. The dedication and exemplary service of these thirteen outstanding individuals has earned them special recognition from their peers as well as their supervisors. We are grateful for the support from the local business community that has helped show our appreciation to these fine public safety representatives who truly deserve to be acknowledged.”
The program was highlighted by a commemorative video produced by Silver Rock Productions, which illustrated the unique story about each individual’s on-the-job contributions. Community leader and the Township’s Second Vice-Chairman Bruce Tough served as the honorary master of ceremonies, while the Oak Ridge High School Air Force Jr. ROTC Color Guard performed a Presentation of Colors, followed by the 2009 Woodlands Idol, Marlies Fitch Ledbetter, singing performance of the National Anthem.
Each honoree received letters of recognition from United States Congressman Kevin Brady and State Senator Tommy Williams. In addition, each honoree received a commemorative shadow box of memorabilia, as well as special gifts contributed by generous local merchants in The Woodlands.
DETAILS OF HEROIC ACTIONS
Recipient #1
Tom Conklin, Deputy, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office – District 6 – Town Center
Our first recipient from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, District 6, Town Center, truly knows that it’s “hip” to be “square.” Deputy Tom Conklin has sixteen years law enforcement experience and has been with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for over two years. In 2008, Deputy Conklin was the first deputy assigned to Waterway Square foot patrol. His initiatives and professionalism have set the standard for a more personal level of providing public safety.
Deputy Conklin realizes that this form of policing is not unique and he understands that a personal touch goes a long way. Business owners, office workers, residents and visitors alike all appreciate that “their” deputy, Tom Conklin, is just around the corner.
While most of his fellow peace officers are patrolling the streets in a patrol vehicle Deputy Conklin is walking. When the foot patrol unit was introduced Deputy Conklin jumped at the chance to take policing to a new level. He understood that he could make a difference by not only being seen, but by being felt. Whether he is meeting with business owners one on one, greeting people along The Woodlands Waterway or visiting with patrons visiting local businesses his professionalism is reassuring to all. Additionally, while Deputy Conklin and the foot patrol has been beneficial to everyone in the Waterway Square area, it has also proven to be beneficial to Deputy Conklin personally. He has lost thirty pounds!
Deputy Conklin has received letters of praise from many business owners, residents and visitors. One such letter from a business owner reflects, “Deputy Conklin and the foot patrol are an outstanding support for our business and invaluable to the safety and comfort of our guests.” Another states, “it is refreshing and comforting to know that
Deputy Conklin is always close by, the professionalism of Deputy Conklin is top notch”.
Deputy Tom Conklin has been married to his wife Kathie for thirty-three years and has two children, Jeff and Kellie. Presenting tonight’s award to Deputy Conklin is Lieutenant David Dottei. Ladies and gentleman please help me honor our hero, Deputy Tom Conklin.
Recipient #2
Andrew Eason, Lieutenant, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office – District 2 – The Woodlands
The next recipient has continually been promoted through the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office ranks ever since his career began in 1992. Lieutenant Andrew Eason had served as a jailer, patrol deputy, detective, and sergeant before becoming the Lieutenant over District 2, which includes The Woodlands.
Lieutenant Eason has a successful history in The Woodlands and South Montgomery County. This history has served him and the community well. He began this successful path by patrolling the neighborhoods of The Woodlands. There he honed his skills, knowledge of public safety and the community he served. From the streets of The Woodlands he was promoted to Sergeant and where he oversaw the law enforcement aspects of the Town Center. While serving the Town Center his leadership was instrumental in the growth of personnel and the beginnings of the bike patrol unit that continues today. Additionally, under his leadership the Town Center became its own District.
Not one to shy away from personnel growth or challenges, Andrew Eason then was promoted to Lieutenant. He took on the responsibility of overseeing the creation of The Woodlands, as its own division, and the entire District 2. From the beginning Lieutenant Eason has taken a pro-active approach to policing, initiating a community policing philosophy throughout South Montgomery County.
The community policing philosophy builds bridges between the law enforcement officers that serve and the residents of the community. South Montgomery County and The Woodlands have truly benefited from the progressive and professional achievements of Lieutenant Eason.
Lieutenant Andrew Eason is married to Michelle and has two daughters, Miranda and Marisa. Presenting tonight’s award to Lieutenant Eason is Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Lieutenant Andrew Eason.
Recipient #3
Brent Akin, Detective, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office – Detective Division
During his tenure as a detective with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, this next recipient has successfully investigated a vast variety of crimes. Detective Brent Akin, has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1988 and is currently assigned to The Woodlands investigating property and person’s cases.
In February 2008, Detective Akin was assigned a theft case. During the investigation, the female victim asked Detective Akin to look into an unsolved home invasion-attempted sexual assault case she had filed in 2006. In that case, the victim was asleep when an unknown male broke into her apartment. The suspect used a cloth and baseball cap in an attempted to silence his victim and sexually assault her. The victim fought back as the suspect struck her several times in the face and used a box cutter to cut her. Through the victims continued screams and fight the suspect fled, leaving behind his baseball cap.
The victim advised law enforcement that the suspect looked like an upstairs neighbor. During the initial investigation, patrol deputies canvassed the area, but found no suspect. The upstairs neighbor had moved a few weeks prior to the assault with no known location.
After learning about this case and further review, Detective Akin found that the upstairs neighbor was currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Corrections for sexual assault. Detective Akin also learned the suspect’s baseball cap had been collected as evidence during the initial investigation, which he then had analyzed for DNA through the appropriate channels. It was soon discovered that the DNA in the baseball cap belonged to the suspect that once lived upstairs from the victim. The suspect continues to be incarcerated in the Texas Department of Corrections.
Detective Akin’s willingness to take extra time with the victim, his persistence and investigative knowledge and experience, resulted in this case being successfully solved and justice served.
Detective Brent Akin is married to Catherine and has a daughter, Emily. Presenting tonight’s award to Detective Akin is his daughter, Emily Akin. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Detective Brent Akin.
Recipient #4
Charles Lowrie, Captain, Montgomery County Constable’s Office – Precinct 3
Until his recent retirement Captain Charles Lowrie served the Montgomery County Constable’s Office – Precinct 3 for sixteen years. However, Captain Lowrie started his service-oriented career in 1962 with the United States Marine Corps. After returning from Vietnam in 1968 he enrolled in Sam Houston State University and began his prestigious law enforcement career with the Precinct 1 Constable’s Department in Harris County in 1973.
He obtained his Criminal Justice Degree and was hired by then Sheriff, Gene Reeves in 1975. At that time the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office employed approximately 30 people. Charles signed on as a patrol deputy and worked his way up to the rank of Captain. During his tenure with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office he formed the first training academy in Montgomery County, in 1977, and was responsible for the training of countless police officers.
Captain Lowrie also served as Chairman of the Sam Houston State University Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Committee, Chairman for the Bail Bond Board of Montgomery County, and served as legal liaison between the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office, assisting with lawsuits brought against the county.
He saw a need for training in the surrounding counties and in 1980 started the San Jacinto County Law Enforcement Academy, where he instructed until 1984. After years of hard work he was able to secure regional status for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Academy in 1985, at which time he served as founder and first director. In 1986, he formed Montgomery County’s first Emergency Services Team.
The benefits of Charles’ accomplishments throughout his career are enjoyed today by
deputies who weren’t even born when he took his first oath of office. For all these reasons, and countless others, Captain Charles Lowrie is being honored tonight.
Captain Charles Lowrie has three children, Kurt, Sean and Sara and three grandchildren. Presenting tonight’s award to Captain Lowrie is Captain Jim Garrett, United States Marine Corp Retired. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Captain Charles Lowrie.
Recipient #5
Van B. Smith, Sergeant, Shenandoah Police Department
This next recipient of tonight’s Public Safety Heroes Awards is from the Shenandoah Police Department. Sergeant Van B. Smith has been a member of the department for more than ten years, six of which he has served as a supervisor for the Patrol Division.
Sergeant Smith is one of the longest serving members of the department and has been a guiding force during the city’s amazing growth and transition during the past decade. Sergeant Smith embodies the professionalism and high standards demanded of the men and women serving in the Shenandoah Police Department. Sergeant Smith is a role model for all of the officers under his command.
Sergeant Smith is a consummate professional and continuously demonstrates compassion, control, and maturity in very difficult circumstances, which is evidenced by
the numerous citizen commendations and professional accolades that he has received over his law enforcement career. He is looked upon as the “rock” of the Patrol Division and his even temper and careful thought is relied upon both by the rookie officer and seasoned veteran.
A true leader, Sergeant Smith has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the CISD Woodforest Stadium Traffic Management Program and the accomplishment of the department attaining the CALEA accreditation.
Sergeant Smith is the kind of supervisor that every Chief wishes he could have a force full of and the kind of man that everyone is proud to call a friend. He holds an
Advanced Peace Officers Certification, is certified as an Emergency Care Attendant, and is currently in attendance at the prestigious Law Enforcement Institute’s Leadership Command College.
Sergeant Van B. Smith is married to Elaine and has two sons, Nathaniel and Samuel. Presenting tonight’s award to Sergeant Smith is his wife Elaine Smith. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Sergeant Van B. Smith.
Recipient #6
Daniel McGrew, Officer, Oak Ridge North Police Department
Tonight Oak Ridge North Police Department is honoring, Officer Daniel McGrew, who has served there for three years. On January 15, 2008, Officer Daniel McGrew of the Oak Ridge North Police Department responded to an “attempt to locate” call. Information that was dispatched gave a vehicle description and license plate number from a robbery that had occurred earlier in the day at the Wal-Mart located at I-45 and 242.
Officer McGrew spotted the vehicle in question, which had also been reported as stolen through Harris County, southbound on I-45. He initiated a traffic stop, but rather than pull over, the suspect accelerated his vehicle and attempted to evade Officer McGrew. In pursuit, Officer McGrew watched as the suspect’s vehicle become stuck after striking a median. The suspects exited the vehicle and ran from Officer McGrew, who gave chase. Running over one mile, one of the suspects was subsequently tackled by two citizens and Office McGrew and taken into custody.
It was later learned that one of the suspects was associated with a violent California based street gang, the Arias Homicide Gang. After a thorough search of the suspect’s vehicle, several weapons were inventoried for evidence, with one weapon being shown as stolen out of Walker County. Investigation of the suspects showed that they had been involved in numerous robberies in the Montgomery – Walker County areas, including one home invasion and the aggravated robbery in the Wal-Mart parking lot.
Due to Officer McGrew’s actions, the suspects were arrested, charged and convicted of the robberies. One suspect, a juvenile, was certified as an adult and received thirty years
in the Texas Department of Corrections. His partner received thirty-three years for his part in the crimes.
The Oak Ridge North Police Department is proud of this and other cases where Officer McGrew has stood out among his peers as a truly outstanding Peace Officer. Therefore, we nominate him as our Public Safety Hero.
Officer Daniel McGrew recently became engaged to Jackie DelaCruz. Presenting tonight’s award to Officer McGrew is his fiancé Jacquie DeLaCruz. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Officer Daniel McGrew.
Recipient #7
Patrick Hernandez, Sergeant, Texas Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol Division
The Texas Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol has many outstanding troopers and tonight’s honoree is a perfect representation of this department. Sergeant Patrick Hernandez has been with the Department of Public Safety for over 23 years.
Sergeant Hernandez started his career right here in Montgomery County. After
graduating from the D.P.S. academy in 1985 Patrick served as a Highway Patrol Trooper in the New Caney area, and continued that role for eighteen years. With growth taking place in South Montgomery County and The Woodlands, the area was assigned as a specific highway patrol station in September 2002, with Patrick being promoted to Sergeant over that station.
During Sergeant Hernandez’s tenure in The Woodlands area, he personally trained and supervised well over twenty-five newly assigned Highway Patrol Troopers. With the professional training received through Sergeant Hernandez, many of these Troopers advanced their own careers through promotion within the department.
Over the past eight years, Sergeant Hernandez has served on many interview boards, interviewing prospective Troopers for the department. He supported many programs and special events within The Woodlands by scheduling personnel where needed. Additionally, he developed relationships and maintained close contact with local law enforcement agencies to partner their combined efforts to reduce accidents and crime in The Woodlands.
Sergeant Hernandez’s dedication to service and commitment to excellence contributed greatly to the success of the Texas Highway Patrol’s presence in The Woodlands area. It is also noted that Sergeant Hernandez contributed to his community through numerous hours assisting charitable functions.
Sergeant Patrick Hernandez has two daughters, Ashlee and Leslee. Presenting tonight’s award to Sergeant Hernandez is Captain Pat Mulligan. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Sergeant Patrick Hernandez.
Recipient #8
Matthew Blakelock, Sergeant, Conroe Independent School District – Police Department
Our next recipient represents the Conroe Independent School District Police Department. Sergeant Matthew Blakelock has been in law enforcement since 1995 and has served with the C.I.S.D. Police Department for eleven years. He is currently assigned as the patrol supervisor for the Oak Ridge High School and Caney Creek feeder zones.
Striving toward becoming the best the he can be for himself and his department Sergeant Blakelock continually seeks training and higher education. He holds a Master Peace Officer certificate, instructor certification, and is currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree by attending night classes at Sam Houston State University.
In October 2008, Sergeant Blakelock was in route to the C.I.S.D. Police Department from the Oak Ridge High School area. While driving he passed a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road, and in front of the vehicle he observed an adult female with a knife attacking a male. Pulling over, Sergeant Blakelock could see that the male had already
been stabbed and was bleeding profusely from the wounds. As the assailant approached the victim in an effort to continue the assault, Sergeant Blakelock intervened at gunpoint, and ordered the assailant to drop the knife. Sergeant Blakelock placed the suspect in custody and summonsed EMS. The seriously injured male was transported to the hospital and later recovered from his wounds.
Sergeant Blakelock serves as an excellent role model to all of our officers. His dedication and commitment to excellence is a tremendous asset to the community and the C.I.S.D. Police Department. It is because of law enforcement officers like Sergeant Blakelock that we can all be rest assured that the C.I.S.D. Police are “Safeguarding the Future…Today.”
Sergeant Matthew Blakelock is the son of Bruce and Sandra Blakelock, and he has one son, Dylan. Presenting tonight’s award to Sergeant Blakelock is his parents Bruce and Sandra Blakelock and his son Dylan. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Sergeant Matthew Blakelock.
Recipient #9
Robert Newberry, Sergeant, Lone Star College Police Department
Sergeant Robert Newberry a seventeen year law enforcement veteran who joined the
Lone Star College Police Department in 2002 and has proven to be a true asset to the department. His credentials include that of crime prevention inspector, mental health officer and police instructor.
As the Sergeant assigned to the systems office in The Woodlands, he supervises the Lone Star College System Police Communication Center, as well as the Police Officers and Security Guards assigned to that location. In addition to his supervisory duties, Sergeant Newberry has conducted several criminal investigations, including a joint investigation with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office which resulted in the recovery of stolen computer equipment and the conviction of the suspect.
Over the past year, Sergeant Newberry was given the task of developing and designing a System-wide Police Communication Center that would serve all five college campuses and five college centers. This challenge would prove to ensure many long hours of research and formulation of information. As a result of Sergeant Newberry’s dedication and hard work, the Police Department and College System now have a 24 hour Communication Center operated by certified dispatchers. He was responsible for designing the communication center, selecting and training of personnel, and purchasing needed equipment.
Through his leadership, the communication center opened in October of 2008, and has with professionalism, speed, and efficiency dispatched thousands of calls for service resulting in a safer campus community. Sergeant Newberry demonstrates a high degree of skill, integrity, and has consistently gone above and beyond his job description.
The Lone Star College Police Department would like to acknowledge and thank Sergeant Robert Newberry for his services and dedication.
Sergeant Robert Newberry is married to Kim, and has two children, Megan and Casey. Presenting tonight’s award to Sergeant Newberry is his wife Kim Newberry. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Sergeant Robert Newberry.
Recipient #10
Gary Snider Bennett, Driver-Operator, The Woodlands Fire Department
The next recipient represents The Woodlands Fire Department. Driver-Operator Gary Snider Bennett has served The Woodlands residents for eleven years. Behind the scenes, highly dependable and always ahead of the game, describes Gary.
During the days leading up to Hurricane Ike, every public safety agency was scrambling to prepare for the storm. This gentleman is no different. Under an extremely difficult situation, his mission was to keep the team of emergency responders communicating throughout Montgomery County with a vast array of technological communications equipment.
Driver-Operator Gary Snider Bennett worked before, during, and after the storm to ensure all first responders could communicate with each other. Whether it was troubleshooting and repairing Montgomery County fire service’s storm ravaged radio system or working with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to ensure emergency power was available to keep the county’s radio system operational, Gary was always there ready to help.
Many events occurred during the storm that tested all of us in public safety profession and Gary Bennett was behind the scenes the entire time supporting the communication systems that we all rely on to do our jobs.
One example of Gary’s tireless dedication occurred after he’d been sent home for a deserved rest. During this time Gary became aware of a problem and before he could be contacted through official channels, was already on top of the problem working on a solution.
Driver-Operator Bennett’s insight, knowledge and understanding related to the critical importance of reliable communication during disasters and daily operations make him a highly valuable asset. He performed above and beyond the call of duty in a silent, but extremely vital role to support his fellow public safety workers and most importantly, the citizens of Montgomery County.
Driver-Operator Gary Bennett is married to Rachelle and has two children, Travis and Parker. Presenting tonight’s award to Driver-Operator Bennett is Deputy Chief Jerry Bittner. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Driver-Operator Gary Snider Bennett.
Recipient #11
Paul Gould, Paramedic – Paramedic Supervisor, Montgomery County Hospital District – EMS
Our next recipient has represented the Montgomery County Hospital District – EMS for the past sixteen years. Paul Gould, who is a Paramedic Supervisor, is proud to provide emergency medical care to the citizens of South Montgomery County.
Paramedic Supervisor Gould is a strong employee advocate. As a supervisor, he is passionate about insuring the continued educational needs of the line staff for EMS and that they have the appropriate tools to accomplish their jobs. Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and this reaches all the way down to when someone picks up a phone and dials “9-1-1”. By staying on top of the industry standards, Paul is able to provide the very best in mentoring to his staff and providing them the ability to stay at the top of their game so they can provide the very best of care to the community.
He is also a member of the Professional Standards Committee which strives to create individual ownership in the Montgomery County Hospital District by defining expected behavior and promoting values through fostering a culture of peer accountability and recognition of behavior. That is the Montgomery County Hospital District way.
Paul is a proven leader within the organization. He is always willing to take the lead role on special projects/assignments. Paul was a huge part and a team leader of planning and implementing the scheduling of EMS employees during Hurricane Ike. He was also on the Regional Response Team for Hurricane Gustav.
He is recognized by his peers as an outstanding supervisor and someone others seek for advice and direction.
Paramedic Supervisor Paul Gould is married to Monica and has one daughter Maile (pronounced like My-lee). Presenting tonight’s award to Paramedic Supervisor Gould is his wife Monica and his daughter Maile. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Paramedic Supervisor Paul Gould.
Recipient #12
George Williamson, Sergeant, Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol
Representing the Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol since 2002 our next recipient, Sergeant George Williamson is an accomplished horseman and World Class Barrel Racer. However, the enormous care and enthusiasm he brings to the job is his most enduring quality and has earned him the nickname “Mr. Public Relations.”
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, it was Sergeant Williamson that rallied the troopers to the Township to start patrol immediately. Even though his own home was without power and received damaged, George was ready to assist with the recovery effort in The Woodlands Township.
George has three qualified horses for mounted patrol service. One in particular “Rambo,” a strong Percheron-Morgan cross, is his loyal companion. “Rambo,” who has a personality much like George was ready too, to go to work and assist after the hurricane. So, on Sunday, September 16, Sergeant Williamson loaded up Rambo and his other horses and headed to The Woodlands Town Center to assess the destruction. Once determining that the area was safe for the horses he immediately started calling troopers to see who was available. Through his diligent efforts, Sergeant Williamson soon had a full compliment of troopers ready to patrol and assist the Township, FEMA and the citizens of The Woodlands.
While coordinating troopers during the hectic days following Hurricane Ike, Sergeant Williamson never lost sight of the needs of the troopers. He coordinated food and fuel so
no trooper was left with an empty stomach or empty gas tank. For his commitment and fortitude during Hurricane Ike and his countless other “acts of kindness” Sergeant Williamson was awarded the “Battlefield Promotion” by Alpha & Omega founder and CEO Frank Keller. This promotion has only been given one other time in the history of Alpha & Omega – during the Los Angeles Riots in 1992.
This promotion is given to an individual who puts themselves second and thinks of all others first. Sergeant Williamson did just that when he quickly responded to the needs of The Woodlands Township, citizens and fellow troopers.
Sergeant George Williamson is the son of Aleene Hall. Presenting tonight’s award to Sergeant Williamson is Kathy Scoles with Alpha & Omega. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Sergeant George Williamson and his loyal horse “Rambo”.
Recipient #13
Bob Watts, Lieutenant, AlliedBarton Security Services – The Woodlands Mall
Our final public safety hero award is employed with AlliedBarton Security at The Woodlands Mall. Lieutenant Bob Watts has been providing security at The Woodlands Mall for just over one year. While his tenure in security is short, his initiative has moved him up through the ranks in a short period of time.
Lieutenant Bob Watts is the primary field training officer for AlliedBarton employees at The Woodlands Mall. Lieutenant Watts welcomes and trains new security officers coving subjects that include post orders, operational procedures, fire safety, vehicle safety and operations, report writing and critical incident preparedness. Daily he takes pride in mentoring new officers and knows that one of the most important training classes he holds covers customer relations. Additionally, as a certified instructor who has attained a black belt in Tae Kwon Do one of the subjects that Lieutenant Watts most enjoys is defensive tactic training.
He is a proven team leader and is highly regarded by all of his fellow security staff members. The Woodlands Mall tenants and management also share praise for Lt. Watts. Through his guidance and training abilities The Woodlands Mall continues to be a safe place to shop.
Lieutenant Bob Watts is married to Sherry, and has three sons, Robert Watts, Darrell and Gary Johnson. Presenting tonight’s award to Lieutenant Watts is Greg Williams with AlliedBarton. Ladies and gentlemen please help me honor our hero, Lieutenant Bob Watts.
