RFPD’s Special Assignment

January 30 2016, 2:45 am

https://youtu.be/W0_mji7BfaI

A large group of uniformed officers was seen going into the East Montgomery County Improvement District building in New Caney Monday evening, but they weren’t responding to an alarm. It was the Roman Forest Police Department’s third annual Awards & Recognition Dinner.

This year’s event was special for many reasons, including announcing promotions, recognizing excellence and dedication, and honoring a New York City Police Officer.

Roman Forest Police Chief Stephen Carlisle asked Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden to serve as Master of Ceremonies, and Hayden had a tough act follow, with East Montgomery County Fire Chief Jeff Taylor having filled that slot in 2015. Chief Taylor attended Monday night, accompanied by his wife, Margie Taylor who owns Taylorized PR.

Chief Carlisle kicked off the festivities by thanking those who made the event possible, and especially the officers’ families, including his ever supportive and devoted wife, Laura Carlisle, who also attended. The chief also thanked Jackie Garza, who assisted in organizing the event, and Roman Forest City Councilwoman Jill Carlson, who volunteered to photograph the event.

The dinner was catered, as always, and the beautiful EMCID building was decorated with a RFPD banner hanging from the upper floor, with matching centerpieces on each table and an enormous custom cake topped with an enormous edible version of the RFPD patch. Small pieces of paper, about the size of fortune cookie inserts, adorned each table. They were positive comments from the RFPD’s Facebook page, adding a unique twenty-first century touch.

Unlike last year, when a comedian provided entertainment, photos were organized into a slideshow that was set to music. The raffle included a huge variety of items donated by officials, businesses and individuals who wanted to show their support for the department.

Officer Chris Taylor was named Officer of the Year 2015.

“Officer Christopher Taylor is an outstanding officer. With only a year and a half experience on the street, he has proven to have what it takes to be a natural at policing and has left his mark in our community. After serving in the US Air Force and then as a jailer for 3 years, he started his career with the Roman Forest Police Department in August 2014. As a rookie with the department with only 5 months of the year, he produced half of the entire department’s total DWIs. This earned him the Rookie of the Year Hero Award from (MADD), Mothers Against Drunk Driving in May of 2015.

In 2015, Officer Chris Taylor has once again produced the most DWIs among many other arrests. But this time, not just half, he produced 90% of the entire department’s DWI arrests, many of which were felonies. Among some of these arrests, the suspects would try to flee but couldn’t get far as they would stumble and fall. One even tried to hide in a culvert.

Also in 2015, due to his professionalism and abilities of being a model policeman, Chief Carlisle made a policy exception to make Officer Taylor a Field Training Instructor earlier than normal. And tonight, he will be promoted to Corporal, a first line supervisor.

Chief Carlisle has also nominated Officer Taylor for the 2015 East Montgomery County Outstanding Officer of the Year Award.

Corporal Christopher Taylor has demonstrated superior policing skills and excellent leadership. Chris Taylor’s dedication has made our community a better place and he deserves to be recognized as this year’s Officer of the Year. Congratulations Corporal Christopher Taylor.”

The Reserve Officer of the Year Award went to Officer Fidel Flores.

“Officer Fidel Flores has displayed an exemplary performance and a dependable and reliable devotion to the department by volunteering his time as a patrol officer. He is always willing to help when needed. He truly cares for the community. Officer Flores also serves as the court bailiff as well as holding a duel commission with the Splendora Police Department. He truly serves as an example of a Roman Forest Reserve Police Officer and deserves to be the Reserve Police Officer of the Year.”

The Life Saving Award was presented to Officer Richard White.

“Richard White, while employed with the Houston Police Department responded to a drive-by shooting that had just occurred. When on location he observed that the complainant had been shot at five times during the drive-by and was slumped over in the driver seat. The suspect fled the scene and was intoxicated. One bullet hit the complainant in the shoulder and another in the lower back, both had went through his body. Officer White immediately ran to his vehicle and grabbed pressure pads and gauze then applied pressure to both of his wounds until emergency personnel arrived to take him to the hospital. With help from Humble Police Department, Officer White was able to talk the suspect into turning himself in. He was still in possession of the pistol used in the shooting as well as another weapon and ammo. Richard White’s quick action and emergency first aid response qualifies him to receive this Life Saving Award.”

Community Service Commendations were presented to Officers Richard White and Mark Divel.

“Richard White dedicated his personal time and services to an organization called Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed (AWANA). AWANA is a church based organization that improves the lives of children (pre-school through high school) in the community through bible verse memorization and games. AWANA meets once a week for an hour and a half. Richard started his journey in 2006 teaching verses and lessons to middle school kids. In 2007 he began training as a Game Director for the AWANA program at his church in the Woodlands. The following 4 years he assumed the positon as Game Director at Humble Area First Baptist. Lastly, from 2011-2014 Richard White was the Game Director at Second Baptist Church in Kingwood with a total of 9 years being dedicated to the AWANA organization.

Officer White is also a Freemason which does many things in the community as well as a teacher for the New Caney School District’s Criminal Justice Program.

Richard White, by rendering an extraordinary and continuing service to the community in an off-duty capacity is truly qualified to receive the Community Service Commendation.”

“Officer Divel was nominated for this award because he demonstrates selflessness and on ongoing desire to serve those in need in our community. His passion to pay it forward by doing random acts of kindness is the best part of his character. Mark has an eye for spotting out those in need and encourages other officers to do the same when they can. From buying homeless men a shower, a cup of hot coffee on a cold night, a warm meal, and working with the Salvation Army in hopes to give a man a second chance in life are some of the many ways Mark helps the less fortunate in our community. Mark also keeps clothes in the trunk of his patrol car so he is prepared for when someone in need is wet from the rain or just needs to get cleaned up. When asked, why do you do it? Mark simply states, “because that is what life is all about”. Mark Divel, by rendering an extraordinary and continuing service to the community in an off-duty capacity is truly qualified to receive the Community Service Commendation.”

The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Officer Chris Taylor

“Officer Christopher Taylor is an outstanding officer and sheds good light on the department. The Chief is regularly called by outside agencies’ officers and supervisors as well as citizens complementing on his professionalism and outstanding performance. As a rookie with the department with only 5 months of the year, he produced half of the entire department’s total DWIs. This earned him the Rookie of the Year Hero Award from (MADD), Mothers Against Drunk Driving in May of 2015. And this year, he again produced the most DWIs among many other arrests.

Due to his professionalism and abilities of being a model policeman, he was made a Field Training Instructor and now promoted to Corporal which is a record in resent department history. Corporal Christopher Taylor has demonstrated superior policing skills and excellent leadership. Chris Taylor’s dedication has made our community a better place.

Corporal Christopher Taylor’s personal actions and exemplary personal conduct reflects favorable on the Police Department and its personnel. Congratulations Corporal Christopher Taylor.”

This year, the “Chief of Police Letter of Recognition” was unique.

“A Chief of Police Letter of Recognition is written to any member of the Police Department who has distinguished themselves by an outstanding achievement, act or service within the normal scope of their duties. A person may be recommended for a letter by any member of the Police Department. The recommendation should be written to the Chief of Police through the chain of command, fully explaining the details of the incident and reasons for the commendation. The recommendation will be considered solely by the Chief of Police. The Letter of Recognition will be written and signed by the Chief of Police and presented to the employee.”

The officer Chief Carlisle honored was NYPD Officer Lazar Simunovic.

Chief Carlisle read a prepared statement, saying, “Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect is what is displayed on NYPD cruisers. New York Officer Lazar Simunovic is who made me believe it. Officer Lazar Simunovic is a fine example of the New York Police Department.

“I flew to NYC from Houston Texas for each of NYPD’s assassinated Officers Liu’s and Ramos’ funerals in December 2014 and January 2015. Two of my distant brothers were slain and I had to go. My first trip in December changed my mind about the people, especially the officers. They were very accommodating.

I came back a week later for the second funeral in January. After getting off the train in Manhattan, I approached an officer for directions. When I told the officer that I am a Chief of Police of a Texas town and I was there for the funeral, he was very appreciative towards me. I introduced Councilman David Mullane to the officer and we offered to pay an off-duty officer to show us New York City through their eyes, with all expenses paid for them for the day. Officer Simunovic agreed to show us around himself but said he wouldn’t want to get paid.

The next day, Lazar picked us up and gave us a tour from early morning to late at night. He refused to even let us pay for our own meals and refused to take any payment for his time. He repeated the same thing the next day, the day of the funeral. Officer Simunovic dedicated his entire off days to us, complete strangers from Texas.

Officer Lazar Simunovic has earned my respect for him, NYPD, and New York City. I received better hospitality than I would ever find in Texas. Lazar will forever have a friend in Texas.

But that’s not all… After we had one of our local county deputies assassinated, our agency implemented two-man units. We didn’t have the overtime budget to continue the program and Lazar sent us a donation which, combined with others, continued our 2 man unit initiative through the end of the year.

The Chief of Police Letter of Recognition is generally issued internally, but Officer Lazar Simunovic has left a lasting impression and is worthy of this exception. For these reasons Officer Lazar Simunovic, NYPD Badge #13290, is deserving of this Recognition. I proudly write and sign this Chief of Police Letter of Recognition.”

Service bars were presented, with one bar for each four years of service completed.

Corporal Titus Wells received 4 Service Bars, having served over 16 years in that city, longer than any other officer on the force.

Randall Blackketter, 2 Service Bars

Richard White, 2 Service Bars

Eric Norton, 1 Service Bar

Specialty pins for Military Service:

Richard Davis

Fidel Flores

Michael Jefferson

Richard White

Specialty pins for simultaneously being a Firefighter:

Captain Lonnie Cantwell

Wayne Buxton

Specialty pins for EMS: Emergency Medical Service:

Captain Lonnie Cantwell

Wayne Buxton

Specialty pin for being a Field Training Officer:

Chris Taylor

Specialty pin for being an Accident Investigator:

Richard White

Specialty pin for Bicycle Patrol:

Richard White

Specialty pin for being an Instructor:

Richard White

Specialty pin for being an Arson Investigator:

Chase Bradley

Service ribbons and awards were presented to the following officers:

Intermediate Peace Officer

Sgt. Dimitri Jasonis

Corporal Andrew Morgan

Advanced Peace Officer

Randall Blackketter

Master Peace Officer

Richard White

Master’s Degree

Richard White

The following officers were promoted:

Sgt. Dimitri Jasonis – Lieutenant

Chris Taylor – Corporal

Lonnie Cantwell – Captain

Citizen Awards / Certificates of Appreciation were presented to:

Dean Borden

“Dean Borden provided substantial funding to pay overtime to officers to extend our 2 man unit intuitive for the Roman Forest Police Department. Thank you for your support.”

East Montgomery County Improvement District

“The East Montgomery County Improvement District has granted tens of thousands of dollars over the years to the Roman Forest Police Department for various law enforcement and community projects. In 2015 EMCID purchased body cameras for our officers and a Marijuana simulation kit to add to our drunk goggles kit. Thank you for your support.”

Liz Mullane

“Liz Mullane has been very supportive of the police department since she has been employed by the City of Roman Forest. And has been very fair toward the department and its officers since she became the City Administrator. Liz is a true team player. Liz Mullane has done an outstanding job and will truly be missed by all the officers. Thank you for the continued support.”

Jackie Garza

“Without the expectation of reward or recognition, Jackie Garza offered to work as the Chief of Police Secretary. She has been selflessly filling that position for a year now at 25 hours a week. Since then, she has made a drastic difference in the administration and operation of the Roman Forest Police Department. Her attention to detail and dedication to get the job done has truly made a difference. Shortly after coming aboard, she quickly earned her Telecommunications Operator License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Jackie will assist officers with anything to help get them back on the street faster; she has been known to do small investigation tasks to help out and even assistance in personnel background and selection.

On several occasions, Jackie has even been seen going above and beyond. She has been caught on camera by Chief Carlisle on the weekends and after hours secretly doing tasks, all without costing the department anything.

I want Jackie to know that nothing has gone unnoticed. This is why Jackie Garza deserves this Chief of Police Letter of Recognition. I proudly write and sign this Chief of Police Letter of Recognition.”

Years of Service Pins

Richard White, 1 Service Star

Randall Blackketter, 2 Service Stars

Safe Driving Award

The Safe Driving Bar will be awarded to an employee who must have been employed in a driving position for three full consecutive years ending with the calendar year and having no chargeable accidents and having no serious driving counseling reports from supervisors.

The award will be given at 3 years, 5 years, and then in 5 year increments. Driving position is defined as: an employment position with the Roman Forest Police Department which requires or involves daily operation of a Roman Forest owned vehicle.

Eric Norton, 3 Year Award

Michael Verdinez, 3 year Award

Joshua Sieman, 3 year Award

Lt. Dimitri Jasonis, 5 year Award

Corporal Titus Wells, 15 year Award

Retired Roman Forest Police Officers honored included:

Tom Johnson, Retired 1998, Assistant Chief and Interim Chief

Robert Puddy, Retired 2011

Tommy Jatzlau, Retired 2013, Chief of Police 2002-2012

Ed Summer, Retired 2013, Reserve Commander

Earl Kyle, Retired 2014

The Roman Forest Mayor and City Council were recognized and thanked for their support and guidance.