City of La Porte Newsletter

C I T Y OF LA PORTE N E W S L E T T E R

OCTOBER|NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2021

In this issue: EVENTS BY THE BAY Don't miss out!

- Pages 4 & 5 -

SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS - Page 6 -

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

- Page 3 -

LAPORTETX.GOV

CITY HAPPENINGS THE LA PORTE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS UPGRADING ITS BODY AND DASH CAMERAS WITH IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY The La Porte City Council recently approved a contract for the La Porte Police Department to partner with law enforcement technology provider, Utility, Inc., to equip 80 La Porte officers with its patented BodyWorn™ camera technology as well as 49 in-car video systems. The technology provides unique, automated capabilities and tools that will support an increase in transparency and accountability between the La Porte Police Department and the community.

“This project is going to improve our ability to ensure body camera activation and also provide a better means to keep the camera secured to our officers’ uniforms. This new tool will also enhance the safety of our officers in the field while providing transparency and accountability.” Assistant Chief Ditrich – Patrol Bureau

Officers Emily Harness and Yesenia Rodriguez display the uniform application of the BodyWorn™ Camera

For more information regarding the BodyWorn™ technology, please contact the LPPD at 281-471-2141 and follow us on Facebook at @LaPortePoliceDepartment.

Close up of the BodyWorn™ Camera

EMPLOYEE OF THE 2ND QUARTER

Haley Pocock

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Haley joined the La Porte team in October last year as the Inspection Services Coordinator. While she has been here less than a year, Haley has already made several impactful contributions to the division.

Haley sets a great example for the division and all employees with her work ethic and positive attitude. She is typically one of the first employees into the office each day and her leadership has motivated her staff and others in the department to up their games. City Building Official Richard Glass values Haley's contributions highly, saying, “I would not be able to be as effective a leader without Haley on my staff. I include her in many of my activities because she has earned my trust and respect and I know she is a crucial part of this department’s success.”

The permit division is a front line team and interactions with residents, contractors, and other customers impact the image and reputation of the City as a whole. Haley’s efforts to continually improve the customer experience reflect positively on the entire organization.

We are so grateful to have employees like Haley serving the City of La Porte. Congratulations and thank you for all you do, Haley!

MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM The City of La Porte maintains a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System to transport stormwater. The City has also created a Storm Water Management Program to manage the quality of discharge from the system. This program includes best management practices and schedules for implementation to address six minimum control measures. For more information visit: http://LaPorteTx.gov/stormwater

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK EMS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Car Seat Checks Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific incident killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. While the source of this fire was not determined, its effects created a lasting impression.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

During Fire Prevention Week, the La Porte Fire Department and Fire Marshal's Office team up to visit all elementary schools in La Porte ISD. Teaching students from Pre-K to the fifth grade about fire safety and knowledge about what to do in the event of a fire. This year’s theme will be “Hear the beep, get on your feet! Hear a Chirp, Make a Change!”

The La Porte Fire Department starts Fire Prevention Week by speaking with Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. The classes are introduced to firefighters as positive role models to seek help from. The students are shown various types of bunker gear and air packs to let the child know the different appearances a firefighter has. No matter the appearance of a firefighter, they are there to help! They are introduced to the definition of an emergency, how to dial 911, and how to stop, drop and roll.

First and second graders get to interact with the Fire Marshal's Office. The deputies review the importance of having a working smoke alarm in every room and how/when to change the batteries. And what to do when a smoke alarm goes off. After, the students are able to view the fire trucks and ask questions of the firefighters.

Third graders get hands-on training about types of fire extinguishers and demonstrate how they're used for different types of fires. Firefighters provide the students with practice using common household items and watering cans to help them understand how they can potentially help put out or safely hamper small fires.

Fourth graders get to participate in pumper races. They are shown the process of getting water from a fire hydrant through the connection of the hoses and nozzles to put out a fire. The students are then paired up to try it out themselves in a fun quick race.

Fifth graders take a trip to the La Porte Fire Training Field to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a fire response, from receiving the 911 call to the fire being put out. These demonstrations help students connect their knowledge of fire safety.

For more information about the La Porte Fire Department, visit LPFD.net. For resources on fire safety, visit nfpa.org/public-education.

Free car seat checks are provided by our Child Safety Seat Technicians who have passed a certification course and each are very willing to help ensure your child safety seat is properly installed. Car seat checks are available by appointment only on the following dates at EMS Headquarters, 10428 Spencer Highway: October 7th and 21st, November 4th and 18th, December 2nd, 16th, and 30th.

Call 281-471-9244 for an appointment.

Safe Riders City of La Porte EMS is offering free car seats to eligible participants. Parents interested in participating in the program should contact Captain Rachel Gomez with the City of La Porte EMS at 281-470-0073. Eligibility will be determined upon screening. Classes will be held every other Tuesday at 10am at City of La Porte EMS Headquarters, 10428 Spencer Hwy, La Porte, TX 77571. Registration is required - walk-ins are not permitted. The car seat will be installed after a 45-minute training class.

Citizen's EMS Academy The Citizen's EMS Academy is an interactive forum for La Porte residents to learn more about the functions and operations of EMS. This class will begin in January 2022 and registration will open in October. It will be one night a week for six weeks. For more information please visit: http://laportetx.gov/953/Citizens-EMSAcademy or call Lt. Alessi at 281-470-0068.

Childhood Immunizations City of La Porte EMS has teamed up with the Texas Department of State Health Services and their Texas Vaccine for Children Program (TVFC) to help immunize children in La Porte and surrounding areas free of charge.

The immunization clinics are currently held from 9 a.m. - noon on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the City of La Porte EMS Headquarters located at 10428 Spencer Highway. Vaccines are available for children 18 years of age and younger; no fee and no appointment required.

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LOMAX RODEO ARENA

$5 ENTRY 12 & UNDER FREE!

KID'S RODEO EVENTS START AT NOON

LA PORTE BY THE BAY HALF MARATHON THE HIGHEST OFF-THE-GROUND HALF MARATHON IN TEXAS 177 FEET WATER CLEARANCE

LIVE MUSIC

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21

6:45 PM

5:15 PM

8:15 PM

ARTISAN VENDORS CARNIVAL FOOD TRUCKS FREE KID'S ZONE TICKETS AT THE GATE OR AT 4 LPFALLFESTIVAL.EVENTBRITE.COM

REGISTER AT LAPORTEBYTHEBAYHALFMARATHON.ORG

CITY OF LA PORTE PARKS & RECREATION

LITTLE CEDAR BAYOU PARK

OCT 23|6-8 pm Join us for a night of trick or treating on the trail, activities, and a haunted bridge for those who dare to enter!

s g n i t h g i S a Sant by the bay.

Looking for somewhere to take pictures with Santa?!

, a t n Sa t e & Five Points Plaza Park , s Me e r u t c i 100 S Broadway St r p u o e k y r ta e v i l t! e s d i 5:00-8:00 PM l d h n s i a h w s a m t December 9th & s i r h C December 16th

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O V E V T E E O T T V O O V E V T E T E VO O T V O V E T E O T V O V E T E O T V O V TE E T E O T V O V E T E REGISTER TO VOTE O T V O V E T E O T V O V TE O E V T O E V T O E V OT30 days E Vtakes T There will be state elections O E VoterV registration V T O E T O V in November and the City will T E O wait!

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V O V E T E O T V OTE O E V T E O T V VO E T E O T V O V E E T O V TE VOT E T E O T V O E V T E O T For more election information, visit V VO E T VOTE LaPorteTX.gov/Elections O V or LaPorteTX.gov/Elecciones E O T V O E V T E O orV contact the City Secretary's Office at T V O E T E O T V O CitySecretary@LaPorteTX.GOV or (281)470-5021 E T O E V T OTE V O E V T O E V T E VO T O E V T O E V T E T O V TE VO E T VO E T O V VOTE

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PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Registration open October 1 – December 1 for K – 7th Grade (coed). A new tryout & draft process for 2nd Grade and up will be used to form teams. Tryouts & coaches’ draft will be held during the week of December 6 – 9. Tryout schedule will be emailed to all participants and posted online at laportetx.gov/youthbasketball. Hard registration deadline of December 1 with NO LATE REGISTRATION. $45/player includes game jersey. Practices begin the week of January 3. Season runs January 22 – March 5. Register online at laportetx.gov/register or at the LP Recreation & Fitness Center. Volunteer coaches needed!

INDOOR PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

For ages 6 months to adult. One-on-one instruction from our experienced certified instructors. Each $60 session includes four 5-minute lessons. Offered weekday evenings between 6:30PM – 7:30PM, or on weekends (times flexible). All lessons held at the LP Recreation & Fitness Center. Fall sessions run September 11 – November 14. Register online at laportetx.gov/register or at the LP Recreation & Fitness Center. Space is limited!

KID'S NIGHT OUT

Held every 2nd Friday of the month (Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10). Filled with fun themes, games, pizza, and more! Dinner is served at 6:30PM. Held at the LP Parks & Recreation Special Services Center, 1302 S Broadway, from 5:00PM – 10:00PM. Open to K – 6th Grade for only $15 per child. Register online at laportetx.gov/register or at the LP Recreation & Fitness Center. Registration closes one week in advance (or when full). Max 30 participants.

HOLIDAY CAMPS

Open to K – 6th grade and packed with fun, games, crafts, field trips, and more! Camps will be held at the Evelyn Kennedy Center, 618 San Jacinto, from 7:30AM – 5:30PM. Thanksgiving Break Camp runs November 22 – 24, with $40 registration open October 1 – November 17.

Winter Break Camps run December 20 – 23 and December 28 – 30, with $50/$40 registration open November 1 – December 13. Register online at laportetx.gov/register or at the LP Recreation & Fitness Center.

Space is limited!

THE RECREATION & FITNESS CENTER IS LOCATED AT 1322 S BROADWAY

FUN TIMES. BY THE BAY. Discover all the exciting programs and events available throughout the Parks & Recreation Department.

The program catalog is available online at

LAPORTETX.GOV/FUNTIMESBYTHEBAY

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CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020

WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV

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