ONESHIFT CIT Y O F M O BIL E P UBL I C S AF E T Y E M P LOYE E MAG A Z I N E
Spring 2022, Issue 6
66 Officers Named Best Shooters
Meet “The Collective” 20 Mentors Across MFRD, Helping Recruits Succeed
Central Precinct Captain Graduates from FBI National Academy GUN INTEL: Patrol officers make big investigative leads
MFRD Captain trains at Police Academy to become arson investigator
THE LEADERS’ MESSAGE BOARD A Message from Public Safety Director Lawrence Battiste
Happy Spring to you all! First, I would like to thank Mayor Sandy Stimpson for his dedication to the well-being of the men and women who serve at the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and Mobile Police Department. Mayor Stimpson’s administration recently announced that a proposed 2.5% cost of living raise for city employees. Congratulations and thank you to the Firefighter of the Month and Officer of the Month. Know that your hard work and dedication to the community is greatly appreciated. Best wishes to those who recently retired from the Mobile Police Department. Your service is valued and you will be missed.
P
ublic safety is a collaborative service effort of the city’s police and fire departments to provide the optimum value of service to our communities.
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As we continue to swiftly move through the months of 2022, I would like to take this moment to say thank you to all current employees of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and the Mobile Police Department. Each day, you all wake up and tackle the challenges of the day with respect and empathy for those that you serve. Public safety is an ever-evolving profession and every day we are presented with new trials. With faith we will meet each trail head on. According to Luke 11:10, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” I ask that as the year continues to pass that you be patient as we work to come up with solutions for challenges, that you be flexible when change is presented, and that you stay dedicated to the community that you serve. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” —Mahatma Gandhi With appreciation and gratitude,
Fire Chief Jeremy Lami
By all accounts, Mardi Gras was a tremendous success this year. I would like to recognize the EMS Division and all of the personnel who worked tirelessly to provide medical support for the festivities. Another highlight in the past month was the performance of sworn personnel during the Job Task Analysis ( JTA). I believe the JTAs and Physical Fitness Assessments set MFRD apart from most organizations and it ultimately reflects your professionalism and dedication.
generation of firefighters.
Recruit Class 22-01 is underway and they are working hard to learn the skills needed to be an effective team member in the MFRD. As you know, over the next 20 weeks they will be challenged mentally, physically, and academically. Many of you have a direct impact on their success, so thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge with the next
As we move into the second quarter of 2022, I would like to thank all of you for your dedication to the community. Regardless of the challenges or circumstances, you make a positive impact daily and I hope you know how much the citizens of Mobile appreciate your service. Sincerely appreciate what you do,
Police Chief Paul Prine
I really enjoy the OneShift newsletter as it gives me an opportunity to convey my sincere gratitude for the excellent job you are doing every day. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are certainly facing challenging times with matters such as attrition, leadership, and compensation. We have made great strides with regards to leadership and compensation to slow the attrition. Being an urban cop in and of itself is challenging. If it was easy everyone would be doing it right? Wrong…it is a very tough job, which is exactly the reason why everyone doesn’t have what it takes to be one. Take pride in knowing that you are one. As I look around, I am reminded of the talent we have at this department. Getting the mission accomplished without fail. You might ask who is that talent? Unequivocally that talent is YOU! Mission First.
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THis Issue Contributors On the Cover: Firemedic Warren Morgan, Firefighter Jewel Hunter, Firefighter James Haymer and Firefighter John Trenier Assistant Chief Randy Jackson Chaplain Ed Connick Officer Brad Penton Firearms Training Unit
2022 CITY OF MOBILE PUBLIC SAFETY CALENDAR Featured Officers
Linda Pitts NIBIN/Gun Intel Ruth Grant MPD Records Unit Tonya Calhoun MPD Office of the Chief Brandie Battiste Victim Services Unit Angel Cooper MCPAAA
Corporal Nathaniel McCarty, Cyber Investigator Paris Lovett and Officer Ibrahim Awwad are featured in the 2022 Public Safety Calendar for the month of March. Photo taken at the Cooper Riverside Park.
Editorial Staff
City of Mobile Public Safety Charlette Solis Public Affairs Manager Steven Millhouse Public Information Officer
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Central Precinct Captain graduates from FBI National Academy
It’s not uncommon for a son to follow in his father’s footsteps. Captain Matthew Garrett is the son of former Police Chief Phillip Garrett, who retired from the Mobile Police Department in 2009 after nearly 38 years of service in law enforcement.
Both father and son began as a police cadet. Fast forward with more than 30 years on the force, Captain Garrett recently graduated from the 281st Session of the FBI National Academy. That too is an achievement his father made. They are now the only father and son within the Mobile Police Department to graduate from the FBI National Academy. Since December 2021, Captain Garrett has served as the Central Precinct commander. Prior, he served in field operations, criminal investigations, narcotics and internal affairs.
Captain Garrett pictured with FBI Director Christopher Wray at the graduation ceremony. The FBI National Academy is located in Quantico, Virginia.
The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. The 10-week program—which provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science—serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments. Left Photo, MPD Assistant Police Chief Randy Jackson, Captain Matthew Garrett, and Retired Police Chief Phillip Garrett
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Fire-Rescue captain trains at police academy to become arson investigator
The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department has one of its own enrolled in the Mobile Police Academy. His name is Captain Micah Collins. Upon graduating with Class #68 on April 7, 2022, Captain Collins will transition to becoming the agency’s follow-up arson investigator. It’s a position that requires him to be a sworn officer.
GET TO KNOW CAPTAIN MICAH COLLINS I was born and raised here in Mobile. I grew up in the northern Crawford area that was originally part of Mobile, but is now Semmes. Interest in the fire department or police department never crossed my mind while growing up. Even when I came home from the military, U.S. Navy, in late 2004, I still had not considered a career in either field. I had even served part of my activeduty time as a Master at Arms (military policeman) in Sicily following 9/11. I came home (Mobile) with intentions of going back to college and earning a degree, which I had started before joining the Navy. Many things happened within the next few years which eventually led me to making the ultimate decision of applying to MFRD. Joining the fire department wasn’t something I ever sat down and told myself I wanted to do, but it ended up being something I needed to do. I’m so happy I did. It turned my life around. The experiences I’ve had thus far have been positive motivation for future career goals. I have been with the MFRD for nearly 12 years, and I’m currently serving as a captain. I spent my first 10 years in fire suppression. The past nine years, I have been part of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team ALTF-1, as a Tech Rescue Specialist. O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 6
My latest endeavor, however, began in September 2020. I left suppression to join the fire bureau’s Community Risk Reduction team as one of the department’s On-Duty Investigators (ODI). To give you a basic idea, an ODI is like MPD’s patrolman version of a fire investigator but without arrest powers. ODIs are the first on scene to structure fires and other fire-related incidents requiring further inquiry beyond a responding unit’s normal documenting capabilities. The position requires specialized training in fire investigations, and once on scene an ODI begins the data/evidence collection process that can be passed along to arson investigators should the legal/policing aspect need to be further pursued. That is why I’m currently going through the police academy with other MPD recruits. After I graduate, I will begin the transition phase to advance toward becoming a follow-up arson investigator. The on-shift duty investigators will pass information along that may occasionally require the resources and capabilities required of a professional sworn officer with a badge.
The ODI is unique in that it is still located at a station with working crews on the normal 24/48 routine. At first, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about flying solo to calls, as I had always been on a truck with a crew, and now I was going to be running calls by myself and doing work on my own. I didn’t get much time to figure that part out, though, as I got hit with quite a few fires to investigate, right out of the gate. Five fires going on during a hurricane is no joke! It didn’t take long before I was hooked. I have always had an inquisitive, got to figure it out kind of mind with outside of the box thinking (at least my wife says I do).
For an investigator, this is a major advantage. It helps in keeping assumptions and biases out of way of progressing an investigation. Later, once I got the routine and documentation side down, I was able to focus on evidence/data collection, development of open-ended questioning, and enhancing other awareness tactics. Eventually, I reached the point where I was following up on my own investigations, as much as I could, and assisting the Arson Unit with whatever was needed. The next step was to commit, and I was accepted to attend police training at the Mobile Police Academy. —Submitted by Angel Cooper, MCPAAA
Honors & Congrats!
Civilian Employee of the Month
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Jamey Petersen
Nathan Jones
JANUARY 2022
JANUARY 2022
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Daniel Carberry
Roderick Miles
FEBRUARY 2022
FEBRUARY 2022
Tonya Calhoun is the Civilian Employee of the Month for February 2022. Nearly 31 years ago, Calhoun started her career with the Mobile Police Department and has proven to be a dedicated and exceptional employee. She serves as the executive secretary for the Office of the Chief.
Calhoun is responsible for streamlining processes and maximizing the use of the department’s workforce. During the month of February, she became the secretary for not only the police chief but for the two assistant chiefs. Calhoun welcomed the challenge and did the job of what two secretaries did previously. She is praised for being very instrumental in the daily processes that go in and out of the Office of the Chief, and her daily tasks are numerous. Click here to read full article. O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 7
Meet ‘The C
20 Mentors Across MFRD FOUR LIKE-MINDED FIREFIGHTERS determined to help new recruits succeed were inspired to start a greater mission that would boost retention efforts. Months after organizing and now 20 members strong, they are ready with heart to share their knowledge and skills with those beginning their career as a firefighter. They call themselves “The Collective” and are purposed as a mentoring group. The Collective’s goal is to make sure the men and women who start at the Fire Training Academy finish and have a long-term career at MFRD. The group is comprised of firefighters, drivers, captains and chiefs. Through mentoring, they believe new recruits can become part of the MFRD culture sooner and always have someone cheering them on to reach their full potential. The Collective values what their predecessors taught them and wants to pass down that knowledge to the next generation of firefighters. They believe having a support network is vital for a new hire. Their first success story is recent graduate Firefighter Kayana Edwards, mentored by The Collective during her training.
The Mobile Police Department observes the end of a distinguished career for Assistant Chief Clay Godwin and celebrates his 32 years of service. Strong and wise, a forthright and honest individual, Godwin’s knowledge and judgment are a source of constant support to the MPD. This article is written in recognition of Godwin’s legacy and service—recognizing his courage and accomplishments. He will be missed.
Thirty-two years ago, before becoming a police officer, he graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Chemistry and then was Well, he caught the bug and after one year as a reserve officer, Godwin became a full-time member of the Mobile Police Department. He loved the work and has loved the job ever since that day.
MPD Assistant Chief Clay Godwin is a third generation Mobilian who got into police work by accident.
From left, back row, Captain Tim Hall, District Chief Marquis James, Driver Shederick Blunt, Captain Lasedrick Browe, Firemed Firemedic Dominique Evans, Firefighter John Trenier, Firefighter James Haymer, Firefighter Reddick Barnes, Firefighter Ann Will
Collective’
D Helping Recruits Succeed
dic Warren Morgan, Captain Kermit Watson, Deputy Chief Alex Trenier, Captain Cary Hunter, Firefighter Ferron Washington, liams, Firefighter Kayana Edwards, Firemedic Jianna Williams, Firefighter Jewel Hunter and PIO Steven Millhouse (not pictured)
Gun Intel: Patrol officers make big investigative leads
The Gun Intelligence Unit recognizes officers for their dedication to duty in the collection of firearm and ballistic evidence that results in an investigative lead for detectives to other connected cases. Officers from the First Precinct (2nd Squad and 4th Squad), Second Precinct (1st Squad), and Fourth Precinct (3rd Squad) were awarded certificates for a job well done.
Officer Arak Young, Officer Luther Homsher, Officer Roderick Miles, Officer Jorge Chiang
Corporal Eleni Conditt, Officer Austin Williams
Officer Jeremy Knox, Officer Noah Anderson
Officer Zayne Valerius, Officer Terry Wood O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 1 0
Officer Jarred Graham
66 OFFICERS NAMED BEST SHOOTERS
With the best firearms instructors in the region, Mobile police officers receive topnotch training. Each year, the Firearms Training Unit posts a list of the officers who shot a 100. Below is the 2021 listing of the best shooters. It indicates the police officers who also shot a 100 in 2020 and 2019. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37.
Lieutenant Leland Terrell (2020, 2019) Sergeant Paul Workman (2020, 2019) Officer Brad Penton (2020, 2019) Officer Tanner Whipkey Officer Jonathan Myers (2020, 2019) Officer Phillip Morris(2020) Officer Jennifer Chisholm (2020) Officer Christian Bryant Lieutentant Billy Hudson Lieutenant David Evans (2020, 2019) Sergeant Chris Giattina (2020, 2019) Sergeant Kenneth Gillespie Sergeant William Walker Lieutenant Scott Congleton Sergeant Zak Ingram(2020, 2019) Sergeant Josh Gibbs (2020, 2019) Lieutenant Ronald Brown Lieutenant Lee Pierce Sergeant Chad Pezent (2020, 2019) Lieutenant Michael Cook Sergeant John Goodwin Sergeant Joey Goff (2020) Officer Jimmy Byrd Corporal Steve Hassell Officer Brittney Latner Corporal Matthew Degeer Officer Issac Young Corporal James Hallmark Officer David Sherrit Officer David Whitney Officer John Druelle Corpoal Noah Anderson (2020) Officer Ryan Turner Sergeant Darlene Looney Detective James Mistrot (2020, 2019) Officer Riley Stewart Jr. (2020) Officer An Ngo (2020, 2019)
38. Officer Fred Freeman 39. Corporal Deandre Portis 40. Officer Travis Sentelle (2020) 41. Officer Caitlyn Williams 42. Officer Arak Young 43. Officer Terry Sexton (2020) 44. Corporal Sarah Badon 45. Sergeant John Forward 46. Corporal Frank Collier (2020) 47. Officer Andrew Hanks (2020, 2019) 48. Officer Blake Tillman 49. Officer Charles Dewberry 50. Officer Tre King 51. Officer Jonathan Kriss 52. Officer Blakely Miles (2020, 2019) 53. Major Linda Tims 54. Corporal David Goodman (2020) 55. Officer Brian McMahan 56. Officer Julian Nettles 57. Corporal Tyler Brannan (2020) 58. Officer Daniel Hill 59. Officer Juan Lemus 60. Officer Clarence Milne (2020) 61. Officer James Stewart 62. Officer Mark Breslin (2020, 2019) 63. Officer John Lowry (2020, 2019) 64. Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier (2020, 2019) 65. Major Melvin Jones (2020, 2019) 66. Officer Michael Pozobyt
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Mardi Gras Reflection: One Last Ride MFRD’s Dr. McMahon retires
Not only do our firefighters enlist to provide service during Mardi Gras festivities, but Mobile Fire-Rescue Department has been fortunate enough to have the aid of a few of Mobile’s medical doctors. For the last several years, MFRD’s Special Events teams has been joined by Dr. John McMahon, M.D. and Dr. Donna Lynn Dyess, M.D. Just as they’ve done for many years, the two doctors volunteered their time and geared up every day and night that a parade was scheduled to roll. With their legendary call signs “MD 109” and “MD 110,” Dr. McMahon and Dr. Dyess hit the streets of downtown Mobile, responding to every special events dispatch, leading the way for paramedics and EMTs alongside them. Mardi Gras 2022 was historic for many reasons, but none more significant than the final ride for MD 109. After 31 years as the
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MFRD medical director, Dr. McMahon will officially be retiring June 30, 2022. For more than three decades, the MFRD has operated under the tutelage and medical license of Dr. McMahon. MFRD takes pride in providing quality care to Mobile’s citizens and visitors, and that’s in no short part because of the high standards for patient care that Dr. McMahon placed on each firefighter through the years. He will be missed and his influence felt for years to come. This year, a third medical doctor donned the reflective vest, bike helmet, and hit the streets on two non-motorized wheels —. Dr. Jason Eversull. Dr. Eversull will be assuming the role of Medical Director effective July 1, 2022.
Feeling It! Top Favorite Pics for Mardi Gras 2022
Officer Alexis Kinzer, Fourth Precinct
Paramedic/Firefighter Morgan Lutticken and Firefighter Matt Williams
PRAISE &RECOGNITION
from the community
He [Sergeant Reginald Lambert, Fourth Precinct] was very courteous and helpful while dealing with a traffic accident I was in. He stayed with me until an Uber came to pick me up. —Dionne Castor
[Operator 14 Tracy Houze, Communications Unit] Extremely helpful and patient, willing to work with us from counties over to try to locate missing child. —Madison Hale, Alabama DHR
FAITH SHIELDS
Submitted by Ruth Grant, MPD Records
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 You may wonder why you are still dedicated to the journey that has been rough and has not afforded you much. You’ve seen so many come and go, yet you’re still fighting to hold on. I can only offer this to you. Continue to hold on. The promise is we shall receive the reward when the time is right if we don’t give up. O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 13