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
Issue 7, Spring 2022
ON THE BEAT
Officer Brandon brings the fun for achieving to students at Mary B. Austin Elementary
Victims of Crime Awareness Walk victim advocates stand for rights, access and equity
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Celebration
“It Takes All of Us” Community Event
THE LEADERS’ MESSAGE BOARD A Message from Public Safety Director Lawrence Battiste
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the men and women of the Mobile Police Department and Mobile Fire-Rescue Department. Without the hard work and dedication of each one of you, the agencies would not be the exceptional departments that they are. Congratulations to the men and women of the Mobile Police Department who were recently promoted to corporal and sergeant. And, congratulations to those with the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department who were promoted to fire service captain and fire service driver. Congratulations are also in order to the graduates of Police Academy Class 68. Welcome to the department! We are looking forward to the great work you will do. Leadership is not an easy task. As each of you move forward in your individual roles, remember this quote: “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”– Ronald Reagan As we continue to engage our community and work through the issues troubling our city, I want to encourage you to be more self-aware. Check in with yourself from time to time to make sure you are coping with the experience that comes along with being a first responder. This work is not easy and the health and wellness of the men and women in public safety is very important to the community you serve. As it relates to the community, I would encourage you all to be on the lookout for O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 2
programming coming to help continue to bridge the gaps between community members and first responders. There will be a town hall meeting at HarmonThomas Recreation Center on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 6 p.m. This town hall is an opportunity for us to meet with community members and get their perspective first hand. Additionally, in the month of May, the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department will be conducting it’s annual Smoke Alarm Blitz in the Hillsdale and Mobile Terrace area. If you know of any citizens in need of smoke alarms, please share this information. If any of you have ideas for community programming, I encourage you to submit proposals through your leadership. No one person has the solution to issues facing our young people. We must work together. We are all in this together. Hold your hand out and pull your brother or sister up when they have fallen down. “You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.” –Woodrow Wilson I will close with a passage from John C. Maxwell’s book, “Leadership Promises for Every Day.” “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much as been committed, of him they will ask the more (Luke 12:48). Leaders can give up anything except responsibility; either for themselves or their organizations. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. said, “I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.” Too many people are ready to assert their rights, but not to assume their responsibilities. God holds us responsible for the gifts he has given us –the more resources, talents, and understanding we have, the more we are responsible to use them effectively. Be a good steward!
Fire Chief Jeremy Lami
I’ve enjoyed reading this magazine each month. Although I appreciate the opportunity to write a few words, this magazine is designed to focus on you and the great things happening in Public Safety. What you do on daily basis matters and I couldn’t be more proud of our entire team. In April we celebrated National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Our dispatchers are some of the best in the business and I encourage you to arrange a visit to 911 to get an inside look at their vital role. This month we celebrate National Emergency Medical Services Week and I would like to thank all of our EMS Professionals. Although you don’t serve for the recognition, it’s certainly nice to see certain weeks dedicated to honor you. Thank you! There have been quite a few promotions recently. Congratulations to all of you! Promotions are extremely competitive, so it’s certainly something that should be celebrated. Remember, we expect leaders to raise the bar and develop personnel, but the primary responsibility is to focus your energy on their needs. Leadership sometimes requires taking people where they need to go, not necessarily where they want to go. Regardless of your rank or position, lead from where you are… Sincerely appreciate what you do,
Police Chief Paul Prine
The Mobile Police Department is full steam ahead with its operation and mission. Together we are One-Mobile with the mindset of “Mission First”. Serving the citizens of Mobile is what we are called to do. You know that because you do it every day with your service and commitment. We will move together as one team in our efforts to engage our beloved community and fight crime! I am proud of the work that you do, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for ALL that you do and I am blessed to serve you! Mission First.
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THis Issue Contributors On the Cover: Fourth Precinct Officer Johntavis Brandon
2022 CITY OF MOBILE PUBLIC SAFETY CALENDAR Featured First Responders
Captain R.D. Shoots Captain Kevin Rodgers Lieutenant Ted Johnson Sergeant Christopher Giattina Chaplain Ed Connick Linda Pitts Ruth Grant RCO Coleen Tittle Curd Brandie Battiste Bradford Cooper, MCPAAA D’Ambro Chatman
Firefighter Ewing Mayberry III, Firefighter David McKee, and Firefighter Mark Kolker. Photo taken at Hank Aaron Stadium.
Editorial Staff
City of Mobile Public Safety Charlette Solis Public Affairs Manager Steven Millhouse Public Information Officer
Firefighter Marcine Crawford, Sergeant Paul Alford, Corporal Aaron Atkins, Corporal Kevin Naman, Officer Brian Rivers, and Captain Tim Spyrka. Photo taken at Colonial Fort Conde.
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Victim advocates stand for rights, equity and access
Police Chief Prine lead the Victims of Crime Awareness Walk hosted by the Victim Services Unit.
The Mobile Police Department has three dedicated victim advocates - Stacey Dallas Woodyard, Brandie Battitse and Reagan Frost. Every April around the country, victim advocates alike raise awareness in their communities about crime victims’ issues and rights during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. In commemoration of the week, locally, the Mobile Police Department Victim Services Unit hosted its second annual Victims of Crime Awareness Walk. The department’s victim advocates held the walk for victims of violent crime and for those who stand
with the victims. The Victims of Crime Awareness Walk took place Friday, April 29 at 11 a.m. Participants walked from the back of police headquarters to Public Safety Memorial Park. Victims and their families were surrounded by a host of police officers and supported by Mobile Fire-Rescue, Penelope House, and other agencies. Chief Prine and Public Safety Director Battiste spoke at the event along with Homicide Sergeant Kenneth Gillespie. Nija Hill, whose 16-year-old son was taken by gun violence, spoke on behalf of all victims.
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Media Coverage of Law Enforcement: A Training Day
ID Unit Corporal Charles Miller help reporters understand the crime scene.
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) encourages the Public Information Office to have conversational topics with reporters as a way to establish and maintain good working relationships. Law enforcement agencies need the news media as much as the news media need them —to keep the public informed with messages that help keep them safe. Thanks to Lieutenant Leland Terrell and Officer Brad Penton at the Metro Firearms Training Facility for making accomondations, the annual training was able to take place. Reporters from Fox 10 News, WKRG News 5, al.com and The Call News represented their outlets.
Training topics included Understanding the Crime Scene led by Corporal Charles Miller of the ID Unit, Fake vs. Real Guns and Shoot or Don’t Shoot Scenarios. With the SWAT Team’s assistance, other topics included the Dangers of High Powerful Weapons and SWAT Save Lives: Entry Tactics. Not only did the reporters get some training to better understand law enforcement, they also got their story for the day. Watch Fox 10 News Story: An Inside Look Into Officer Training.
FAITH SHIELDS
“The Lord is my Shepard. I shall not want.” What a mighty proclamation! As his sheep, there’s no want. He will take care of you, guide you, and bring you back in should you go astray. The Lord will remove all fear for he is with you even in your darkest place. He will protect
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Submitted by Ruth Grant, MPD Records
you from all harm. The Lord will bless you with more than enough causing an overflow. He will allow goodness and mercy to be your shadow. At the end of the journey, you will have a place with him. What a Good Shepard!
Honors & Congrats!
The Southwest Mobile Chamber of Commerce recognizes Officer Nicholas Harmon of Precinct 2 for his outstanding service to the community. His superior, Lieutenant Paul Soulier, also pictured.
OFFICER OF THE MONTH
FIREFIGHTERS OF THE MONTH
Mayor Stimpson always sets aside some time to personally get to know each honored Officer of the Month and Firefighter of the Month. From left, March 2022 Officer of the Month Christopher Culbertson, March 2022 Firefighter of the Month Christopher Glisson, and February 2022 Firefighter of the Month Daniel Carberry. O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 7
Celebrating the Coordinators of First Response
From left, Renea Grayson, Cecilia Workman, Alisha Bailey, Colleen Tittle Curd, Stephanie Warne, and Carol Carroll.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) is held annually during the second week of April to honor telecommunications personnel for their commitment, service, and sacrifice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Across the nation, public safety operators and dispatchers play a critical role in coordinating first response and lifesaving efforts within their communities. These unseen heroes are first to provide crucial assistance to people in need, reassuring and supporting them while law enforcement, fire personnel, or emergency medical teams are enroute. The MPD Communications Unit had the honor of participating in National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week from April 10 through April 16. It’s the one week out of the year dedicated to spotlight these “first, first responders”, the men and women behind the scenes, who are behind the headsets. They are hardly O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 8
ever seen, seldom acknowledged, often taken for granted, and rarely thanked, but continue to do the job they love, day in and day out. Due to personnel shortages, they are often exhausted from doing twice the amount of work with half the people, yet they don’t complain. The show up to work each day whether on regular duty, voluntary overtime, or mandatory overtime and are a critical component of emergency communications. They provide critical, life-saving emergency services to the public. During this fun-filled week, costumes for each themed day was encouraged, delicious food was provided, and splendid gifts were raffled off to show appreciation for these awesome men and women. This was meant to show gratitude for all their hard work and efforts in helping to make the City of Mobile a little safer each day! Have you thanked your dispatcher today?
The Photograph by Ian Rehborn
ID Unit Ian Rehborn captured this photo of Engine 7 on the roadway while responding to a call.
Super Cool CSI Day at MGM!
Mary G. Montgomery High School teacher Ms. Touchstone invited Lieutenant Ted Johnson and Officer Albert White to talk to her students about crime scene investigations, manners of death, blood spatter, fingerprinting, and their job requirements. She described the visit as “super cool”! O N ES H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 9
Gun Intelligent Unit Awards
The Gun Intelligence Unit recognized the following five officers for their dedication to duty in the collection of firearm and ballistic evidence that resulted in an investigative lead for detectives to other connected cases.
4th Precinct 2nd Squad Officer Tony Tripp
4th Precinct 2nd Squad Officer Riley Stewart Sr.
3rd Precinct 4th Squad 2nd Precinct 2nd Squad Sergeant Terence Officer Blakely Perkins Diamond
3rd Precinct 3rd Squad Officer Nathan Jones
Woodard Named Civilian Employee of the Month
The Mobile Police Department named Alice Jenny Woodard the Civilian Employee of the Month for March 2022. Starting in the Communications Unit February 2020, Woodard is a public safety dispatcher. She is recognized for her role in helping to take a violent criminal off the streets. According to her supervisor, Woodard has never been faced with a call of this magnitude and performed her job very well like a seasoned public safety dispatcher. She also received praised from the precinct captain and other ranked officers applauding her for how her calmness helped the situation. Click here to read full article.
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Early Morning Shift? Oatmeal to Go
Submitted by Bradford Cooper, Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association President
Serve cold or warm. It lasts no more than 3 days.
Ingredient List • 24-ounce mason jar; wide mouth • Quaker Oats – Old-Fashioned; 1 cup • Sliced almonds; lg handful • Craisins dried cranberries; 1/3 handful • Coconut water; fill to cover ingredients • Almond milk – vanilla: fill to remaining volume of container • Light agave syrup; small squirt
Coconut water has natural sweetness; does not need much syrup unless you like really sweet oatmeal. Can also substitute almonds and craisins for pecans and raisins.
Mix ingredients into the mason jar, shake well, and let rest overnight in refrigerator.
This is an awesome and healthy way to make oatmeal as you prepare for your next shift. Thanks goes out to my mother for sharing this method of preparation. I hope you enjoy!
MCHD sends thanks to MPD officers
Sergeant Johnny Bouler and Officer Austin Guffey help out at the MCHD “War on Physical Inactivity” event. Its Cannon Team is known for bringing a real cannon from 1901 to events like races to signal that the MCHD is waging a war against physical inactivity. MCHD said our officers were great to work with and appreciate them staying until the boom boom. O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 1 1
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GET TO KNOW
Officer Johntavis Brandon PRECINCT 4
A huge part of my job is building positive relations with the citizens in my community. Every time I put on my duty uniform at the start of every shift, I know there is the possibility of saving someone’s life or helping someone who is going through a dark moment in life overcome that burden.
Being a police officer is not just a job for me, it is a calling and every day I want to fulfill that calling. I think about how I would want my family and loved ones to be treated during an encounter with a police officer, and that is what guides my policing as well as my work ethic. Reaching out to citizens in my area is important to me because I know that it helps them become more comfortable interacting with police. I want them
to know that they can depend on the police for help, especially after they see an officer take the time to talk to them and understand their concerns about the things that are happening in their community as well in their personal lives. I used that engagement as an opportunity to gain ideas and suggestions on what we can all do better to lower the crime rate and make Mobile a safer city for all. Most importantly, I feel as though we the police cannot do our job alone. I believe that if I build good relationships with the citizens in my beat and in my community those very same citizens will not have a problem providing me with the necessary information that I will potentially need to solve a crime.
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Bringing the fun for achievement to students at Mary B. Austin Elementary
From left, Sergeant Sharon Anderson, Officer Jonathan Thomas, Officer Johntavis Brandon, Officer Deron McMichael, Officer Roger Gill, Sergeant Joseph Goff and Lieutenant Christopher Levy Officer Johntavis Brandon had an idea to bring the fun for achievement to the students at Mary B. Austin Elementary School. He was backed by several officers from his precinct. They helped him host the event. “I wanted to give the students a positive outlook on police officers at the start of a very young age,” said Officer Brandon. “I also wanted to reward them for their hard work and accomplishments.” Students from each grade level who had the highest GPA were invited to the event. With his own money, Officer Brandon bought pizza, drinks and ice cream as well as a Wack-A-Mole inflatable and a Connect-the-Shot inflatable. All the officers
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enjoyed their time with the kids and said they had some of the best conversations.
About “It Takes All of Us”
Mobile’s new youth violence prevention coordinator is Joshua Jones, who works out of the Office of Strategic Initiatives. Jones’ role is to help lead the fight against teen gun violence. On April 20, he invited residents to unite at Unity Point Park for the “It Takes All of Us” community event and put a stake in the ground against gun violence. There were posters at the event for community members to write messages about how gun
violence has impacted their life and their city. Jones said “It Takes All of Us” will be used as the slogan for the city’s longterm campaign against teen gun violence. Reducing teen gun violence is one of the goals under Operation Echo Stop, which launched earlier this year to focus on prevention, deterrence, compliance, and detection.
Watch Event YouTube Videos!
https://youtu.be/giuCm2aFktU
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https://youtu.be/H7HgOwZjMCE
Field Trip to the Mounted Unit
St. Paul’s Episcopal School K5 class gets a field trip to the horse barn. Mounted Unit Officer Nicey Turton is their tour guide.
Progressive Black Firefighters of Mobile
Captain Rodrick Shoots is a fire service captain and serves as the president of the Progressive Black Firefighters of Mobile. The mission of the organization is to ensure fairness and equality for members in regards to hiring, promotions, discipline and any other areas of employment opportunities. It was established in 1994 and is affiliated with the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. Other E-Board members are Jason Craig, vice president; Terrance Bridges, treasurer; and Richard McMillian, secretary. The Progressive Black Firefighters of Mobile are actively involved in the community and say they are keeping the torch of justice burning for all firefighters.
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Chaplain Taylor at Stations 12 and 14
The Public Safety Chaplain Corps takes care of first responders’ spiritual needs and their physical needs— with FOOD! Chaplain Dan Taylor provides meals for Stations 12 and 14, all three shifts.
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Ranking Up: You’ve Earned It!
Congrats to our most recently promoted firefighters! Promoted to Fire Service Driver: Bradley Clark, Wesley Foster, Matthew Martin, William Mobley, Brandon Parden, Joseph Petties, and Alexander John Michael Treneir; Promoted to Fire Service Captain: Captain Andrew L. Edwards, Captain Wayne Pierce, Captain James Stallings, and Captain Michael Westley Jr.
Above photo, from left, Corporal Shaun Hall and family; and Sergeant Nicholas Vegliacich and family. Congrats MPD officers on your recent promotion: Sergeant Sarah Badon, Sergeant Dennis Owens, Sergeant Clarence Robinson, Sergeant Donovan Taylor, Sergeant Nicholas Vegliacich, Corporal Lawrence Battiste, V., Corporal Alicia Davis-Sonnier, Corporal Shaun Hall, Corporal Melissa Hollis, Corporal Paul Lee, Corporal Derrick McDonald, Corporal Phillip Morris, Corporal Jalon Robinson, Corporal Shawn Schlumpf, Corporal David Sherritt and Corporal Robert Snyder.
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