EAST Magazine May 2013

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CONTENTS ///MAY2013

COVER PHOTO BY LISA CROW Stephanie Oliver President Beth Johnson editor@tjmag.com Managing Editor Kim Iribarren kim@tjmag.com Director of Sales Coran Fuqua office@tjmag.com Administrative Assistant Macy Haffey Layout and Design Lisa Crow lisacrowphotography@gmail.com Event Photographer CONTRIBUTORS Angie Nichols DISTRIBUTORS Lisa Crow Janet Glover Jared Thompson

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A HERO’S FIGHT Chad Wilson

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A HERO’S DEDICATION Officer John Allen

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A HERO’S STORY Hunter Bernius

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A HERO’S SERVICE Rodney J. Thompson

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HERO TRIBUTES

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COMMUNITY LEADERS Leaders in Charge

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CRIME STOPPERS Making Your Community a Safer Place

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TROPHY ROOM

CONTACT US: MAILING: P O B ox 1 5 0 5 37 L u f k i n , Texa s 759 1 5 P H YS I CA L : 1 1 5 E . S h e p h e rd L u f k i n , Texa s 759 0 1 936-634-7188 editor@eastmensmagazine.com facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast

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A HERO’S FIGHT

Protecting a Hopeful Future – Chad Wilson

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had Wilson has been in law enforcement for 10 years. A 1995 graduate of Lufkin High School, Chad enlisted in the Marine Corp and served his country for four years, stationed in North Carolina. Following the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, Chad was recalled and served an additional six months as a Military Police (MP) on base security. When his service was completed, he obtained further training and worked for the Lufkin Police Department. Then he became a state trooper for Angelina County in 2006.

to a brief ten-minute “courtship” in seventh grade. She laughs at the memory and characterizes their friendship as close. When they married in 2009, their faith grew quickly when they decided to foster an eight-week old infant. Levi joined their young family four months after their wedding.

The long process of adoption taught Chad and Jill how to endure through tough circumstances and seemingly endless waiting. Levi’s adoption was finalized in April of 2012, and he recently celebrated his third birthday. Chad and Jill also have Karli (8 years old) and another son, Luke, who is almost two.

Immediately following his graduation from the DPS academy, Chad faced a challenge beyond serving and protecting the public. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of lymphocytes (white blood cells).

Chad received six rounds of out-patient chemotherapy at MD Anderson, never missing a day of work serving and protecting the citizens of Angelina County. The treatment yielded remission for 7 years.

Due to his cancer diagnosis, Chad traveled to MD Anderson for regular check-ups to monitor continued remission. The regular visits for a CT scan and a brief discussion with the medical professionals to confirm proof of continued health were a good chance to eat out in Houston and little more. But on February 26 of this year, the routine visit was anything but routine. Chad’s blood work showed concerning cell counts. Further detailed blood tests showed leukemia blasts in his blood, and then a bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis: treatment induced Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It is a rare cancer caused by the past chemo treatments Chad received while battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Following his graduation from the DPS academy, Chad faced a challenge beyond serving and protecting the public. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Chad married his wife, Jill, on July 18, 2009. Friends since they were five years old, they grew-up and attended school together in Lufkin. Chad calls Jill his first girlfriend due

4 | EAST -May 2013

Jill said she felt as if the floor dropped out from underneath her the day they heard Chad had cancer...again. But she also knew God prepared them for the difficult circumstances ahead. “It all has to do with faith. God can use even this bad circumstance for good,” Jill stated. “So many people have it so much worse. When we go to MD Anderson and

By Angie Nichols

see so many people, some with their children in grave health, we are thankful for our healthy children.“ She believes the faithfulness of God they experienced through the adoption of their son prepared them for this current battle of leukemia.

Chad is currently undergoing chemotherapy at MD Anderson in Houston. He goes two to three times a week and continues to work when he is physically able. His leukemia treatment protocol is demanding, much more so than the treatment he underwent with lymphoma, but he is responding well. He has six months of chemotherapy left, and his medical team will determine if the results are sufficient for remission. In the meantime, they are completing the preparation for a stem cell transplant should one be required. Chad’s prognosis is good, due to favorable genetic markers and his age. Because this type of cancer and Chad’s unique history are rare, he agreed to be involved in a clinical trial so that the medical community can learn more about how to treat others that may face similar circumstances. The family believes it to be a positive way to help other people through their trial, leaving nothing wasted.

In fact, Chad and his family do not want his cancer to be all about them. They are grateful for all the community has done to support them through this, from fund raisers, to phone calls, letters, and meals. “The outpouring of love has been amazing,” Jill says. “I believe in the power of prayer and know many are praying.” People they don’t even know are encouraging them both emotionally and physically. However, they want to stress that many families

are going through similar and worse ordeals and want to encourage the community to support causes such as Relay for Life and the National Marrow Donor Program (marrow.org), as well as local blood drives. They know first-hand the need for research, willing donors, and blood products for individuals fighting cancer. You can learn of these local opportunities to support, not only Chad and his family, but also others by visiting the family’s facebook page: Team WCW. Over 400 Team WCW (William Chad Wilson) t-shirts have been sold as a fund raiser to help the Wilson family with the immense costs of fighting such a serious illness. The Scripture on the shirts sums up their steadfast faith in the God who has proved steadfast each step of the way. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future....” Jeremiah 29:11. They believe their hope in a good future is not in vain, but trust the good message of God’s truth displayed on hundreds of backs throughout the community and world will give meaning and purpose to the difficult days.

“Our faith is what keeps us going,” Jill states. And Chad is extremely optimistic. Jill shared he often says, “It ain’t no step for a stepper.” He is looking forward to living his regular daily routine again, eager to return to full-duty service, protecting and serving the citizens of the community he loves. Chad and Jill know that whatever comes, they will be able to face it with faith in God, protecting a hopeful future, one day at a time.

A HERO’S DEDICATION

By Angie Nichols

Valor Beyond Expectation – Officer John Allen

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ach year the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) accepts nominations for the annual State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards. The awards are presented to selected peace officers, reserve officers, jailers, and custodial officers who are licensed by TCLEOSE and exceed the normal expectations of job performance through acts of professional achievement, public service, or valor.

Nacogdoches Police officer John Allen is the recipient of a 2012 award for valor. Allen was nominated after an incident where he risked his own life to rescue a wanted man from a fiery crash in May of last year.

Allen was among the officers pursuing a shoplifting suspect who took off from a grocery store and headed to a neighborhood in south Nacogdoches.

When Allen reached the bottom of a hill at East Seale Street and Press Road, he drove up on the suspect’s wrecked Chevrolet HHR. A dash cam video recording from Allen’s squad car shows the mangled red vehicle smoking, cradled by twisted tree limbs and debris from the high-speed crash.

After radioing a dispatcher for an ambulance and fire crew, Allen went to the passenger side of the car and pulled the suspect through the heavy smoke pouring into the interior.

The engine had caught fire and began spreading into the lower dash area. Allen pulled the man over the driver’s seat and away from the burning vehicle.

The Nacogdoches Police Department issued this statement about the rescue: “Had Officer Allen not continued to search for the suspect, and once finding him, had he not taken the selfless action he took, the driver would have perished within a few short minutes of the accident. Officer Allen’s actions demonstrate character and commitment as a public servant...”

Officer Allen has been with the Nacogdoches Police Department for twelve years. He is a native of Lufkin and a graduate of Central High School. He says he always wanted to be in law enforcement and had good friends who influenced him from their service in law enforcement.

When asked about the incident that earned Allen the nomination for the state award, he said, “When I first arrived on scene, I couldn’t tell the vehicle was on fire, but once I got up to the car, I saw that it, in fact, was. I called for fire and EMS, but knew I couldn’t stand around and wait on them. I knew I had to take action or the man was

6 | EAST -May 2013

going to die. It wasn’t so much a scary situation, but an immediate need. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t do all I could to save the man’s life.”

When posed the question, “Do you feel like a hero?” Allen had this to say: “Everyone asks that question when one person saves another’s life. But I just feel like an everyday person who was doing his job. Even though this was a person suspected of a theft, I still had to protect and serve.

I don’t look at myself as a hero.”

Allen recalls that a couple of days after the incident, the mother of the suspect came and personally thanked him for saving her son’s life. Officer Allen sat and talked with her, answering her questions as best able. Regarding that moment, Allen commented, “I love doing what I do.

In a sense, I served her, too.” Truly, Officer John Allen displays valor in public service that goes beyond the normal expectations of job performance.

An awards banquet will be held at the state capital in June to recognize Officer Allen and the other recipient officers from various areas throughout the state of Texas.

A HERO’S STORY

HUNTER BERNIUS

H

e can remember as far back as 13 years old. From watching all the movies, Hunter Bernius can always remember wanting to be a sniper. He says, “I thought it would be the coolest thing to become a sniper. And what could be better than being a sniper than being a Marine sniper.”

Hunter grew up in East Texas as a Hudson Hornet. He played baseball and had a lot of talent. His coaches would occasionally ask him about his future plans. He explains, “I always knew and was set in my plans. I wanted to be a Marine.”

When he turned 18 on September 18, 2006, not long after graduation, Hunter enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.

He had a lot of support and encouragement from his family and friends in his decision to enlist.

He went off to boot camp and became a part of the infantry.

Even though he knew he wanted to be a sniper, he knew he was going to have to put in his time and earn a spot. Bernius planned on staying ready and practicing when he could so he could work his way to having his foot in the door.

That first year, he was a grunt. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. While there, the snipers in his company asked the group if anyone would be interested in sniper tryout. Hunter explains, “This doesn’t happen often, so I knew I would not pass up this opportunity.”

A few weeks later, Bernius was given the opportunity to attend the week long sniper try outs. According to Hunter, “This was hell on earth. The easiest part of the week was the shooting. I had no sleep and did not eat. I was hallucinating. They put you in the type of conditions they may need you to be in on a certain missions.

It was as much of an emotional and psychological interview as it was skill set. The last day of the week, I sat in on an interview process. They let him know before he left that he was accepted to be a part of the sniper platoon.

He served a month long probationary period or a ‘PIG’ (Professional Instructed Gunman). Then he moved to a ‘HOG’ (Hunter of Gunman).

After serving a year and a half in the Marine Corp, Bernius was sent off to Sniper school in Hawaii. He says, “Sniper School is one of the hardest schools in the Marine Corps. We train 24/7 for deployment. I was excited to hear about attending the Hawaiian Sniper School because even though Camp Lejeun has a very 8 | EAST -May 2013

good school, the Hawaiian School has an excellent reputation and is known to be one of the hardest courses.”

In 2008, Lance Corp Bernius was deployed to Iraq for a 7 month deployment. In 2010, Bernius reenlisted and decided to move to California.

Shortly after, he was sent off on another 7 month deployment with the 24th MEU where he helped with disaster relief in Haiti and joint operations in Africa with the French Foreign Legion.

Then in 2011, he deployed on the 11th MEU to different areas of the world in the South East Asia territory to serve in a seven month deployment.

After the 2011 deployment, Bernius attended urban sniper school. This school was only 2 months and directly related to shooting training and running missions.

Sergeant Bernius could not be more proud to serve his country and live his dream. He explains, “There are 200 active scout Marine snipers. We are a small group, and we definitely have a brotherhood that keeps us close. It’s a very chill group. We like to hang out and relax. What we do is already so stressful; we aren’t the type of guys to yell and get angry with each other.”

Bernius is currently serving his 4 year contract, which is scheduled to be up in 2014, but he has already signed an extension for another 21 months.

His long terms plans, as of right now, do not show a military retirement. “I do not have plans to retire from the Marines, but I am not broken yet, so as long as I can do what I am doing, I plan on continuing. The ATF and US Marshals always sparked my interest, so that is something I may try when my time is done in the Marines.”

It is always good to know there are fellow East Texans protecting and serving our country. To see Sergeant Bernius excel in his area of interest is only a testament of who he is. eastmensmagazine.com /// 9

A HERO’S SERVICE

By Angie Nichols

A Lifetime Worth of Service – Rodney J. Thompson

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odney J. Thompson has been the Director of Angelina County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) since October 2006.

Recently, Mr. Thompson received the prestigious Charles W. Hawkes Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Probation Association.

Community Supervision (probation) is the lawful practice of the court placing a defendant in programs and sanctions, with conditions imposed by the court for a specified period of time. The primary roles of the Community Supervision and Corrections Department are to promote public safety and lawful behavior by defendants in the community.

Mr. Thompson’s accomplished career includes a long list of service. He served as the co-chair for the Adult Legislative Committee for the Texas Probation Association for six years. As a member of TPA, he was co-chair of the Long Range Planning and Exhibitors and has proudly served on the TPA Board of Directors for almost six years.

He was recognized with the President’s Award from TPA in April 2005 for his work on behalf of the organization. He has spent many hours assisting as an expert witness for legislative committees. Mr. Thompson has been fortunate to be able to serve with three legislators from his district who were involved in the House Corrections and Appropriations Committees, Representative Jim McReynolds, Representative James White and Representative Trent Ashby.

He has been involved in community supervision in Texas since 1983. Mr. Thompson worked on regular caseloads as an officer and was also a sex offender officer, intensive supervision officer and surveillance officer. He served as a supervision officer and supervisor at Tarrant County CSCD for over twenty years and was a supervisor for the residential substance abuse program for more than 10 years. He was named the Supervisor of the Year for Tarrant County CSCD in 2005.

The support and mentoring he received from numerous supervisors in his career has been a significant influence in his life. His major accomplishment has been witnessing the promotion of many of the officers that worked for him during his time as a manager and is very proud of his role in their success. Mr. Thompson is encouraged by the degree of professionalism exhibited by the staff that is joining the ranks of community supervision. He also expresses great appreciation to the group of judges he partners with to serve this community. “They are wonderful to work for and have given me a great experience,” he says.

Recipient of the prestigious Charles W. Hawkes Lifetime Achievement Award

Rodney served in the Persian Gulf on the USS Blue Ridge and USS Nimitz during Desert Storm and Southern Watch as part of the Naval Reserve. He also proudly served with the Red Cross for 5 years and was named Volunteer of the Year by the Chisholm Trail Chapter in 2005.

He is married to Kathy, who is retired from the Lufkin State Supported Living Center.

Rodney spends his free time playing golf, traveling and being involved in the First United Methodist Church in Lufkin and the Lions Club. “We love this community and are very grateful for the life that Angelina County and Lufkin has given us,” says Thompson. He adds that their church is so important to them and is family indeed.

Mr. Thompson will be retiring from his position on September 30 of this year. He is grateful for the plan God had for his family in East Texas and looks forward to continuing his life of service by volunteering in the community he has come to love.

10 | EAST -May 2013

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HERO TRIBUTES

Jessie Lee Forrest US Army 1949-1952 Served in Korea

SSgt Yesenia Mazuca and her husband TSgt Mazuca who have both been with United States Air Force for 10 years

Glen Pickard US Army

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Mark Landon Spurgeon 2nd Class Petty Officer US Navy from 2001-2007

Grace Noelle Freeman’s hero is her Nacogdoches Firefighter daddy, Eric Freeman

Logan Finch, Sr. US Army

Logan Finch Jr. and Kim Finch US Army

Cpl. Elza Harty US Army,1949-1952 Served in Korea

David Arthur Dunman, Sr. Pvt. 1st Class US Army, 1954-1957 Weisbaden, Germany

Air Force TSgt Justin R. Watson Taken in 2004 in Turkey

Corporal Randell Fuqua Marine Corps, 2008-2012 Photo taken during his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2011

Charles B. Thornton Tech 4 US Army Western Pacific World War II, 1943-1945

Lieutenant Chris Fitzgerald US Navy, 1972-1994

LCpl Joshua O’Rourke Marine Corps Photo taken in Indonesia in 2010

GSM2 SW/AW James Brantner. US Navy.

This photo was taken in Djibouti, Africa in 2011

Sergeant First Class Justin Cariker Army – 2004-present Sergeant First Class

Bob Chambers US Navy Chaplain

Dillon Olds US Navy, 2006-2011

eastmensmagazine.com /// 13

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Leaders In Charge – Protecting East Texas

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ne of the reasons the residents of East Texas love life in the Pineywoods is for the safety and friendliness of its communities and neighborhoods.

It is still a place where people look out for one another, take the time to extend a helping hand, and honor the men and women who protect their comfortable way of life.

Yes, life in East Texas is the good life. And there are men whose job it is to ensure that not only continues, but even improves, to the better life. They are the leaders in charge of protecting the peace and serving the public in our communities. * Greg Sanches, Angelina County Sheriff, has been in law enforcement for a total of 32 years and grew up in Lufkin. * Scott Marcotte, Lufkin Police Chief, has been in law enforcement for 25 years and served the last three and a half years as the Lufkin Chief of Police. * Jason Bridges, Nacogdoches County Sheriff, began his service as sheriff on January 1 of this year, but has been in full-time law enforcement for 20 years. * Jim Sevey, Nacogdoches Police Chief, has served seven and a half years at his current position and been in law enforcement since 1981.

These are the men who tirelessly work toward making East Texas a safer place to live, work, and play. Five questions were posed to these four leaders. Here are their responses: 1. What is the most rewarding aspect of your position?

Greg Sanches, Angelina County Sheriff: Working and helping people in need, answering questions, helping them with the law and working with organizations such as Special Olympics. I enjoy working with the public and love talking and dealing with people.

them, and all I can do is be a good friend, someone to talk to, and answer their questions as best I can.

Scott Marcotte, Lufkin Police Chief: I believe that increasing demands for police services and increased call loads are the biggest challenge.

Jason Bridges, Nacogdoches County Sheriff: The biggest challenges are not anything different than any sheriff has to deal with. It is the budget. We all want to have more man power on the streets, but resources are limited, so you must be always thinking of new and creative ideas to provide more services with what you have.

Jim Sevey, Nacogdoches Police Chief: The economy. It is more difficult in East Texas than it is in other places. Oil and gas production booms in other areas of Texas, but often in East Texas economic growth is slow and the funds are not there for the things you want to do. We must work hard at prioritizing.

3. What is a major goal(s) you plan to meet this year?

Greg Sanches, Angelina County Sheriff: Get the county employees a raise. They haven’t had a major raise in over 16 years. The employees feel like they are never going to get one, and I want to see that they do. We have some good people in place, increased professionalism, and improved atmosphere to satisfy the public. I hope we get their support and approve a raise for county employees by way of commissioner approval.

Scott Marcotte, Lufkin Police Chief: Simply, I plan on aligning the resources we have to provide the most efficient police services to the citizens.

Scott Marcotte, Lufkin Police Chief: Seeing that the citizens of Lufkin are provided the best possible public safety and police protection and services.

Jason Bridges, Nacogdoches County Sheriff: We have many projects going, among them a jail renovation to improve standards in the jail. We have a 20+ year-old facility so we are restructuring and working to update it. We also want the best and highest trained officers in our county to reduce drug related crime in the community and lastly to maintain and start new crime-reducing programs.

Jason Bridges, Nacogdoches County Sheriff: Being able to make a difference in the community. The position I have allows me to have an impact on our community, reduce crime and provide better law enforcement for our community and implementing programs for our kids.

Jim Sevey, Nacogdoches Police Chief: Probably the biggest is to maintain our “recognized agency” status. The agency is re-inspected every four years. In November of this year, we will be re-inspected and are working hard to maintain our current recognition. A lot of work goes into it.

Jim Sevey, Nacogdoches Police Chief: Dealing with quality people within the community. I am allowed the opportunity of meeting people under all sorts of circumstances that I wouldn’t meet if not for the position I am honored to hold.

4. What is the major point you want the community to know about your position/platform?

2. What is the biggest obstacle or challenge you currently face in your position?

Greg Sanches, Angelina County Sheriff: Dealing with and talking with people to whom I have to deliver bad news like the loss of life due to accidents and/or crime. I feel for 14 | EAST -May 2013

Greg Sanches, Angelina County Sheriff: I want the public to know about our desire for a professional county law enforcement agency. We are here to serve and we want the community to feel comfortable coming to us for reporting and needs. We desire to be involved in the community through service organizations, county events, showing up at schools, and talking to young people. We also are moving to establish

By Angie Nichols

(L-R) Lufkin Police Department Chief of Police Scott Marcotte, Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges, Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches.

Not pictured: Nacogdoches Chief of Police, Jim Sevey. Representing the Nacogdoches Police Department is Lt. Greg Sowell.

more social media outreaches and instant notifications for mobile devices to get information to the public.

Scott Marcotte, Lufkin Police Chief: I want the community to know that the men and women of the Lufkin Police Department are dedicated to the citizens of Lufkin. We are invested in the community. Our families live here and go to school here. We are trying to make it the best possible place we can for all.

Jason Bridges, Nacogdoches County Sheriff: We are striving to be the best Sheriff ’s office in the state of Texas. I want to be the most professional and have the highest quality officers working to reduce the number of drug and drug related crimes, and reduce crime rates overall. We are striving to be pro-active, educate our children, and be involved and present in their schools.

Jim Sevey, Nacogdoches Police Chief: Mostly, I want the community to know that the Nacogdoches Police Department is made up of people who live in the community and have a vested interest in the community. We want to work for and with the community and need their support and help. We need feedback from them and we know the need to be attentive on our part, but we can’t do the best job without their assistance. Strong partnership between agency and community are key.

5. In your view, how does the community crime rate compare to other communities in the state?

Greg Sanches, Angelina County Sheriff: Angelina County is not a high-crime county, but there is crime. Our department wants to be a proactive, not reactive department; patrolling neighbors,

tough on drug enforcement, and other major crimes, while conducting diligent and accurate investigations and maintaining a strong presence in the community.

Scott Marcotte, Lufkin Police Chief: We take crime very seriously. We have the same problems that any other community in the state and nation has, not to the same degree, but we have our share of problems and are dedicated to solving those problems.

Jason Bridges, Nacogdoches County Sheriff: Overall, we have our share of problems like any county. Methamphetamines plague us, and there is probably no higher problem. Reducing this problem will reduce crime. We haven’t done enough to reduce our crime rate, but our message is that we are going to go get these criminals.

They are going to know we are after them. The citizens of our county shouldn’t have to live in fear.

Jim Sevey, Nacogdoches Police Chief: Our crime rate is lower than average for the state. In order to lower and focus on certain crimes, we have formal goals in place for each area of crime control.

Everything we do is reported with a high degree of accountability.

“Inspect what you Expect” is our motivation. All of our supervisors and employees must prove they are doing what they say they do.

When you sleep safe tonight, remember the officers of the communities in which you rest your head. East Texas can be proud of the men who safe-guard our homes and businesses because the leaders in place to protect our communities do not take their charge lightly.

eastmensmagazine.com /// 15

Lufkin Crime Stoppers: Making our Community a Safer Place indictment, or the recovery or seizure of drugs or stolen property, the Crime Stoppers of Lufkin board of directors reviews the tip and information from the investigator. That information determines how useful the tip was and dictates the amount of reward to be paid up to $1000. The type of crime, the number of arrests, and the value of the property recovered all go into determining the reward.

C

rime Stoppers of Lufkin was established in June, 1983 and is a go-between with citizens who have information about crimes and law enforcement agencies who need information about crimes.

Crime Stoppers is not an enforcement agency, but rather relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals. The organization is required by state law to maintain anonymity of persons providing information through them to law enforcement.

Crime Stoppers of Lufkin covers all of Angelina County and averages around 120 calls a month with 275 calls in January of this year. Some of the calls are new tips and some are follow-ups and/or additions, while the others are calls regarding questions about Crime Stoppers and its practices. On average, they receive about 50 new tips per month.

When someone calls into Lufkin Crime Stoppers, the call goes directly to a center manned in Canada, where privacy laws are stricter, and it is put into a data base and passed along to local Lufkin Crime Stoppers. The caller does not identify their name or contact number(s). The call centers have NO WAY of identifying them. The caller is given a secret code number to identify themselves should they call again to add follow-up information and for use to receive a reward distribution. At the time they give the tip, callers are given information and instructions on how to follow up on the tip.

When crime stoppers receive the tip, they determine which law enforcement agency should get the information and forward it to that agency. The appropriate agency investigates the tip, and if the information results in an arrest, a grand jury 16 | EAST -May 2013

It is important to note Crime Stoppers may receive multiple tips on the same crime. The process determines to pay the first, most accurate tip. Crime Stoppers will take tips on any crimes, but they focus on felony crimes. Crime Stoppers of Lufkin works with the media to obtain information about known crimes (Crime of the Week) on local TV stations KETK, Fox51, Lufkin Daily News, local radio and through their website: lufkincrimestoppers.com

Statistics Totals for 2012: * 414 tips * received a total of 1,612 calls * resulted in 34 arrests * clearance of 37 cases * 16 fugitives arrested * paid out $22,280 in rewards * combined value of drugs and property seized: $36,455 JB Smith, the Law Enforcement Coordinator for Crime Stoppers of Lufkin and an employee of the Lufkin Police Department for almost 19 years, says it looks like this year will yield even higher numbers. He states that as of last month Crime Stoppers of Lufkin posted these statistics for 2013: * 156 tips * 547 calls * 23 arrests * 14 cases cleared * 6 fugitives arrested * paid out $9,600 in rewards * combined value of drugs and property seized: $12,756

By Angie Nichols

CRIME STOPPERS

He noted the numbers have increased every year since 1983, and says the involvement of law enforcement, community, and the media are vital to their success.

The Crime Stoppers of Lufkin board is made up of 18 community leaders from various sectors of the community.

Loyalty to the tipsters is a high priority to the board and makes the program stronger by communicating to informants that Crime Stoppers will stand by what they say they will do in protecting identities of callers and making payments for viable tips. This makes tipsters willing to help more in the future or tell others that the program really works.

President of the Board for Crime Stoppers of Lufkin, Rocky Thigpen, says, “Being a board member is easy with JB Smith as your coordinator. He is very dedicated to the Crime Stoppers organization.” He added he believes the organization makes criminals think twice about committing a crime because they know the system is in place and someone will know them. “People do not use it to its full potential. Many believe it is not anonymous, but Crime Stoppers is anonymous and people do not need to be worried. Their tips are protected.

Whether on-line or on the phone, their name and information will be protected and callers will not be asked to be in an investigation or trial.”

Mr. Smith added, “Our pledge of anonymity is not just our policy, IT IS THE LAW. One of the biggest obstacles law enforcement organizations face is apathy and fear of reprisal on the part of those with knowledge of a crime. People know what is going on, but they are afraid to get involved or they think nothing is going to be done. Crime Stoppers addresses those issues by accepting anonymously-provided information and making payments to tipsters for crime-related tips that result in an arrest, a grand jury indictment, or the recovery or seizure of drugs or stolen property. It makes our community a safer place for everyone.”

Find out more at: lufkincrimestoppers.com or by calling 936-639-TIPS.

eastmensmagazine.com /// 17

TROPHY ROOM

Spring 2013 Lufkin Parks & Recreation UPPER League Champions - All American Athletics

Eagle at Attoyac

David Maynard Nacogdoches, Texas

Tribe 8U Champions Carthage Super Series Tournament April 13/14, 2013

Kyle Schellhase, Lake Sam Rayburn

Josue Sandoval at a private pond in Angelina County.

Diana Sandoval at a private pond in Angelina County.

Lillie & Emma Byrd with white perch caught in various ponds Corrigan TX!

Send a photo of your trophy hunt & information to photos@tjmag.com.

Submissions are free of charge.

18 | EAST -May 2013

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

A Bank Firmly Rooted In Your Community

1721 Tulane Dr. | Lufkin, TX

936-639-3201

, Guns, Ammo Reloading Supplies & nge Shooting Ra ay!

Happy Father’s D

340 Parks Circle Lufkin, TX 75904

eastmensmagazine.com /// 19

Sydney Henry

Huntington High School Sydney Henry is a sophomore at Huntington High School. Sydney has recently qualified for the regional track meet in the 300 meter hurdles for the 2nd year in a row. Off the track Sydney is a very good student with all A’s in her classes and enjoys competition cheerleading.

CMC Recycling Proudly Sup

p o r t s O u r C o mm u n i t y

STRONG AS STEEL features an outstanding high-school athlete in the community that deserves recognition.

Since 1915, Commercial Metals Company has recycled, manufactured, and marketed steel and metal products for customers worldwide.

CMC Recycling buys appliances, iron, aluminum cans, car bodies, copper, and brass. Industrial container services are also available.

Interested in selling your scrap metal?

Visit your local CMC Recycling facility at

4060 Hwy 59 North, Lufkin, Texas | 936.639.3718

20 | EAST -May 2013