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MERRY AND BRIGHT

With the holidays approaching, the Webster Police and Fire Departments want to make sure you and your family have a safe and happy season. Be mindful of the following tips, whether you’re checking off your shopping list, traveling, or just enjoying time at home.

When Shopping

Park in well-lit areas, and be aware of your surroundings.

Shop with a friend or family member.

Don’t leave valuables in your car, and always lock your vehicle.

Call Webster PD at 281-332-2426 if you see anything suspicious (or 911 in an emergency).

When Traveling

Use timers to switch lights/TVs on while you’re away.

Have a trusted neighbor check on your home.

Don’t leave keys hidden outside your home.

Check the forecast before driving, and sign up for emergency weather alerts for your destination.

Home Safety

Inspect lights for frayed wires or loose connections.

Keep live Christmas trees watered properly to avoid becoming a fire hazard. For artificial trees, check for a fire-resistant label.

Keep your Christmas tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, space heaters, or candles.

Use flameless or battery-operated candles.

Avoid mistletoe, poinsettias, lilies, and holly berries that are toxic to pets.

BJORN FOR SERVICE: WEBSTER’S NEW K9 OFFICER

A new law enforcement team is working to keep crime on a short leash here in Webster.

Newly certified K9 Bjorn, a 1 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd mix, is now on patrol with Officer James Smith. With the addition of Bjorn, Webster PD now has three K9 officers among its ranks.

For Officer Smith, an Army veteran with nearly five years of law enforcement experience, becoming a K9 handler was always a goal. Now he’s ready to step into a new role with his four-legged partner.

“We want to go out there and eliminate narcotics from the streets of Webster, support patrol as best as we can, whether it be apprehension or locating articles such as firearms,” Officer Smith says.

The pair completed a rigorous sixweek training course in November, in which Bjorn honed his skills in narcotics detection, as well as tracking and apprehension.

undergo training, Bjorn is slightly younger than average. Officer Smith says the combination of Bjorn’s prey drive, agility, and temperament makes him a good fit for the job.

“He pairs nicely with me, and I think he has just a good amount of drive. It’s high, and he’s very mellow at the same

Before joining the Webster Police Department in 2024, Officer Smith served with the Port of Galveston, where there was no K9 program. Here in Webster, he says he benefits from the “wealth of knowledge” his fellow K9 handlers possess.

“I look up to Officer [Harley] Everts and Sgt. [Javier] Mendoza, who are excellent K9 officers, and I strive to be as good as they are.”

Officer Smith says he is already impressed by Bjorn’s natural abilities and willingness to learn, and he looks forward to the years of successful partnership to come.

“He amazes me every time we go out and work, and I hope to continue to be amazed by him. We’re going to grow together most definitely,” he says.

Webster PD Celebrates 30 Years of K9s

This year marks a major milestone for the Webster Police Department, as it celebrates 30 years of the K9 Officer program here in the City

Webster PD’s first K9, Kai, began serving in 1995 with his handler, Sgt. David Worley. Since then, nine more dogs have joined the force, making Bjorn the latest in a long line of dedicated K9s.

Currently, there are three K9s working in Webster, the most the City has ever had at one time. Bjorn joins K9s Lex, who is trained in narcotics detection, and Ravi, the City’s first explosives detection K9.

“Dogs really do have their place. They are really useful tools,” says Captain Ray Graham.

Pictured: K9 Bjorn

Serving Those Who Serve

They serve the City of Webster every day, but on Sunday, November 2nd, our first responders were the ones being served.

Members of the Webster Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association and Clear Creek Community Church prepared a picnic-style lunch for police, firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers, with 40 volunteers pitching in to make it happen.

First responders from Webster and the surrounding areas were invited to stop by the fire station for hot dogs, hamburgers, and sweets. Extra food was then packed up with handwritten notes and delivered to police and fire stations in League City, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, El Lago, and Friendswood, as well as ER staff at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Shannon Gasher, who serves on the WCPAAA board, says she and her fellow volunteers wanted to give back to the men and women who keep us safe every day.

“First responders are everything to our community,” Gasher says.

Some of the youngest volunteers even offered to help wash one of the City’s ambulances. Gasher says it was important to get the kids involved and introduce them to our local heroes.

“There’s too much negative out there, and if this is how these next generations get to learn about first responders, that’s important to us too.”

Webster Fire Department Administrative Coordinator Emily Lopez says it was a pleasure working with Gasher and the volunteers, and she’s grateful for the outpouring of appreciation.

“First responders are the steady hands and brave hearts our community depends on — always there, always ready, always serving. It means so much to have the community support and recognize that,” Lopez says.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN WEBSTER

Senior Holiday Luncheon

Connect with our thriving senior community during our annual Holiday Luncheon!

Join us Wednesday, December 10th, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Santa on the Fire Truck

Watch as Santa Claus rides through the City of Webster, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 20th.

Stay tuned to the City’s official Facebook page for more information on Santa’s route.

Holiday Yard Decorating Contest

Deck the halls and show off your dazzling holiday displays! Judging will take place on December 18th. Winning homes will be featured in the Webster Way and on social media. Only open to addresses within Webster city limits.

Use sink strainers to catch food waste.

Before you wash dishes, scrape food scraps, fats, oils and grease into your garbage or compost.

Soak up remaining oils and grease with an absorbent material, such as paper towels, and throw into your garbage or yard/food waste bin.

With family gatherings and holiday dinners on the horizon, the City of Webster Public Works division is reminding everyone to keep our sewers clean by following FOG (fats, oils, and grease) guidelines.

FOG can clog sewers, cause backups, and lead to overflows, repairs, and even fines and surcharges. Keep these FOG compliance tips in mind to stay off the naughty list and keep our community flowing smoothly.

Always pour or scrape cooled fats, oils and grease into a covered, disposable container and throw it into your garbage. Never pour fats, oils or grease down sink drains or toilets.

Always remember to scrape your food scraps into the trash!

Join us every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of the month in 2026 for Bingo at the Webster Recreation Center, located at 311 Pennsylvania Avenue. 6 & 20 3 & 17 3, 17, & 31 7 & 21 2, 16, & 30 5 & 19 7 & 21 4 & 18 1, 15, & 29 6 & 20 3 & 17 1, 15, & 29

CITY COUNCIL RECAP

• City Council voted to adopt the 2025 ad valorem tax rate of $0.37106 per $100 of taxable value.

• City Council ratified the increase in total property tax revenue as reported in the City’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Budget.

• City Council approved a WEDC expenditure for $572,192.14 for the completion of the boardwalk system, landscape, hardscape, and related infrastructure within Flyway with Landscape Art, Inc.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $353,744.81 to Construction Masters of Houston, Inc. for Civic Center, Recreation Center, and Pool House/Storage building rehabilitation.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $89,150 to Carrier Enterprise, LLC for Civic Center Complex HVAC system controls.

• City Council authorized the Mayor to sign a Pre-Design Services Proposal with Huitt-Zollars, Inc. for Police Department and Public Works facilities for $102,750.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $51,002 to Consolidated Traffic Controls, Inc. for the replacement of school zone flashers.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $70,814.30 to CDW-G for the purchase of CrowdStrike Complete, SIEM, and Identity Protection.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $365,697.78 to CDW-G for the purchase of Nutanix Virtual Cluster Hardware and Software.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $167,742.50 to CDW-G for the purchase of Rubrik disaster recovery and backup appliances and software.

• City Council approved a resolution amending the fee schedule for the Recreation Building room rentals and updating the Reservation Agreement.

• City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 6, “Alcoholic Beverages” of the Webster Code of Ordinances, entitled Section 6.2 - Fee for certain mixed beverage permitees, in accordance with SB 1008.

• City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a revised dispatch services agreement with the City of Nassau Bay.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $97,065 to EMA Sport Solutions, LLC to replace softball and baseball field fences at Texas Avenue Park.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $67,580 to Mackey Services to install two new rooftop package air conditioning and heating systems at the Civic Center.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for $420,809.53 to Silsbee Ford for seven Public Works Department vehicles.

• City Council authorized the purchase of equipment and installation of A/V components for the Fire Department Training/EOC room in the amount of $176,061.

• City Council authorized the purchase of equipment and installation for incident alerting system components for Fire Station 1 from Westnet/First-In through HGAC in the amount of $66,492.60.