The latest news at the Dallas County Sheriff's Department.
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DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT JULY 2012 Volume 12 Number 6 CORPORATE CHALLENGE Behind The BADGE Inside this issue: About Chief Mikulewicz “Kids & Cops” Update Sheriff’s Association of Texas Conference “Watch Your Car” Campaign 2012: Corporate Chal- lenge Employee Recogni- tions Team Wellness Volunteer Opportuni- ties Retirements FROM THE SHERIFF Pictured above: Chief Blaise Mikulewicz is sworn in by Sheriff Lupe Valdez. Chief Blaise Mikulewicz (pronounced mic-a-lev-its), who will oversee the deten- tions administration, brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience. He most recently served as chief deputy for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office where he provided a wide variety of professional, administrative, organizational and supervi- sory duties. He oversaw the department’s daily operations and participated in long and short range planning for patrol, investigative and the correctional facilities. Prior to that, Chief Mikulewicz served a 23-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mikulewicz received his appointment to the FBI as a Special Agent on July 25, 1988 and was assigned to the Billings Montana Resident Agency, Butte Division, where he worked Government Reservation Crimes from 1988 until 1993. During this time period, Mikulewicz worked on the Cheyenne and Crow In- dian Reservations primarily investigating homicides, aggravated sexual assaults, crimes against children, fugitives, kidnappings, extortions and bank robberies. MORE ON PAGE 7 I would like to commend everyone for making the Sheriff’s Association of Texas Conference in Dallas a great success. Everything, from the pre-planning to the hosting, the jail tours, to the transporting of sheriffs’ families ran smoothly. There were nothing but positive things to say about the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. Thank you for helping us be great hosts to over a thousand people from across the state. - Sheriff Lupe Valdez Sheriff Lupe Valdez Welcome Chief Blaise Mikulewicz We’re a click away: Dallas.Sheriff.Dept @dallas_sheriff
Transcript
DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
JULY 2012
Volume 12 Number 6 CORPORATE CHALLENGE Behind The
BADGE
Inside this issue:
About Chief Mikulewicz
“Kids & Cops” Update
Sheriff’s Association of
Texas Conference
“Watch Your Car”
Campaign
2012: Corporate Chal-
lenge
Employee Recogni-
tions
Team Wellness
Volunteer Opportuni-
ties
Retirements
FROM THE SHERIFF
Pictured above: Chief Blaise Mikulewicz is sworn in by Sheriff Lupe Valdez.
Chief Blaise Mikulewicz (pronounced mic-a-lev-its), who will oversee the deten-tions administration, brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience. He most recently served as chief deputy for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office where he provided a wide variety of professional, administrative, organizational and supervi-sory duties. He oversaw the department’s daily operations and participated in long and short range planning for patrol, investigative and the correctional facilities.
Prior to that, Chief Mikulewicz served a 23-year career with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. Mikulewicz received his appointment to the FBI as a Special Agent
on July 25, 1988 and was assigned to the Billings Montana Resident Agency,
Butte Division, where he worked Government Reservation Crimes from 1988 until
1993. During this time period, Mikulewicz worked on the Cheyenne and Crow In-
dian Reservations primarily investigating homicides, aggravated sexual assaults,
crimes against children, fugitives, kidnappings, extortions and bank robberies.
MORE ON PAGE 7
I would like to commend everyone for making the Sheriff’s Association of Texas
Conference in Dallas a great success. Everything, from the pre-planning to the
hosting, the jail tours, to the transporting of sheriffs’ families ran smoothly. There
were nothing but positive things to say about the Dallas Sheriff’s Department.
Thank you for helping us be great hosts to over a thousand people from across the
state.
- Sheriff Lupe ValdezSheriff Lupe Valdez
Welcome Chief Blaise Mikulewicz
We’re a click away:
Dallas.Sheriff.Dept
@dallas_sheriff
Volume 12 Number 6 Page 2
Message from the sheriff to all current “Kids
and Cops” participants:
As you may know, the “Kids and Cops” program was established to help foster a relationship be-tween law enforcement officials and the commu-nity. The latest edition of collectable cards re-leased last fall featured 29 Dallas Sheriff’s De-partment employees who made a commitment to the program.
This is a reminder of the outlined requirements.
The application mandated all selected mem-bers would attend a minimum of 12 card
signing events throughout the year.
In order to ensure you meet these requirements, participants are asked to update their contact information by August 15, 2012.
Please submit your contact information (phone number or most frequently checked email) to Deputy Ja-net Curry-Finn by Aug. 15, 2012. Email: [email protected], Office: 214-653-3457. Deputy Finn will send a list of upcoming events you can attend.
In addition, Sheriff Valdez requires a monthly report of your involvement, which should also be emailed to Deputy Curry.
Aside from last October’s National Night Out event, overall member participation has been below minimal. An
upcoming opportunity is the 2012 Corporate Challenge, opening ceremony Fri. Aug. 17, 2012.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Volume 12 Number 6 Page 3
Destination Dallas
Over 1,000 people took part in this year’s Texas Sheriff’s Association Conference hosted at the Anatole Hotel in downtown Dallas. The event, which took place July 21 through July 24, included sheriffs from across the state which had the opportunity to see firsthand how the seventh largest jail in the nation functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Jail tours offered an inside look at the mental health unit inside the West Tower, one of the largest of its kind; as well as the direct supervision housing offered at Kays Tower; and the intake process which books as many as 300 people a day. The gracious volunteer work of several Dallas Sheriff’s Department employees made it possible to host and provide the sheriffs’ family with an enjoyable time also. Overall, the conference was an economic boost for North Texas. Some of the planned activities included visits to Six Flags, Cowboys Stadium as well as NRH20 Waterpark. Among some of the latest law enforcement training, attendees were introduced to new technology and equip-ment on display during the vendors’ fair at the conference. There was also some laid back time, which includ-ed a celebrity stop from “Mayberry’s famous Deputy Barney Fife” who shared lots of laughs with the crowd. On behalf of Sheriff Lupe Valdez and the rest of her executive staff, thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the conference such a memorable and pleasant experience. A special thanks to Captain David Mitchell who never skipped a beat with his assistance throughout the entire conference. The captain and Mrs. Mitchell were so helpful to attendees trying to navigate through the huge conference venue.
Captain Mitchell is deputized by “Barney”. Jail tour stop at the West Tower. The group gets a look at the inmates artwork.
One of several conference workshops at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas.
Volume 12 Number 6 Page 4
July: Watch Your Car Campaign
2012 Corporate Challenge...Game On!
The North Texas Auto Theft Task Force joined several other area regional agencies to promote the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority’s (ABTPA) “Watch Your Car” Campaign on July 2, 2012. Statistics show that July is when most vehicle thefts and burglaries occur in Texas. In fact, a vehicle crime is committed across the state every two minutes. The awareness campaign is to encourage drivers to “think like a thief” and not leave their keys or any visible valuable possessions in an unattended car, especially in the summer heat. “Hide belongings, Take keys, Lock doors.” As part of the campaign, the North Texas Auto Theft Task Force provided free VIN # etching at several loca-tions across Dallas County during the month of July. Such service can help qualify drivers for an auto insur-ance discount.
Change up your workout routine for a 10-week alternative benefiting our Special Olympian Bryan Blanton! Join the fun with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Depart-ment! The Richardson Corporate Challenge is an Olympic style competition where Dallas County employees, con-tract employees and retirees can take part in as many of the 29 sporting competitions listed on the calendar. Not into sports? You can still help #TeamDCSD by attending the opening ceremony on Fri. Aug. 17, 2012. There will be a 1-mile walk and tailgate fun. The team gets points for everyone who shows up to support, so bring all your family and friends, along with lots of energy. Buy a team T-shirt for $12 and/or participate in the Sept. 1, 2012 GREAT RIDE for all you motorcyclists.
Special Olympian Bryan Blanton
Volume 12 Number 6 Page 5
Corporate Challenge 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
AUG. 12 13 14 15
16
17 Opening Ceremo-ny! Tailgate
18 VOLLEYBALL
19 VOLLEYBALL
20 PUNT, PASS & KICK
21 DODGEBALL
22 DODGEBALL
23 DODGEBALL BASKETBALL
24 BASKETBALL
25 BASKETBALL
26 BASKETBALL
27 TENNIS
28 TENNIS
29 TENNIS
30 TENNIS
31
SEPT. 1st
THE GREAT RIDE!
2
3 LABOR DAY!
4 HORSESHOES
5 HORSESHOES
6 HORSESHOES
7 TEXAS HOLD’EM
8 KICKBALL
9 KICKBALL BIKE RIDE
10 SOCCER
11 SOCCER
12 SOCCER
13 SOCCER
14 SOCCER
15 GOLF
16 GOLF 5K RUN
17 MINI GOLF
18 MINI GOLF
19 MINI GOLF FLAG FOOTBALL
20 FLAG FOOTBALL
21 FLAG FOOTBALL BADMINTON
22 FLAG FOOTBALL BADMINTON
23 BADMINTON SWIMMING
24 TABLE TENNIS
25 TABLE TENNIS
26 TABLE TENNIS
27
28 SOFTBALL
29 SOFTBALL
30 SOFTBALL
Oct. 1 DOMINOES
2 DOMINOES
3 DARTS
4 DARTS
5 DARTS
6
7
BASS FISHING
8
BILLIARDS
9
BILLIARDS
10
BILLIARDS
WOMEN’S 3X3
BASKETBALL
11
BILLIARDS
WOMEN’S 3X3
BASKETBALL
12
WOMEN’S 3X3
BASKETBALL
13
BOWLING
14 15 16 17 18
19
CLOSING CERE-
MONY
20
Log on to the interactive map at http://www.cor.net/cc/calendar.html
You can find out the evening times and locations of each event.
Remember, even if you don’t play, come cheer the teams on and the team earns
spirit points!
Please contact Deputy Limones or Deputy Hines at 214.653.2601 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
Ms. Sandra Chambers is the section clerk for the Court Services Section. Her duties include the handling of all incoming and outgoing correspondence for court services, answering the phones, handling all filing for the section and keeping the section personnel supplied with their office needs.
Though, things can sometimes get hectic, Ms. Chambers keeps things flowing as smoothly as possible. She is very dependable and can always be counted on to assist in any way she can, often taking on extra responsibility. Her work ethic is commendable always. Ms. Chambers began her career with Dallas County in February 2006.
DSO Michael English
Scenario Instructor Detention Service Officer of the Year
Award
Detention Service Officer Michael English was awarded as the Scenario Instructor Detention Service Officer of the Year at the Crisis Intervention Training Appreciation Lunch on July 28.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Volunteer Opportunity
The Gun Range is looking for volunteers who have a background in masonry/bricklaying as well as volunteers to install a drip irrigation system in a flowerbed.
Any employee interested contact the range at 972-225-4590.
Mikulewicz was subsequently transferred to the Miami Division in 1993 and was assigned to a squad working Asian, Italian and Russian Organized Crime and other large-scale narcotics matters. In 1996, Mikulewicz was promoted to a Supervisory Special Agent position at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to provide man-agement and oversight for a newly created unit focusing on various Domestic Terrorism matters until 1999.
In 1999, Mikulewicz was transferred to the Dallas Division as the Supervisory Special Agent of the Domestic Terrorism Squad during which time he played a significant role in the FBI’s efforts to expand the North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force. In May 2000, Mikulewicz was given the responsibility of supervising a multi-agency High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force which targeted large-scale narcotics groups within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Under the supervision of Mikulewicz, this HIDTA Task Force was recognized for its efforts and received several regional Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) awards, as well as two national awards from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Na-tional Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), HIDTA.
Mikulewicz was promoted to the rank of Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Dallas Division of the FBI in 2005 and provided Executive Management for Supervisors, Special Agents, Task Force Officers and sup-port personnel working various criminal matters. He directed the day-to-day operations for multiple Drug and Violent Crime Task Forces located within the Dallas Division. He also developed an intelligence collection program to target sophisticated criminal enterprises while managing the dissemination of appropriate threat assessments and intelligence products to local, state and federal agencies. He was instrumental in securing FBI Headquarters approval and funding for the creation of a multi-agency Task Force specifically designed to target Drug Cartels and other border related violence.
Chief Mikulewicz, 53, was born in Phoenix. After receiving his early education in Prescott, Arizona, he attend-ed the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry - Multiple Resource Management in 1981. He went on to work for the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Mikulewicz left the BIA in 1984 to pursue a career in law enforcement and served as a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department prior to entering the Federal Bureau of In-vestigation (FBI).
Mikulewicz and his wife Wendy have four children. They have been married 28 years.
The life savers are coming. Stay tuned for more details on interdepartmental competitions, a calendar of
workout events and fitness video links you can do to stay active.
If you have a kinesiology degree, are a certified fitness instructor, we want to know, or just want to get in-
Mental Health Officer Joseph Charles bids farewell to the Dallas Sheriff’s Department after 29 years of ser-vice. Dozens of co-workers from the detentions side as well as Parkland medical staff, retired colleagues, friends and family attended the his retirement celebration on July 31. Several colleagues reflected on the ex-emplary character Charles portrays day in and day out. A former supervisor reflected on the changed man he saw Charles evolve into from his early days at the sheriff’s department. DSO Varghese Ninan performed a spiritual tune with his guitar as everyone else sang along.
Charles plans to embrace his spiritual calling in the next chapter of his life. He has already preached his first sermon and serves as outreach director of his church. In the future, he says he plans to launch his own non-profit organization in memory of his two daughters.
Officer Charles’ work family wishes him nothing but the best!
Volume 12 Number 6
Announcements
BIRTHS
July 18, 2012: Intake 3rd
Watch Detention Service Officer To-ny Hernandez, and his wife Maria became the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy. Baby Nicholas Hernandez was born at 8:57 p.m. at 19.4 inches, weighing in at 6 lbs.12oz..
Congratulations to the Hernandez Family!
GET WELL
Mrs. Linda Johnson, Clerk-5 of DMU, recently underwent sur-gery at Methodist Hospital. She is doing well.
DEATHS
July 5, 2012: Doris Jennings, grandmother of DSO D. Reese,
1st Watch-North Tower Jail, passed away.
July 11, 2012: Retired Deputy Billie Darlene Brown, former
Station 9, Criminal Investigative Division, the sister of retired
Warrant Execution Investigator James “J.T” Jackson, passed
away after an extended illness.
July 16, 2012: Lynn C. Green, father of DTO Lisa Taylor, West
Tower, and grandfather of Alyssha Taylor, Communications,
passed away.
July 25, 2012: Mary Lee Briggs, mother of 3rd Watch North
Tower DSO Deborah Hollis passed away.
July 27, 2012: Blondel Yee, mother of Processing Support
