|
 Northwest Division Newsletter March 2024
|
|
|
If someone asks you to pay for something with a gift card or asks you to buy gift cards and tell them the numbers on the back, it’s a scam.
Gift card scammers are only out for your money. They call, email, text or post on social media with all kinds of stories:
- They’re from “the government” and want you to pay taxes or a fine with gift cards.
- “Tech Support” says something’s wrong with your computer and you must pay via gift card to fix it.
- You’ve won a prize but have to pay shipping with a gift card.
These scammers often say it’s urgent that you act now or something bad will happen. Don’t fall for it! Gift cards are only for gifts. Learn more from the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/gift cards
Northwest Division Officer Pam Rodriguez organized a mini-parade in February for a 2-year-old girl named Camila, who was seriously injured last year by a dog. First responders circled the block with lights flashing, then stopped to sing “Happy Birthday” and deliver gifts. The child and her family had a rough year, including multiple surgeries on Camila’s ear and head. Fire Station 25 firefighters, who hadn’t seen Camila since the incident, were thrilled to see how beautifully she's healing.
|
|
|
Providence Marine Creek Apartments, 4307 Old Decatur Rd., has begun hosting monthly community safety meetings for adults and children. It’s part of a Northwest Police Division initiative to encourage apartment complexes to adopt successful community policing principles already at work in residential neighborhoods. In February, Providence Marine Creek adults gathered to hear tips for preventing mail theft and fraud.
|
 |
|
A little later, as school buses dropped off children at the community room, kids got a short lesson on what to do in case of an emergency, before picking up an after-school snack to take home. At left, Commander Jason Kim fist-bumps students as they arrive.
Apartment managers interested in starting regular community safety meetings should contact their Neighborhood Patrol Officer or email Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent at dot.kent@fortworthtexas.gov
|
|
|
 NPO Jesus Flores enjoys a workout at Diamond Hill Community Center, and NPO Kirk Massey serves French toast prepared by Kiki's Club members at North Tri-Ethnic Community Center. NPOs often stop by community centers on their beats.
 |
|
NICA Open House
The Northside Inter-Community Agency promises a hand up, not just a hand out. More commonly known as NICA, the agency recently held an open house at its renovated facilities at 1600 Circle Park Blvd. Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent and NPO Oscar Moncada enjoyed meeting NICA board members Luana Marler and Jerry Bristow. Learn more about NICA programs at nicaagency.org/
|
 NPOs Massey and Skelton shared some spring break safety tips with more than 50 children in the after-school program at WJ Turner Elementary. Then they headed outside where Officer Skelton played jump rope and Officer Massey played football with students.
 Sabine Jarvis Little League drew a big crowd for opening day, and NPO Flores was proud to throw out the first pitch. Play ball!
|
Lake Country Estates & Secret Harbour
NPOs Josh Vanbrunt and Stevan Velasquez covered the latest crime trends, reminding residents to lock their car doors to prevent burglaries. Cmdr. Kim thanked residents for their support at the HOA's annual meeting, attended by about 70 residents.
|
|
 |
DFW Crime Watch for Buddhist Temples
Cmdr. Kim was part of a law enforcement panel in Dallas at a first-ever DFW Crime Watch Meeting for Buddhist Temples. Representatives from more than 20 area temples joined officers from Fort Worth, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Richardson and others to share police and FBI intelligence. Data shows most crimes against area temples are not hate crimes, but crimes of opportunity. Law enforcement offered strategies for preventing burglaries and other crimes at temples.
|
|
H-Mart Coming to area
Haltom City Plaza developers invited Cmdr. Kim to a groundbreaking for their new 150-thousand-square-foot retail and restaurant space. Most notably, the shopping center will include an H-Mart, the Korean and Asian grocery store that’s a mecca for foodies. It’s scheduled to open in 2025 at Loop 820 and Beach Street.
|
|
 |
|
|
 Cmdr Kim introduced new NPOs Robert Herrera and Jesus Flores, as well as recently promoted Lt. Michael Sutherland during a Citizens on Patrol meeting.
 NPO Ralph Salazar and NPO Sgt. Isaac Martinez took "To Protect and To Serve" to a whole new level, serving cake to dedicated COP volunteers at their monthly meeting.
 |
|
The Mayor's Neighborhood Awards
NPO Stevan Velasquez enjoyed spending time with residents of The Landing, who nominated him for NPO of the Year. Even though he didn't win, Landing residents made sure Velasquez knew how much they appreciate his patrols and assistance.
|
|
In Remembrance
Northwest Division’s first Heart Health Awareness Hero Workout was held Feb. 13 in remembrance of Officer Robert Guerrero, who passed away last year following a heart attack. A banner with Guerrero’s image and badge number was displayed while participants did high steps, leg kicks, laps around the Northwest Division parking lot and more. The event, organized by Sgt. Francisco Solano and Officer Teresa Torres, also raised awareness of exercise and diet for a healthy heart.
|
|
 |
 Thanks to all who attended our Feb. 26 Community Open House. You asked great questions, exhibitors gave out helpful information and we enjoyed meeting you in person for casual conversation. We'll do it again!
|
|
This newsletter is published by Northwest Police Division Crime Prevention Office. |
|
|
|
