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July 2024
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Fireworks can cause wildfires, structure fires and serious injuries. That’s why it’s illegal to use, sell or possess fireworks in the City of Fort Worth, and violations can cost you up to a $2,000 fine.
Instead, enjoy one of the many professional fireworks shows. There’s Fort Worth’s Fourth downtown along the banks of the Trinity River and Panther Island Pavilion. There will also be professional fireworks at Sonidos del Summer July 6th at Marine Park, 303 NW 20th St.
Report illegal fireworks online at fortworthtexas.gov/departments/fire, use the MyFW app or call 817-392-4444. Please DO NOT call 911 to report illegal fireworks.
To dispose of fireworks, contact the Fire Department at 817-392-6850 or FWFire@fortworthtexas.gov to schedule a drop-off or arrange a pickup. Do not put them in your garbage or recycling bins, and do not take them to the Environmental Collection Center or Fort Worth Drop-off Stations.
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Here’s what’s trending in Northwest Division police reports, along with steps to prevent these common crimes.
Construction site thefts: Recent thefts include seven windows valued at more than $1700 and eight air conditioner condenser units stolen from multiple homes under construction.
Secure materials out of view in a locked storage unit, when possible. Check and improve lighting at your site-- most thefts occur when it’s dark. Consider installing motion-sensor cameras and GPS trackers for expensive equipment. Prices on these have come down over the years, and portable devices can be moved to the next job site.
Theft of work tools: Reports of an electric saw, reciprocating saw, concrete saw and other tools stolen from multiple vehicles in the area.
Consider a secure storage building for tools, instead of storing them in your truck. Write down the make, model and serial numbers of all tools to help police return stolen items to you.
Vehicle burglary/theft: Handgun was reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle, motorcycle stolen after key left in ignition, truck stolen after keys and wallet left in vehicle’s console.
We can’t say it enough – lock your vehicle every time you get out of it, and take the key with you. Never store guns in your vehicle.
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Northwest Division Police recently met with NW 25th Street businesses to help them re-activate their crime watch group, which became inactive during the COVID outbreak. The next NW 25th Street Business Crime Watch meeting is noon to 1 p.m. Monday, July 8 at Victory Outreach Church, 2424 Chestnut Ave. All area businesses are welcome to attend.
If you'd like to start a business crime watch group in your area, email Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent or your Neighborhood Patrol Officer. NPO contacts are listed at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Our apartment safety initiative continues with a goal of helping all Northwest Division multi-family complexes become and remain crime-free. Neighborhood Patrol Officers can help property managers identify vulnerabilities. Small fixes to lighting, shrubbery and signage can have a big impact. Contact your NPO or crime prevention specialist Dot Kent to set up a meeting. Here’s what some of your colleagues are doing.
 Sabine Place Apartments invited residents to a summer kickoff party at the playground. Children got to spin the safety wheel for prizes and meet their Neighborhood Patrol Officer Jesus Flores, who enjoyed talking with teens and tweens. Adults learned when to call 911 and got their traffic and parking questions answered. Later in the month, residents enjoyed free pizza and learned how to use the MyFW phone app to keep the neighborhood safe and clean.
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 Ascent Lake Worth arranged for residents to meet the Police Department’s Mounted Patrol early one Saturday morning, before things got too hot for the horses. Then the safety social moved indoors, where residents met NPO Sergio Martinez and got to know each other over lemonade and snacks.
The Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program helps reduce crime, drugs and gangs on apartment properties. The program consists of three phases that must be completed under the supervision of Fort Worth Police Department. Property managers, assistant managers and leasing agents at properties with more than eight units are encouraged to complete training and certification.
Benefits include a more stable resident base, fewer police calls for service, reduced exposure to civil liability, lower maintenance and repair costs and a safer environment for residents and employees. To learn more, email Officer Brittany Jones.
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Juneteenth Parade & Celebration
 The Far Greater Northside Historical Neighborhood Association drew more than 100 people for its Juneteenth Parade and Celebration. Northwest Police Division was proud to assist with safety and parade route planning, with help from Precinct 5 Tarrant County Constable Pete Munoz and his team.
 The neighborhood partnered with numerous groups for a fun, family-oriented Juneteenth: Mister Softee food truck and Catering to Love served cool treats. Barney and Anne Holland made a significant contribution. North Tri-Ethnic Community Center provided a bounce house and kids games. Code Blue volunteers handed out goodies and several elected officials gave brief but meaningful speeches.
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Northwest Community Forum
Recently appointed Northwest Division Commander Randy Molina joined other Fort Worth Police executives and District 2 Councilmember Carlos Flores to answer residents’ questions about neighborhood noise, parking issues, using technology to fight crime and more. The Community Forum was hosted by Artes de la Rosa, 1440 N. Main.
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Camp Fire Teens in Action
Northwest NPOs attended Camp Fire First Texas' summer program for teens. They shared how they got into law enforcement, answered questions about the dangers of illegal drugs and showed off some of their equipment.
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Celebrity Kickball
Northwest Commander Randy Molina accepted an invitation from West Division Commander Stefanie Ricks to an annual celebrity kickball game at All Saints' Episcopal School. Their team took first place! Put on by the non-profit Tough Stars Give Back, the game benefitted the Fort Worth Sports Commission and Readers Become Leaders.
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Fort Worth City Council has approved $4.5 million to provide crossing guard coverage for all intersections near elementary and middle schools. The plan also includes base salary increases for school crossing guards and field supervisors.
The Transportation & Public Works (TPW) Department’s goal is to ensure safety of school-age children crossing at 314 intersections in Fort Worth. Each school crossing guard works three hours per day, and field supervisors work five hours per day. If you’re interested in a school crossing guard job, apply with the city’s contractor All City Management Services (ACMS).
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FWPD Explorer Program open enrollment is July 1 through August 31. Don’t miss your opportunity to join one the best Police Explorer programs in North Texas! Explorers is an experience-based program that helps young people build character, train physically and achieve full career potential. Weekly post meetings teach about law enforcement techniques, crime scene investigations and other aspects of law enforcement. Learn more online, then fill out the application. If you have questions, please contact Officer Rebecca Woodward at Rebecca.woodward@fortworthtexas.gov
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Thank you Home Depot!
Officer Torres and Sgt. Solano recently accepted a donation of a full-sized refrigerator for Northwest Division's new Stockyards Bike Patrol Unit. Home Depot's generous donation will help bike officers stay hydrated as they patrol the area this summer and beyond.
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2024 Texas Police Games
 Several Northwest Division officers took part in the 2024 Texas Police Games June 9-15 in DeSoto. The friendly competition promotes good physical condition for first responders, active duty military and retired officers. Lt. Cespedes and Officer Torres competed in soccer while NPO Lamb and HOPE Officer Cherry took home a third-place medal for cornhole doubles. Officer Marcus Mendoza took home gold in the 40-49 age bracket road race, a 25-mile bike ride. He also took third overall for all age groups.
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Honoring Sgt. Jon Jenson
Northwest officers attended a tribute to Sgt. Jon Jenson, whose photo was added his year to a rolling memorial that drives cross-country annually.
Known as the End of Watch Ride, each stop supports families and departments who lost an officer on the job during the previous year. The ceremony for Sgt. Jenson was held at FWPD North Division, 8755 N. Riverside Dr., offering recognition and assistance to his family.
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MLB Draft Comes to Fort Worth
Opening night of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft will be Sunday, July 14 in Northwest Division. We'll be there as the Fort Worth Sports Commission brings the event to the historic Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
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Back to School Drive
Help kids in need (and their teachers!) by donating school supplies at North Tri-Ethnic Community Center, 2950 Roosevelt Ave. From basics to backpacks, every little bit helps! Drop off your donations 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through August 2.
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Charity Dinner and Auction July 20
The Texas Chisholm Trail Crime Prevention Association (TCTCPA) and Diamond Wishes invite you to a charity dinner and auction July 20, 6-9 p.m. to support local crime prevention seminars, youth outreach activities and meals for Ronald McDonald House and other nonprofits. Trails to Texas Giving Dinner & Auction will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 4409 Sycamore School Rd. Tickets are $15 for one or $25 for two and include dinner. Tickets are available online.
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Mark Your Calendar: Be Ready for Back to School!
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If you don’t know your NPO’s name, visit OneAddress. Type in your street address, click search, then click the "+" sign in front of the word “Neighborhoods.” Your NPO’s name and number are listed.
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This newsletter is published by Northwest Police Division Crime Prevention Office. |
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