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 FWPD West Division Newsletter
September 2025
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Fort Worth Hosts 42nd Annual National Night Out State Press Conference
On August 21, 2025, the Fort Worth Police Department hosted the annual National Night Out state press conference. Joining FWPD were several neighboring law enforcement agencies, showcasing a united front in the effort to build safer communities.
This marks only the second time Fort Worth has hosted the state conference. The first occasion was in 2014, when the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office served as host.
The 2025 event represents the 42nd Annual National Night Out, a nationwide program launched in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Its purpose is to strengthen neighborhood spirit, promote police-community partnerships, and encourage citizen involvement in crime and drug prevention. Through these efforts, communities send a strong message that they are working together with law enforcement to deter crime.
Over the years, National Night Out has grown into one of Texas’ most effective grassroots crime-prevention initiatives. It empowers residents to take a proactive role in public safety—block by block—while also creating valuable opportunities for connection between officers and the communities they serve. Programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Home Security Surveys, and Citizen Police Academies continue to expand in large part due to the relationships fostered at these events.
Across Texas, communities celebrate National Night Out in different ways. Some host large, centralized gatherings, while others hold traditional neighborhood block parties. In both formats, residents have the chance to meet with first responders and local leaders in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, reinforcing trust and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.
We are especially thankful to Starbucks and Target for their generous support in supplying beverages for everyone to enjoy at the event.
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Butterflies and Community Care Take Flight at Cook Children's New Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Clinic
Cook Children’s new Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Clinic is uniquely located along the migration path of the Monarch Butterfly — an inspiration woven into the clinic’s design. Throughout the building, butterflies in various stages of development can be found on floors, walls, and ceilings. Visitors are encouraged to take on the fun challenge of spotting them all during their visit.
At the clinic’s grand opening, West Division CPS Mitsuhashi and Overton South Citizens on Patrol Captain Vicki Coss proudly represented the Fort Worth Police Department’s West Division. CPS Mitsuhashi shared valuable home and personal safety tips, while Eric Gonzalez, Cook Children’s Injury Prevention Team Manager, distributed gun safety literature and complimentary gun cable locks for attendees.
Before leaving, CPS Mitsuhashi and Captain Coss were treated to a private tour of the impressive new facility. The clinic is home not only to Cook Children’s but also to JPS Health Center, a FWPD Store Front, Workforce Solutions, and West Aid — an organization providing prepared meals for the unhoused as well as nutritious grocery items for neighborhood residents.
The building is more than just a healthcare provider; it’s a community hub. It features a state-of-the-art kitchen for cooking classes, multiple conference rooms for meetings and workshops, as well as dedicated consultation and classroom spaces. Together, these resources are designed to meet the diverse healthcare, safety, educational, and basic needs of the Las Vegas Trail community.
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Starbucks Hosts Coffee with a COP
On October 7, 2025, the Starbucks located at 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd hosted a Coffee with a Cop event for residents and employees of the Ridglea neighborhood. FWPD North Command Staff, along with West Division Commander Heise, King District NPO Sergeant Stary, and several King District NPOs, attended the event to connect with community members who live or work in the area. The relaxed, informal atmosphere encouraged open conversation, allowing attendees to ask questions and discuss topics of interest. Alongside freshly brewed coffee, guests enjoyed a selection of cookies and pastries.
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With School Back in Session, Exercise Extra Caution
Back-to-school safety involves multiple precautions for students, drivers, and pedestrians to ensure a safe return to school. This includes awareness of school zones, pedestrian safety, bus safety, and more.
Here's a breakdown of key safety precautions:
For Everyone:
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Be aware of school zones:
Slow down to the posted speed limit (often 20 mph) and pay close attention to traffic, especially around schools.
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Eliminate distractions:
Avoid using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving or walking in school zones.
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Be extra cautious:
Watch for pedestrians, especially children who may be unpredictable near crosswalks and school buses.
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Obey traffic laws:
Follow speed limits, stop for school buses with flashing lights, and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
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Plan for extra time:
Allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing and potential accidents.
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Communicate with children:
Discuss safety rules with children, especially those walking or biking to school.
For Pedestrians:
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Walk on sidewalks: If available, use sidewalks and crosswalks when available.
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Look both ways: Before crossing the street, look left, right, and left again to ensure it is safe.
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Make eye contact with drivers: Ensure drivers see you before crossing the street.
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Be aware of surroundings: Avoid distractions and pay attention to traffic.
For Cyclists:
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Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet when biking.
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Follow traffic laws: Ride with traffic, use bike lanes when available, and obey all traffic signals and signs.
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Be visible: Wear bright clothing and use reflective gear.
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Avoid distractions: Do not use electronic devices while biking.
For Drivers:
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Be aware of school buses: Be prepared to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing.
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Be extra cautious in school zones: Reduce speed and watch for children near the road.
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Be patient: Allow extra time for drop-off and pick-up routines.
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Avoid blocking crosswalks: Do not stop in crosswalks or block intersections.
Additional Safety Tips:
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Backpack safety: Choose backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps, and ensure they are not too heavy.
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Playground safety: Ensure a supervisor is present and that playground equipment is safe.
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Report any safety concerns: Report any suspicious or dangerous situations to school officials or the authorities.
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Scam Alert
Scammers posing as government agencies or well-known businesses are increasingly going after retirees’ life savings. They weave a web of lies about some bogus crisis. Then they trick older adults into giving them tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The scams start with lies designed to create a sense of urgency and fear.
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Lie #1: Someone is using your accounts. Scammers pretend to be a bank employee with a warning about suspicious account activity. Or claim to be an Amazon rep following up on potentially fraudulent purchases.
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Lie #2: Your information is being used to commit crimes. Scammers might say they're with the government and tell their target that their Social Security number is linked to serious crimes.
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Lie #3: There’s a security problem with your computer. This lie might start with a computer security alert that warns of a hacked computer with a phone number to call for help.
Once they’ve convinced their mark that this crisis is real, they make empty promises and offer fake “help.” They say the only way to get out of the situation is to follow their very specific instructions — which always involve moving money. They tell their target that doing so will protect the money in their accounts or clear their name. Some say they're helping catch the “real” criminals.
A new FTC data spotlight report, False alarm, real scam: how scammers are stealing older adults’ life savings, shows that reports of losses to business and government imposters filed by older adults (60+) are soaring. Many reported losing tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, reported losses of over $100,000 increased nearly sevenfold from 2020 to 2024.
How can you protect yourself from a business or government imposter scam?
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Never transfer or send money to anyone in response to an unexpected call or message. Even if they claim you’re moving your money to “protect it.”
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Talk about it with someone you trust. Especially if the stranger on the phone says it’s serious, involves a crime, or claims to be from the government.
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If you think the message could be real, verify the story. Contact the organization in question using a phone number, website, or email address you know is real. Don't use the contact information in the unexpected message.
Government agencies will never threaten you, and they’ll never tell you to transfer your money to “protect it,” deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, or hand off stacks of cash or gold to a courier. That’s a scam. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Beat Happenings
West Division Officers Support Back-to-School Bash at LVT Rise Community Center
On Saturday August 9, 2025, West Division NPO Park (L15), joined by new lateral officer graduate A. Swanson, spent the day bringing smiles to students and families at the LVT Rise Community Center’s Back-to-School Bash.
As part of the celebration, officers handed out colorful pen-and-pencil bags — each one filled with a pen, pencil, and a Jr. Police Badge sticker — giving students both school supplies and a fun keepsake.
The event was another great example of how officers are connecting with the community, encouraging positive relationships, and lending a helping hand as the new school year begins.
Cast Your Cares Foundation sponsors back to school event
On October 9th and 10th, the Cast Your Cares Foundation partnered with Kemet Social Beauty Supply to host a vibrant back-to-school event for the community. West Division Lincoln District NPO Sergeant Owen was joined by NPO Park (L15), NPO Grinalds (L16), and recent lateral transfer graduates Mills and Swanson to take part in the festivities.
The weekend was filled with thoughtful touches for local families: on Saturday, girls received free haircuts, and on Sunday, boys enjoyed the same service. In addition to distributing essential school supplies, the Fort Worth Police Department provided colorful pen and pencil bags—each containing a pen, a pencil, and a Jr. Police Badge sticker—creating special keepsakes for the students to remember the occasion.
Pickleball with Police Brings Community Together at The Picklr
Even without his usual playing partner, NPO Haddad (L13) was all smiles as he joined in the action at the recent Pickleball with Police event hosted at The Picklr. The event brought together players from all corners of the community — including members of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the City Attorney’s Office, Cook Children’s, and local residents — for a day of fast-paced, friendly competition.
Laughter, high-fives, and the sound of pickleballs popping filled the courts as participants enjoyed spirited matches and the chance to connect off the clock. Events like this continue to strengthen the bond between law enforcement, city officials, and the community they serve.
NPO participates in Huddle Up for Lulu event in West Division
On August 24, 2025, NPO McEwan (L17) took part in the “Huddle Up for Lulu” event, held in memory of Eloise “LuLu” Peck, a victim of the Camp Mystic River flood on July 4th. The event supported the “Living for LuLu” Foundation, with proceeds going directly to the cause. Participants came together to enjoy a day of friendly flag football, delicious food, refreshing lemonade, and live music, all in honor of LuLu’s legacy.
Overture Ridgmar Residents Learn How to Spot Telephone Scams
Residents of Overture Ridgmar recently participated in a specialized training session designed to enhance their awareness of telephone scams. During the program, participants learned how to recognize common fraud tactics and were provided with practical strategies to safeguard themselves against becoming victims.
A. Robison assigned as new NPO for L18
Adam Robison has joined Lincoln District as the new NPO for L18. Prior to being assigned as an NPO, Robision was an evening shift patrol officer in West Division for the past 8 years. Before coming to FWPD, Robison began his law enforcement career in 2013 as a Sheriff's Deputy in Louisiana.
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By having the Neighborhood Patrol Officers dedicated to specific geographic areas, the officers are not only able to become more familiar with the area than regular patrol officers, but they are also able to serve as a resource for and get to know area residents and business owners, learn about neighborhood concerns, and build working relationships with area Citizen on Patrol volunteers to work hand-in-hand in reducing neighborhood crime and promoting crime prevention tools.
Primary Duties:
- Work with crime analysts to identify crime trends within assigned neighborhoods, maintain open lines of communication with detectives, and assist the Information Management Section and supervisors in planning appropriate actions to address issues.
- Foster positive community leadership as a means to empower citizens within their neighborhoods by encouraging involvement in Citizens on Patrol, Citizen Police Academy, and Crime Watch to work collaboratively to reduce crime and promote crime prevention tools.
- Maintain open lines of communication between residents, business owners and the police department by attending community meetings and events, including neighborhood association and other community meetings.
- Recruit Citizen on Patrol volunteers, schedule them for training, and provide on-going training and correspondence to encourage and retain active memberships.
Enter your address on http://oneaddress.fortworthtexas.gov/ You will find your BEAT and NPO assigned as well as your nearest City Facilities, Services, and Crime Data.
211 Texas
Connecting People and Services
No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905, and find information about resources in your local community. Whether you need help finding food or housing, child care, crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment, one number is all you need to know.
New Patrol Beat Boundaries for West Division
Due to the city’s rapid population growth, periodically it becomes necessary to adjust patrol beats within each division to ensure optimal coverage for residents. As part of these changes, some West Division NPO beats will also be renumbered. The changes are outlined below.
King District
New beat Former beat
A. Johns King 513 K515
A. Escalante King 514 K513
A. Morquecho King 515 K514
Lincoln District
New beat Former beat
A. St Clair L521 L519
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NPO Roster
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Community News
Las Vegas Trail Rise Community Center
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