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The Fort Worth Police Department aims to expand its use of bullet-resistant glass in police vehicles, after City Council gave approval last month to apply for an up to $1.2 million state grant. The department has more than 100 patrol vehicles and 17 S.W.A.T. units already equipped with the protective glass. Another 130 units will get the upgrade in 2026.
The glass is designed to protect officers from ambush-style attacks. It can withstand multiple shots from high-caliber firearms and even allows officers to return fire from within the vehicle. Police Chief Eddie Garcia said he hopes to outfit the entire fleet. “As they do this dangerous job, we do everything we can and look at every grant possibility to ensure their safety,” he said. Additional funds for the initiative come from the city’s Crime Control and Prevention District.
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The American Heart Association will give the Fort Worth Police Department $108,000 to equip 150 patrol cars with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The portable devices can be used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, significantly improving chances of survival.
Officers are often the first to arrive at emergency calls. “Having AEDs in our patrol vehicles strengthens our ability to respond,” said FWPD Public Information Officer Cynthia Wood. “When police arrive with an AED, they become an essential link in the chain of survival,” said Matt Zavadsky, volunteer co-chair of the Tarrant County Nation of Lifesavers Committee. The idea to outfit patrol cars with AEDs stemmed from a committee brainstorming session. For maximum impact, the initiative includes officer training and outfitting patrol units on both day and night shifts with AEDs similar to the one pictured.
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Many public and private buildings are equipped with AEDs. But even if you don’t have access to a machine, you can still save a life by learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. If someone’s heart stops beating, immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival. Fort Worth libraries and the Fire Department are offering free CPR/AED classes in February, including at Northwest Library (Feb. 23) and Northside Library (Feb. 24). See a complete list of dates and locations later in this newsletter.
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First Aid for Choking
While you're at it, make sure everyone in your family knows about the Heimlich maneuver to save someone who's choking. Officers in northwest Fort Worth have responded to three recent incidents where a family member didn't know what to do when their child choked on a grape or piece of meat. The Heimlich saves lives.
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Hundreds of police officers and volunteers gathered January 22 for the annual Point in Time Count, the nationwide effort that provides a one-night snapshot of homelessness across the country. The date, picked months in advance, proved fortunate for Fort Worth. With a major winter storm expected the next day, volunteers were able to distribute bus passes to the homeless and encourage them to take advantage of the city’s cold weather overflow shelter.
Data collected during the annual count helps shape strategies to reduce homelessness and improve services. Volunteers receive training before hitting the streets with a support team that includes police officers for safety. Learn more about the extensive services and programs that are part of the City of Fort Worth’s Homeless Strategies.
Clockwise from top left: Officers gather at Bob Bolen Public Safety complex to learn their assignments. A team visits a homeless camp in northwest Fort Worth. Another location revealed several people living under a freeway overpass. A volunteer interviewed a homeless couple to learn their names, how long they’ve been unsheltered and what their needs are.
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Scammers know severe weather may have shut off your electricity, heat or water… or caused roof or tree damage. Here's how to spot and avoid weather-related scams:
- Don’t respond to unexpected messages. If you get an unexpected call, text or email claiming to be from your utility company, don’t click on the link or message. Instead, contact the utility company using the number on your bill or the company’s website. Verify whether the message came from them.
- Never pay anyone who demands payment by money transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency. Only scammers want you to pay that way. Your utility company and other legitimate businesses won’t ask you to pay via transfer, gift card or crypto.
- Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up or repairs after a weather emergency. Unlicensed contractors and scammers often appear after big storms or natural disasters. If they want cash up front, walk away. And if they won’t give you copies of their license, insurance or a contract in writing, that’s a red flag.
Check out local businesses online through the Better Business Bureau
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Invite Us to Your Next Meeting
In 2026, make it a point to invite your Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO) to your next neighborhood association, HOA, business, faith-based or civic club meeting. NPOs share crime stats for your area, listen to your concerns, offer safety tips and suggest solutions. NPOs are assigned by beat. Their names and contacts are at the end of this newsletter. If you don’t know your NPO’s name, email Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent to find out.
Help with an Eyesore
Bonnie Brae Neighborhood Association wants to clean up an abandoned building in the 2700 block of Chesser Boyer Rd. They invited their NPO and Code Officers to a recent meeting for advice. Both agencies urged residents to report any high grass, litter, illegal dumping, vandalism, trespassers or other illegal activity at the abandoned building, while they investigate what can be done for the long-term. Bonnie Brae NA meets the third Thursday of each month at Riverside Applied Learning Center, 3600 Fossil Dr.
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Table Talk
North Beverly Hills Neighborhood Association meets monthly, often around a neighbor’s kitchen table or at a local restaurant for coffee. Members are planning now for 2026 projects and social gatherings. Neighborhood boundaries are north of Jacksboro Highway, between Beverly Hills Drive and Capri Drive. If you’d like to know about their next meeting, email northbeverlyhillsna@gmail.com
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New Year, New Goals
Residents of Far Greater Northside Historical Neighborhood Association raised their glasses in January, to celebrate new goals, new bylaws and new board members. Although just sparkling apple juice, the toast signified the group’s renewed commitment to help neighbors in 2026. Anyone who lives in the area is invited to attend and consider becoming a member. The association meets on the first Thursday of the month at North Tri-Ethnic Community Center, 2950 Roosevelt Ave.
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North Main Updates
The bad news first: The 2025 U.S. government shutdown has slowed progress on at least one project in the North Main Street corridor. But there’s plenty of good news! At last month’s Historic Northside District (HND) meeting, members learned:
- Demolition has begun on parts of the old Mulholland building in the 1300 block of North Main, officially kicking off restoration of ground-floor retail space. A paleteria (fruit popsicles), local artisan shop and taqueria are possible tenants. Upper-floor residential apartments are also planned.
- As upgrades continue at the Mercado Building, 1500 N. Main, the large parking lot behind the building will remain available for public parking.
- Crime has declined in the area, but Sgt. Sandra Baldivia and NPO Stephen Rodriguez urged business managers and staff to continue reporting to police—911 for emergencies, or via the MyFW app for homeless camping, streetlights out, etc.
- Want more progress reports on North Main Street? Northside business owners and managers are invited to Historic Northside District’s monthly cafecitos. The next one is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Restaurante El Patrón, 1329 N Main St.
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Helping Seniors
Northwest NPOs helped load free groceries into shopping bags at Diamond Hill Community Center, then deliver bags to senior citizens’ cars. The Senior Share produce distribution happens every third Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. The center is located at 1700 NE 37th St. Call 817-392-5485 for program details.
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Officers Nominated
Three Neighborhood Patrol Officers (NPOs) from Northwest Division have been nominated for NPO of the Year. They are Officers Dustin Lamb, Kirk Massey and Jennifer Starratt. We’ll be rooting for them as the winner is announced at the Mayor’s Community Engagement Workshops & Awards Luncheon at Doxology Church, 4805 Arborlawn Dr. We hope you'll join us!
The annual event brings together residents, neighborhood leaders, city and community partners for a day of learning, connection and celebration. In addition to continental breakfast and neighborhood workshops, attendees can visit dozens of exhibitors, followed by the awards luncheon. It’s all free, but you must register.
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Lasting Legacy of Frank Diaz Jr.
Multiple officers attended the funeral service for Frank Diaz Jr. last month, honoring the man who helped start FWPD’s Citizens on Patrol program and volunteered with the program for 36 years. Diaz died Dec. 30, 2025, at the age of 85. He was Northwest Division’s longest serving Citizens on Patrol (COP) member.
Greenwood Chapel officiant Rev. Al Munger noted the overflow attendance in his tribute to Diaz. Numerous COP volunteers, city council representatives, business leaders, friends, neighbors, as well as family, filled the chapel. Crestwood COP member Leo Williams spoke about Diaz’ dedication and passion for keeping the neighborhood safe. Williams and Northwest Police Division Commander Randy Molina were among the pall bearers.
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Join Citizens on Patrol
Every month, we host dinner for our COP volunteers. While sharing a meal, they hear Neighborhood Patrol Officers give the latest crime reports, ask questions and share concerns about what they’re seeing in their neighborhoods. Want to know more about how COP members are trained to help police? Email Northwest COP coordinator Jessica Vasquez to learn more!
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Welcoming New Recruits
The FWPD Community Engagement Office led new police recruits on a tour of the near Northside, including a visit to Caza Azul Coffee. They also visited locations in east Fort Worth. The idea is to familiarize new officers with all parts of the city. After months of training at the Fort Worth Police Academy, recruits work alongside seasoned officers for several more weeks before they’re assigned to beats.
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National Law Enforcement Day
We thank managers and staff at Starbucks at 2453 NW Loop 820 and Walmart at 2245 Jacksboro Hwy for thinking of officers on National Law Enforcement Day. Starbucks served up hot coffee and Walmart handed out gift bags with thoughtful treats like lip balm and power bars.
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If you don’t know your Neighborhood Patrol Officer’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 was published by Northwest Police Division Crime Prevention Office. |
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