FWPD West Division Newsletter

June 2026

Founders Classical Academy Learn About Railroad Safety from Operation Lifesaver

Before the school year ends and students head into summer vacation, representatives from Operation Lifesaver visited students to provide an important presentation on railroad safety. Presenter Rick Lifto spoke with students about the dangers associated with railroad tracks, trains, and railroad crossings. Students learned the importance of always “Stop, Look, and Listen” near railroad tracks and were reminded that tracks are never safe places to walk, play, or take shortcuts.

The presentation also covered important safety topics including obeying railroad crossing signals, staying alert around train tracks, avoiding distractions such as headphones and cell phones near crossings, and understanding that trains can take more than a mile to stop. Students were encouraged to make smart decisions and share railroad safety information with their families and friends to help prevent accidents and injuries.

Rolling Hills Elementary School Hosts Career Day

Despite the threat of rain, excitement was in full swing at Rolling Hills Elementary School’s Career Day on May 1, 2026. Students enjoyed meeting a wide range of community partners, including the Fort Worth Police Department’s Mounted Patrol and West Division Neighborhood Patrol Officers Klein (L19) and St. Clair (L21), Fort Worth Fire Department paramedics, the Fort Worth Water Department, and utility partners Atmos Energy and Oncor. The fun continued with special appearances from crowd favorites like McGruff the Crime Dog, Gus the Gopher, and Rosie the Skunk from Atmos Energy. Throughout the event, students explored hands-on opportunities and discovered how their unique skills and interests could one day lead to rewarding careers in these fields.

West Division NPOs participate in Wedgewood Academy's Career Day

On May 20, 2026, NPO Janzen (K17) and NPO St. Clair (L21) participated in the school’s Career Day, where they spoke to approximately 40 students about careers in law enforcement. During the presentation, students learned about the qualifications and training required to become a police officer, while also gaining insight into the various types of equipment officers use in the performance of their duties. The event provided students with an engaging opportunity to learn more about the profession and ask questions about a career in public service.

West Division NPOs Recognized During Target’s Officer Appreciation Day

As part of National Police Week, Target (Store T2425) hosted West Division NPOs in recognition of Officer Appreciation Day. West Division NPOs Cole (K18), Kuzenka (L12), McEwan (L17), Musquiz (L11), and Pennington (L14) were on hand to receive snacks and refreshments donated to the department in appreciation of their service and dedication to the community.

"Movin on Up"

Continuing a notable trend within West Division, Commander Amelia Heise recently became the fourth consecutive West Division Commander to be promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief. Previous West Division Commanders who have advanced to Deputy Chief include Deputy Chief Barthen, Deputy Chief Wheeler, and Deputy Chief Ricks. Most recently, Deputy Chief Ricks was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief.

In addition, Christopher Gorrie, who previously served as Lieutenant over the West Criminal Investigation Unit (WCIU), was promoted to Captain last year and has now been selected as the new Commander of North Division.

Personnel Changes

West Division has recently undergone several personnel changes as new leadership assignments take effect across the division. Jason Spencer has been named the new Division Commander, replacing Amy Heise. Anthony Rimshas has assumed the role of Lieutenant for Lincoln District, replacing Stephen Hodges, while Waqas Ameen has been named the new Lieutenant for King District, replacing Paul Genualdo. In addition, Daniel Jwanowski has taken over as Administrative Sergeant, replacing Jason Montoya, and Rene Frias is the new Sergeant assigned to WCIU, replacing Adam Byars.

For Commander Spencer and Sergeant Frias, these assignments represent a return to familiar ground. Commander Spencer previously served with DRU in West Division, while Sergeant Frias formerly worked as a detective in WCIU. Lieutenant Ameen also remains a familiar face within the division, transitioning from his previous assignment as Sergeant for the West Division DRU unit into his new leadership role in King District.

A brief biography and photograph of each new member are provided below.

Commander Spencer Commander Spencer is a 17-year veteran of the FWPD. He spent the first seven years of his career patrolling West Division, and returned to West as a Corporal on the Special Response Team. As a sergeant, he served in West Patrol, the Directed Response Unit, and as the Public Information Officer. Before being appointed as Commander, he served as the Lieutenant of the Directed Response Unit, responsible for focused violent crime suppression across the city. In addition, he has been active in training throughout his career. He is particularly passionate about cultivating leadership abilities in himself and the officers he leads.

Lieutenant Ameen My name is WaQas Ameen and I have proudly served the citizens of Fort Worth as a certified peace officer for more than 17 years. During my career with the Fort Worth Police Department, I have held assignments in Patrol, Property Crimes, Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs, and proactive enforcement operations. I began my career as a patrol officer, where I spent over six years serving the community and responding to calls for service. My experiences assisting victims of crime inspired me to pursue investigative work, leading to my assignment with the West Division Property Crimes Unit. There, I focused on burglary investigations and developed strong investigative, organizational, and communication skills while working to bring justice to victims and apprehend offenders. In November 2015, I was promoted to Detective, and I was assigned to the East Criminal Investigation Unit as one of two burglary detectives. During this assignment, I conducted follow-up investigations, prepared arrest and search warrants, and collaborated with multiple units to identify and apprehend suspects. I consistently remained goal-oriented and committed to achieving meaningful results for the community. In November 2019, I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to South Patrol Division. As a supervisor, I provided training and guidance to officers, conducted roll calls, reviewed use-of-force incidents and pursuits, and served as the first supervisor on scene for critical incidents, including shootings, barricaded persons, and major accidents. In February 2021, I transferred to the Internal Affairs Unit, where I conducted administrative investigations involving use-of-force incidents and alleged policy violations, helping maintain accountability and public trust within the department. Most recently, I served more than three years as a Sergeant with the Directed Response Unit, working alongside highly proactive officers focused on violent crime reduction and offender apprehension. In May 2026, I was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, where I look forward to continuing to serve the department and the citizens of Fort Worth with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. In addition to my law enforcement experience, I earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.

Lieutenant Rimshas I have served 20 years with FWPD. I started with midnight patrol followed by working in Zero Tolerance as an officer. After promoting to Detective/Corporal I was assigned to North CIU, Robbery and then Major Case. I promoted to Sergeant in East midnights followed by Internal Affairs and then Special Investigations. I recently promoted to Lieutenant working in West Division Lincoln District.

Sergeant Jwanowski I have been a police officer for the City of Fort Worth for over 16 years. I spent my time as a patrol officer in South Division until I promoted. As a Corporal/Detective I spent most of my time in the Crimes Against Children Unit, but also worked in North CIU and Internal Affairs. As a Sergeant I was briefly assigned to East Division, but quickly moved to a Directed Response Unit in Central Division. I have worked the last four years in SWAT, and am now the West Division Administrative Sergeant.

Sergeant Frias Sgt. Frias has been with the department for over 20 years. He most recently served in the School Resource Unit for the past 4 years.  As previously stated, Sgt. Frias was a detective in WCIU, so he's glad to be returning to West Division.

Education:

Evergreen at Hulen Bend

Residents at Evergreen at Hulen Bend recently attended a presentation titled “Avoiding Telephone Scams: How to Stay Safe and Secure.” During the presentation, residents learned that Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to telephone scams in 2023, affecting approximately 68 million people nationwide. The presentation covered the various types of telephone scams currently being used, how to recognize common warning signs, and the steps residents can take to protect themselves from becoming victims.

Ridgmar Place Lunch & Learn

“Secure Living: Crime Prevention for Seniors in Multi-Housing Communities” was the topic of this month’s Lunch & Learn series. Residents received practical safety tips on physically securing their homes, safely navigating shared spaces, protecting mail and packages, recognizing phone scams and deceptive schemes, and preparing for emergencies. Following the presentation, residents had the opportunity to ask questions and share personal experiences involving situations they have encountered while living in a multi-housing community.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Month

Practical Crime Prevention Tips for Vacation Travel

Travel season is a time to relax and make memories, but it is also a time when criminals target distracted travelers, unattended homes, and vehicles filled with valuables. Taking a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Before You Leave Home

• Lock all doors and windows.

• Use light timers to make your home appear occupied.

• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your house and collect mail or packages.

• Put newspaper and mail deliveries on hold.

• Avoid announcing vacation plans on social media.

• Store valuables, important documents, and spare keys in a secure location.

• Test alarm systems, cameras, and motion lights before leaving.

Vehicle Safety Tips

• Lock your vehicle every time you leave it.

• Never leave purses, wallets, firearms, electronics, or luggage visible inside the vehicle.

• Park in well-lit, busy areas whenever possible.

• Keep vehicle registration and insurance information secured.

• Take your keys or key fob with you — never leave them inside the vehicle.

• If traveling long distances, inspect tires and check fuel levels to avoid becoming stranded.

Hotel Safety

• Use deadbolts and security latches inside the room.

• Do not open the door for unknown individuals.

• Keep valuables secured and use the hotel safe when available.

• Be aware of emergency exits near your room.

• Avoid leaving personal items unattended at pools, gyms, or restaurants.

Personal Safety While Traveling

• Stay aware of your surroundings.

• Keep wallets and phones secured in crowded areas.

• Carry only the cash and credit cards you need.

• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.

• Trust your instincts if a situation feels suspicious or unsafe.

• Keep children within sight in crowded locations.

Online & Social Media Safety

• Avoid posting live vacation updates or location check-ins.

• Share photos after returning home instead of during the trip.

• Use secure Wi-Fi networks and avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.

Remember

Criminals often look for easy opportunities. Simple precautions can help protect your home, vehicle, finances, and family while traveling.

Vacation Smart — Stay Alert, Stay Secure.

Scam Alert

Getting In and Out of Free Trials, Auto-Renewals, and Negative Option Subscriptions

You’ve probably seen ads online, on TV, or on social media for subscription offers. They could be for anything from beauty creams and dietary supplements to snacks and magazines. Some say you can try the subscription for free — but it might not be true. Some will auto-renew if you don’t cancel first, which might come as a surprise. Sometimes you’re signed up for a subscription without even knowing it. Learn about subscriptions to save yourself money, time, and aggravation.

• Free Trial Offers Can Cost You
• Advice on Auto-Renewals
• Negative Options Explained
• How To Stop a Subscription
• Report Problems

Free Trial Offers Can Cost You

Many subscription offers are tempting, especially if they offer a free trial before you commit. But free trial offers often have a catch.

Before you sign up, know these three things about free trial offers: 

1. If you don’t cancel on time, you’ll probably be charged. Usually, you have to give your credit card number for a “free trial.” That way, the company can charge you if you don’t cancel before the trial ends. Dishonest businesses make it tough to cancel and will keep charging you — even if you don’t want the product or subscription anymore.

Advice: Make sure you know the terms of the trial. If you sign up, make a note on your calendar to remind you to cancel before the trial ends. If you can’t cancel, call your credit card company, and ask them to stop the payments.

2. If you have to pay for shipping or fees to get your “free” trial, it’s not really free. The offer might say you can try a product for free — but you have to pay a small fee for shipping or something else. You might think those few dollars are no big deal, but after the trial ends, you might see higher charges than expected on your credit card — or charges for products you didn’t want or order.

Advice: Free means free. If a company offers something free but says you have to pay to get it, at best it’s a dishonest business you might not want to deal with. At worst, it might be a scammer.

3. That online ad you saw might not be from the company selling the product. Companies hire affiliate marketers to promote a product and create many of the ads you see online for free trials. Affiliate marketers get paid every time you click on their ad. Some dishonest affiliate marketers put out ads with exaggerated claims or misleading information to get you to click.

Advice: Remember that some ads might be designed to make you click, not tell you the truth about the offer. 

Before you sign up for a free trial offer

• Find the terms and conditions for the offer. They should tell you

  • Exactly what you’re agreeing to

  • The length of the trial

  • How and when to cancel if you don’t want to be charged after the trial

If you can't find this information or don’t understand exactly what you're agreeing to, it might be a sign that the company will make returns and cancellations difficult. Don't sign up. Sometimes, return and cancellation policies on free trials are so strict that it can be almost impossible to cancel.

• Research the company online. See what other people are saying about the company's free trials, but make sure to compare reviews from a wide variety of review and retailer websites, search engines, and other sources. Real user reviews can tell you more about the offer you’re considering. Search for the company’s name with the words “scam” or “complaint.” Complaints from other customers might be a sign that there are "catches" with the trial.

• Look for information on how to cancel future shipments or services. If you don't want the product or service anymore, how do you cancel? Can you skip or change shipments if you don’t want to fully cancel? Do you have a limited time to respond? The company must be clear about these things up front.

• Watch for pre-checked boxes. If you sign up for a free trial, look for boxes that are already checked for you. That checkmark might give the company permission to keep charging you after the free trial, sign you up for more products that you must pay for, or share your information with others. Make sure to uncheck a box if you don’t agree with what it says.

Image

After you sign up for a free trial

• Mark your calendar. Your free trial offer has a time limit. Once the deadline to cancel passes, you might be on the hook for more products or services and more payments.

• Monitor your credit and debit card statements. That way you'll know right away if you're being charged for something you didn't order. See How To Stop a Subscription below for more on how to dispute a charge you didn’t authorize.

Advice on Auto-Renewals

If you’re happy with a subscription and want to keep it, auto-renewals can be convenient.

Keep these three things in mind about auto-renewals:

1. Don’t ignore a renewal notice. A renewal notice is simply a reminder that says when your subscription expires and that you’ll be automatically charged when it does. If you already agreed to auto-renew, this isn’t a bill or an invoice, so it shouldn’t ask for your credit card information.

Advice: If you get a renewal notice online or in the mail that asks for your credit card information, stop. Read the notice carefully. The company might be trying to get you to renew an old subscription you already canceled. Or it could be a scammer lying about the renewal notice to get your credit card information.

2. Check that the cost is what you expected. Sometimes, an automatic renewal might charge more than you paid the last time. This might happen if you initially had a promotional rate. When you get your renewal notice, read it closely to confirm that the rate is what you expected. If it isn’t, or if the notice doesn’t say how much you’ll pay, call the company right away. See if they can lower the rate or cancel your subscription if you don’t want to keep it.

Advice: Sometimes, you can cancel a subscription and resubscribe for a better promotional rate. Be sure you know exactly when that new promotional period ends and mark it on your calendar. Also know when and how much you’ll be charged once the promotion ends.

3. Scammers sometimes send fake renewal notices to get your financial information. If you get a renewal notice online or in the mail for a subscription you don’t have, it’s probably from a scammer or a dishonest company trying to get you to give them your credit card number or other personal information. Don’t call the number on the notice or click on any email or text message link.

Image

Advice: Search online for the company name with the words “scam” or “complaint” to see if other people got the same fake renewal notice. If it’s a company you do business with, contact the company at a number you know is correct to see if the renewal notice is real, not the number from the call or text. 

Negative Options Explained

A negative option is when you're automatically billed for something when you didn't specifically say not to bill you. It's a common practice businesses use, often with free trial offers and subscriptions.

For example, you agree to try a box of products free for a month. After that month, you’re charged automatically for monthly shipments until you cancel. Or, you get a magazine subscription that renews automatically when it expires. Those are negative options. The business takes your silence as permission to charge you.

Problems with negative options happen when the business doesn’t clearly explain that it will keep billing you unless you do something — or if the business makes it difficult or impossible for you to cancel.

Before you give your credit card for a free trial or subscription

• Read all the details. See if the business will keep charging you unless you tell them to stop. If that’s not clear to you, assume it will, since the business wants your credit card information.

• Look for pre-checked boxes. Some businesses use these hoping you won’t notice that you’re agreeing to be billed later. Uncheck the box if you don’t agree with what it says.

• Make sure you know how to cancel.  When signing up, look for an explanation of how to cancel. Before businesses get your credit card information, they have to tell you how to cancel.  Businesses must make canceling simple for you. It’s the law. If it’s not clear to you how to cancel, walk away.

If you’re charged without your consent, and the company won’t refund your money, dispute the charge (also called a “chargeback”) with your credit or debit card company right away.

How To Stop a Subscription

If you want to stop a subscription:

• First, look up the company that runs the subscription you want to cancel. If the company has instructions on how to cancel, follow those. Keep a copy of your cancellation request, along with notes about any conversations you had about canceling.

• Watch your bank or credit card statements. Check for charges on your debit or credit card after you canceled the subscription. If a company charged you extra or won’t stop charging your account after you told them to cancel your subscription, file a dispute for chargeback with your credit or debit card.

  • Online: Log onto your credit or debit card online account and go through the dispute process. If you haven’t set up an account with your credit or debit card company, check out the company’s website to find out how to file a dispute.

  • By phone: Call the phone number on the back of your card and tell the company why you’re filing a dispute.

• Follow up with a letter to your credit or debit card company. To protect any rights you might have, follow up in writing by sending a letter to the address listed for billing disputes or errors. Use this sample letter. It’s a good idea to send your letter by certified mail and ask for a return receipt so you have proof of what the creditor got.

• Save your records. Keep any letters, notes, or emails related to what happened— they could help prove you’re entitled to a refund if the credit or debit card company has any questions.

What are NPO's?

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.

NPO Roster

Community News

LVT Rise Community Center

Stop Before You Pop!

With the Independence Day holiday just around the corner, residents are reminded that the possession, use, and sale of fireworks within the city limits of Fort Worth are prohibited by law. Fireworks pose a significant fire and safety risk, particularly during the hot summer months. Residents are encouraged to celebrate responsibly by attending professional fireworks displays and reporting illegal fireworks activity to local authorities.