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Heading into this 4th of July weekend, there are two things Fort Worth Police want you to know: 1) Illegal gunfire and unsecured firearms are contributing to violent crime in Fort Worth. 2) Fireworks are illegal in the city.
“Too many lives are in danger because people are firing guns illegally in our neighborhoods,” Police Chief Eddie Garcia said. “And too many firearms are falling into the wrong hands because they’re not properly stored or are left unsecured inside vehicles overnight. This is preventable, and it has to stop.”
Police will have increased patrols, undercover operations and targeted enforcement in hotspot areas, but we need your help. Please stop reckless gun use by storing weapons properly. Prevent injuries and fires by enjoying professional fireworks shows.
If you hear gunshots, call 911.
To report fireworks, call 817-392-4444, use the MyFW app or visit reportfireworks.fortworthtexas.gov
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Happy 250th birthday, America!
Most City offices, including City Hall, will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Emergency police, fire and ambulance services will be available as usual. There are no changes to residential collections, including garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk. Visit the City website for other closures.
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The Fort Worth Police and Fire Departments have had at least six command centers set up citywide to monitor FIFA-related activities, and one of them is in Northwest Division. What is a command center? It’s a place where specially trained officers can monitor and manage law enforcement and emergency activities during large-scale events, critical incidents or natural disasters. Officers have been keeping an eye on The Stockyards, surrounding streets and hotels where fans and teams are staying, as well as train stations fans use to get to FIFA games.
Multiple cameras in the command center allow officers to keep an eye on popular areas, such as The Stockyards, and communicate in real time with police, fire and ambulance units if an emergency response is needed.
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The Fort Worth Police Department has a new initiative designed to enhance emergency response times and provide real-time situational awareness for first responders. The Drone as First Responder (DFR) program “allows officers to know what they’re walking into before they get there,” said Police Chief Eddie Garcia. Using Flock technology, the program deploys remotely piloted drones from docking stations that respond to emergencies and provide additional information—sometimes even before officers arrive on scene.
Drones are not used to proactively seek wrongdoing; they only respond to emergency calls for service. When traveling to an emergency scene, drone cameras are focused on the horizon, not what’s below the flight path. Software automatically tracks and logs all FWPD drone flights and info is available on our website. Of 162 calls FWPD drones responded to May through June:
- Average drone response time was 112 seconds.
- Drones were first on scene 47% of the time.
- 11 calls were cleared without using patrol resources.
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Above: A drone emerges from a roof-top dock and is guided remotely to the scene of an emergency. The drone camera shows what’s going on, helping officers coordinate emergency needs, such backup officers or an ambulance.
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Fort Worth Police are working on a comprehensive update to city ordinances governing e-bikes, e-scooters, motor bikes and golf carts. In the meantime, the department reminds owners and riders that Texas law has rules of the road for different types of low-powered vehicles—including where you can ride and how fast. Even when a driver’s license and registration are not required, drivers must still obey all traffic laws.
We recommend parents review the following info graphic and talk with children about safe driving and the rules of the road. Please continue to report hazardous driving by calling 911 or filing an online report. Photos are helpful, but if you can share the address of the vehicle owner, our officers can make a courtesy call to inform parents of a user’s unsafe behavior.
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Someone you don't know calls, emails or texts you offering free medical equipment or services. What should you do? Hang up. Delete it. Only you and your doctor should decide what care and services are right for you.
Scammers want your Medicare information so they can bill Medicare for services you don't need — like hospice (end-of-life care), home health care or durable medical equipment (such as a brace or cane).
Hospice scams are particularly harmful. If a scammer signs you up for hospice care without your knowledge, you could lose access to your regular Medicare benefits.
Remember: Never give out your Medicare number and don't sign anything for free services — it's a scam. If you think you may have experienced fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it online at Medicare.gov/fraud.
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A portion of Loop 820 in Northwest Police Division has been named for fallen Fort Worth Police Officer Henry “Hank” Nava Jr., almost 21 years after his death in the line of duty. Nava was shot Nov. 29, 2005, while trying to arrest a man on a felony parole violation; he died two days later. Nava served 13 of his 17 years in law enforcement with the Fort Worth Police Department. The memorial highway signs in Nava’s honor are located on Loop 820 between Marine Creek Parkway and I-35.
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At a ceremony in June, Nava’s widow Teresa Nava-Salazar thanked the Fort Worth Police Officers Association for covering costs of the signs, Councilmember Charlie Lauersdorf for his persistence getting markers completed, and the Fort Worth police family for their support over the years.
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Made in the Shade
Far Greater Northside Historical Neighborhood Association was blessed with clouds and shade for much of its annual Juneteenth Celebration in Lincoln Park. Check out the fun below!
Top row: Attendees found shade or brought their own tents; a banner and balloons made it festive; crowds grew as food was served. Middle row: Some enjoyed card games and dominoes; kids posed for a photo with Officer Massey; Mounted Patrol made the rounds; Officers Walker and Warren handed out pinwheels; line dancers moved to the music. Bottom row: Sponsors were prominently recognized; Commander Molina chatted with residents; Citizens on Patrol (COP) worked to recruit new volunteers; the COP free ice cream truck drew a long line.
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Summer Safety
Northwest Police Division officers helped teach safety lessons at apartment complexes and city community centers' camps. We reached more than 300 children this summer with lessons on how to help in an emergency, safe walking and crossing, what to do about bullies and personal and online safety.
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Popsicles with Police
Sabine Place Apartments provided popsicles so children could enjoy a cool treat, meet Neighborhood Patrol Officers (NPOs) who serve near their homes and learn about calling 911 in an emergency.
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Safe Crossing
NPO Jennifer Starratt led children to a crosswalk near Diamond Hill Community Center, so they could practice looking in all directions before crossing the street. The following week, the children walked to Diamond Hill Library, remembering what they learned. We gave similar lessons at North Tri-Ethnic and Northside Community Centers.
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Hands On Learning
NPOs answered teens’ questions and showed them gear they use every day and during special operations. Teens in Camp Fire First Texas’ summer program also got to try on and feel the weight of protective vests and helmets. Our visit has become a summer tradition at the Fort Worth non-profit that provides youth with opportunities to grow and prosper.
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Regional Field Day
NPOs Zach Briseño and Jennifer Starratt greeted children with high fives as they arrived by bus from throughout the city for a regional summer camp field day at Northside Community Center.
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Slurpee Coupons
We saw lots of happy faces when NPO Maggie Skelton handed out Slurpee coupons, courtesy of 7-Eleven, after a hot day of Field Day fun.
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The Landing
Residents of The Landing HOA met their new NPO Johnny Rodriguez last month and committed to attending crime prevention training this summer. Residents recognize that many new developments are coming to far northwest Fort Worth, and they want neighbors to know how to report suspicious activity and work with police to prevent crime. We encourage all Landing residents to attend the 6 p.m. trainings July 13 and August 10 in the HOA community room.
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Stockyards Safety
As FIFA fans flock to Fort Worth, several traffic safety improvements have helped protect pedestrians and slow traffic through The Stockyards. Retractable bollards installed on East Exchange Avenue prevent vehicles from turning east into the Stockyards from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. seven days a week. Temporary barriers on West Exchange also keep vehicles from traveling between Main and North Houston Streets. A new traffic light and crosswalk at North Main and NW 24th Streets give visitors another safe place to cross and have also reduced speeding on North Main. Also, as business renovations block some parking spaces on North Main, the city has installed new designated rideshare pickup/drop-off signs along Ellis Avenue, from NW 24th to just past West Exchange.
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Business Security
TEI Communications’ owners Randy & Jon Thomas invited us to visit their property at 2350 Great Southwest Pkwy. The company, which designs, manufactures, installs and services communications technology—everything from closed circuit TV to telephones to point-of-sale systems. They've been in business since 1959. TEI has an excellent security camera system in place, but we were able to offer them signage to remind employees and visitors to lock their cars every time. If you’d like a business security review, please contact your NPO or Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent.
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New NPO Sergeant
Help us welcome new NPO Sgt. Joe Pittman, who’s now supervising Neighborhood Patrol Officers in Charlie District. He’s been with the Fort Worth Police Department for 19 years, serving in Narcotics, Property Crimes, Directed Response Unit and as a detective and administrator. Sgt. Pittman says there are many reasons he enjoys his job: “I love the excitement, I love putting bad guys in jail, I love serving the community I grew up in, and I love the brotherhood and camaraderie in the department. I was born and raised in Northside and happy to come back to this community.” Charlie District neighborhoods include Bonnie Brae, Diamond Hill, Historic Marine, North Beverly Hills and Northside.
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Healthy Remembrance
Northwest Division held a workout last month in remembrance Officer Robert Guerrero, who died of a heart attack at the age of 57. The workout was designed around Guerrero’s badge number 3072. It included 30 seconds of seven different exercises, in two rounds.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for law enforcement officers, but the memorial reminds current officers that consistent daily exercise leads to heart health.
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Tower Touchpoint
Billy Bob's Texas was a stop on the Steel Across America tour, a nationwide campaign that’s transporting an authentic steel beam from the World Trade Center to communities across the United States. The tribute by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation commemorates the September 11, 2001, terror attacks and is an educational opportunity for those too young to remember 9/11.
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Show of Support
Councilwoman Macy Hill treated Fort Worth Police Northwest Division Officers and City Marshals to lunch last month to thank them for their service. It was also an opportunity to catch up and thank the councilmember and her staff for their support.
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FIFA Moments
Second shift officers grabbed a FIFA watch moment—and we do mean moment—by holding roll call in our break room, where the TV was tuned to the U.S. game against Australia. Roll call lasts no more than 15 minutes, but the mojo apparently worked. The U.S. won 2-0.
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Other officers enjoyed a FIFA moment working traffic control for the Dutch Orange Bus, which rolled into The Stockyards carrying Netherlands fans dressed in their bright orange team colors.
To all the officers who've postponed family vacations and worked extra hours to keep the city safe during FIFA-related activities, we appreciate your hard work!
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H.E.L.P. for Homeless Students
Commander Molina and Citizens on Patrol (COP) members heard about FWISD’s Homeless Education Linking Program, or H.E.L.P., that aids homeless students. COPs observe all kinds of things on their neighborhood safety patrols so they’re always learning about resources available in Fort Worth.
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Pickleball Champs
Second shift Officer James Cherry was part of a FWPD team that took gold in pickleball competition at the Texas Police Games. The annual games promote good physical conditioning and getting to know officers from other areas of Texas. This year’s games at South Padre Island marked the 50th anniversary of the Texas Police Athletic Federation’s Texas Police Games.
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Register Your Group
Is your neighborhood registered yet? The City of Fort Worth encourages neighborhood associations, HOAs, apartment communities, faith-based organizations, community groups and independent school districts to register for the Neighborhood Database. When registered, you’ll receive updates on public meetings, engagement opportunities, City programs, zoning notifications and more. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to register online. Already registered? Submit an update once a year or when contact information changes. For questions, contact the Community Engagement Office at engagement@fortworthtexas.gov or call 817-392-6201.
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Speaking Out at City Hall
There’s a new process for registering to speak at Fort Worth City Council meetings. Once the City Council meeting agenda is posted to the city website, residents must register no later than two hours before the start of the meeting for both day and evening meetings.
Learn more and see step-by-step details on the City Secretary’s webpage.
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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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