El Paso Police Department's 2017 Annual Report
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El Paso, Texas The City of El Paso lies on the western corner of the state where Texas, Mexico and New Mexico meet. As of 2017, the population is estimated at 700,000. El Paso shares four border crossings with neighboring Mexico. El Paso has a strong international commerce. El Paso also offers a diverse and rich culture, full of history and pride. It is home to the University of Texas at El Paso, Southwest University Park, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. El Paso has a strong military community with Fort Bliss, which is one of the largest military facilities of the United States Army. El Paso is known as the “Sun City” because the sun shines approximately 300 days a year.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
City of El Paso Mission, Vision, and Values El Paso Police Department Vision and Values
4 5 6 7 8 9
Message from the Chief of Police
EPPD Organizational Chart
Executive Staff Command Staff
El Paso Quick Facts EPPD Quick Facts 2017 Part One Crimes
10 11 12
El Paso Police Department Regional Command Centers
13-23 24-25
Live PD
Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit
26 27 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33
Northeast Community Fair
Citizen Recognition
District Attorney’s First Chance Program
Social Host Ordinance
911 Communications Center 2017 Crime Victims’ Memorial
Hurricane Harvey
2017 International Association of Law Enforcement Planners
Vehicle Theft Prevention Event Special Traffic Investigations (STI)
The 2017 Academy Class Officers’ Recognitions 2017 National Police Week Remembering Our Fallen 2017 EPPD Awards
34-35
36 37
38-39
Carolina Park Renamed after Officer David Ortiz Naming of Streets after Fallen Officers
40 41
Remembering Our Fallen
42-43
Stand with Law Enforcement in Texas
44 45 46
Memorial Trek Riders
2017 Retirements
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CITY OF EL PASO
Mission Deliver outstanding service to support a high quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. Vision El Paso will have safe and beautiful neighborhoods, a vibrant regional economy, and exceptional recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities. Values Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, People
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT Mission
It is the mission of the El Paso Police Department to provide services with integrity and dedication, to preserve life, to enforce the law, and to work in partnership with the community to enhance the quality of life in the City of El Paso Our Values We respect life…
We revere the truth…
We enforce the law…
We seek community partnership…
We honor our police powers…
We conduct ourselves with dignity…
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Message from the Chief
The El Paso Police Department is a unique entity, which I am very proud to be a part of. This year we continued to focus on our top priorities of reducing Part 1 crimes, improving response times, and addressing traffic safety concerns. EPPD continues to fulfill our mission “to preserve life, to enforce the law, and to work in partnership with the community to enhance the quality of life in the City of El Paso.” A great deal of this accomplishment is because we have a department who is invested in this community. We are each other’s neighbors, friends, and family. The department works alongside of community members, businesses, and civic organizations to ensure a greater quality of life for residents and visitors. The roles of our police officers stretch beyond that of a conventional job to encompass what it truly takes to have a safe city. Our officers are passionate, dedicated and compassionate all while fulfilling their duties. Once again, El Paso was ranked amongst the safest cities, despite the shortage in officers and the growing population to our area. Every El Paso citizen should be proud of this accomplishment. I am committed to continuing this partnership with our citizens, and I keep the safety of all persons in the City of El Paso a top priority. Together, we celebrate our many successes and honor the memory of those who have made great sacrifices. Unity and fortitude are necessary when facing our ever-changing society. In 2018, I look forward to serving El Paso and its residents, for there is no greater privilege than serving the City of El Paso.
Gregory K. Allen Chief of Police
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El Paso Police Department
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Executive Staff
Patrick Maloney Assistant Chief Investigations Bureau
Peter Pacillas Assistant Chief Uniform Police Services II
Gregory K. Allen Chief of Police
Zina Silva Assistant Chief Administrative Bureau
Victor Zarur Assistant Chief Uniform Police Services I
8 Carlos Ramirez Human Resources
Isaura Valdez Administrative Services
J ohn H, Lanahan III Lieutenant Internal Affairs
Command Staff
Julia Inciriaga Commander Northeast
Roberto Ramos Commander Mission Valley
Steve Lopez Commander West Side
Humberto Talamantes Commander Organized Crime
Thomas Peña Commander Central
Juan Briones Commander Pebble Hills
Steven Schmidt Lieutenant HQ Traffic
Patrick Pelletier Commander Criminal Investigations
Jason D. Johnson Lieutenant Training Academy
Linda Molina Lieutenant Auxiliary Support
Tonya Shields Lieutenant Planning and Research
Richard Castellano Lieutenant Communications
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*Not pictured Lieutenant Ken Law, Special Teams
El Paso Quick Facts
EPPD Established
1884
EPPD Budget
$131,318,394
Total Calls for Service
367,707
City Demographics by Gender
City Founded
1680 1873
City Incorporated
Census Population
683,577
Male 49%
Female 51%
Square Miles
255.24
CITY DEMOGRAPHICS BY ETHNICITY/RACE
American Indian and Alaska Native 1% Asian 1%
Black 3%
White 13%
Two or More Races 2%
Hispanic or Latino 80%
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EPPD Quick Facts American Indian 0% SWORN DEMOGRAPHIC BY ETHNICITY/RACE
Pacific Islander 1%
Black 3%
White 16%
Other 0%
Hispanic 80%
Rank Chief
Numbers
1 4 7
Assistant Chiefs Commanders
Lieutenants Sergeants Detectives
42
129 163 683
Officers
SWORN BY GENDER
STAFFING
Male, 899
1029
1000 1200
0 200 400 600 800 1000
0 200 400 600 800
Female, 130
230
Sworn
Civilian
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2017 Part One Crimes
PART ONE CLEARANCE RATES EPPD National per FBI UCR
CRIMINAL HOMI CIDE
FORCI BLE RAPE
ROBBERY
ASSAULT
BURGLARY LARCENY- THEFT
MOTOR VEHI CLE
2017 PART ONE CRIMES
Motor Vehicle Theft 3%
Criminal Homicide 0.07%
Forcible Rape 2%
Robbery 2%
Larceny- Theft 48%
Assault 39%
Burglary 6%
12 Population of El Paso: 680,273 ***Crime Rate= (Total crime/pop) * 100,000 Sources: (RMS/Local)///(I-Leads-I-Mars) UCR Guidelines implemented to measure crime *Burglary Vehicle included in the “Total” (As a component of Larceny) Note: Unfounded cases have been excluded Variations possible due to dynamic changes in ILEADS
El Paso Police Department Regional Command Centers
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Central Regional Command
200 S. Campbell El Paso, TX, 79901 (915) 212-0210 Officers/Civilians: 183 Sworn / 18 Civilian Size: 17.15 Square Miles Population: 87,084
The Central Regional Command Center (CRCC) is located in the heart of downtown El Paso. Within its boundaries are three of the four international U.S./Mexico ports of entry and the downtown business districts. The officers, detectives and civilians of the command serve approximately 123,000 residents which include the daily influx of citizens and visitors who work or shop in the area on a daily basis. Annually, CRCC has been involved with the majority of large events for our city. During the year, officers of CRCC secured the Thanksgiving Day Parade, El Paso Marathon, Lighting of the Christmas Tree Parade, the Veterans Day Parade, Music under the Stars and numerous City co-sponsored events. The Central Regional Command has seen an increase in vehicle and pedestrian congestion within the downtown area due to the infrastructure reconstruction of Loop 375 (Cesar Chavez Highway) and the El Paso Streetcar project. Officers strive to keep the region safe with traffic enforcement and increased visibility with the downtown bike units. The central area continued to see a reduction in crime and can attribute this reduction to the cooperation of the citizens of the region and aggressive crime reduction initiatives of officers and detectives. Continued maintenance of community and business partnerships – such as the Downtown Management District and the Central Business Association as well as other community and law enforcement agencies, are the primary objectives for the region to ensure another successful year. This safe environment has assisted the City of El Paso in the continuing additions to the downtown area and community development, which has involved many more downtown events. In turn, this brings in tourism monies and
buildings, remodeling and occupancy of the downtown hotels. A goal of any police department is voluntary compliance to improve public safety, whether it is a traffic violation, criminal activity, or quality of life issues, which affect our city. This has been demonstrated consistently year after year with a citywide decrease in crime. This success can be attributed mainly to the exceptional cooperation of citizens and the El Paso Police Department, as we could not hope to control such a vast area without the distinguished citizens in our community taking responsibility for their businesses and neighborhoods.
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CCRC 2017 PART ONE CRIMES
Murder 0.05%
Vehicle Theft 4%
Sexual Assaults 2%
Robbery 3%
Larceny 41%
Assaults 44%
Burglary 6%
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The Mission Valley Regional Command Center (MVRCC) successfully completed another year with a low crime rate. For this, we thank the community, the officers, the detectives, and civilians for helping us maintain safe neighborhoods. Throughout 2017, our officers/detectives demonstrated a strong work ethic and a high quality of service with outstanding arrests and consistency in conducting superior preliminary investigations, while showing compassion and kindness to victims of crime. This accomplishment included day shift and evening patrol who covered the busiest portions of the day, responding to a large volume of calls for service, and still engaged with the community by attending community meetings, visiting convenience stores and patrolling the area. Graveyard shift officers also maintained dutiful and outstanding performance handling a high volume of calls during the night hours, while the MVRCC CID/TAC and Special Operations continued to produce results with outstanding investigations and arrests through teamwork and proactive enforcement. The MVRCC proudly continues to serve our community and we look forward to continued efforts and making a difference in 2018 by increasing our numbers in Neighborhood Watch Programs and the Citizens Advisory Board members, and by continuing our commitment to the community policing philosophy in addressing crime in the region. Mission Valley Regional Command 9011 Escobar Dr. El Paso, TX 79907 (915) 212-0400 Officers/Civilians: 105 Sworn / 5 Civilian Size: 29.73 Square Miles Population:101,374
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MVRC 2017 PART ONE CRIMES
Murder .06% Sexual Assaults 1%
Vehicle Theft 3%
Robbery 2%
Larceny 47%
Assaults 41%
Burglary 6%
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Northeast Regional Command
9600 Dyer Street El Paso, TX 79924 (915) 212-8100 Officers/Civilians:119 Sworn / 5 Civilian Size:63.6 Square Miles Population: 129,964
The Northeast Regional Command Center (NERCC) is the El Paso Police Department’s substation serving the Northeast area of the City of El Paso. It is home to a diverse population of El Paso residents and businesses, Fort Bliss members and their families, and visitors. Our goal is to provide police services with the highest quality of customer service. Much like
the rest of the city, Northeast is experiencing a growth boost, to include residential and business areas. Despite the growth, we strive to deliver the best services possible to include traffic enforcement, community policing and partnerships, investigations and proactive patrol. The officers are supported by an excellent civilian staff who oversee station operations, vehicle and equipment maintenance and office management.
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Vehicle Theft 3% NERC 2017 PART ONE CRIMES
Murder 0.09% Sexual Assaults 2% Robbery 2%
Larceny 49%
Assaults 38%
Burglary 6%
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10780 Pebble Hills Blvd. El Paso, TX 79935 (915) 212-0190 Officers/Civilians: 176 Sworn / 7 Civilian Size: 54.58 Square Miles Population: 227,482 Pebble Hills Regional Command The Pebble Hills Regional Command (PHRC) provides service to East El Paso, which is the largest populated area in the city. As the community continues to grow, so does residential neighborhoods and businesses, and that has challenged the region with crime and other related incidents that call for police services. In 2017, Pebble Hills Regional Command faced some headwinds. As academies were canceled or put on hold in the past, attrition began to weigh in on staffing levels that affected service to citizens and crime. For several years, the region experienced decrease in Part One crimes; however, it leveled-off and crime was beginning to increase slowly. Officers, detectives, supervisors, and civilians performed exceptionally well under the said constraints and circumstances that did not deter their resilience in combating crime and helping their community and others. With the ever-increasing growth in population and residential neighborhood and businesses, the challenge is to meet the demands of the Citizens of El Paso while securing their safety and welfare.
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Murder .03% Vehicle Theft 4% PHRC 2017 PART ONE CRIMES
Sexual Assaults 2%
Robbery 1%
Larceny 47%
Assaults 41%
Burglary 5%
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Westside Regional Command
4801 Osborne Sr. El Paso, TX 79922 (915) 212-8539 Officers/Civilians: 101 Sworn / 5 Civilian Size: 91.34 Square Miles Population: 137,673
The Westside Regional Command Center (WRCC) experienced an increase in population, businesses and a residential boom. The Westside region now accounts for the second largest population base in the city and leads the city in business and residential startups. The Westside region is also home to 60% of all interstate construction projects. Once completed in 2020, the westside will be transformed into a major transportation hub, becoming a significant business and residential destination.
All members of the Westside Regional Command center worked as a team in 2017 as evidenced by the accolades bestowed upon some of its members. In 2017, the Westside Regional Command Center claimed the Unit of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Officer of the Year and the Civilian of the Year awards. The men and women assigned to the Westside Regional Command Center remain steadfast in their dedication and commitment to the citizens of El Paso. Part 1 offenses affecting the Westside Regional Command Center were greatly reduced through effective investigative efforts and focused attention on developing crime patterns. By utilizing Directed Patrol, and by utilizing the Broken Windows philosophy, the officers and civilian staff assigned to the Westside Regional Command Center were successful in maintaining successful community policing efforts throughout the region while deterring criminal activity. All units and sections of the Westside Regional Command Center adhere to the mission of delivering outstanding services to support a high quality of life for residents, business and visitors.
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Murder 0.05% Vehicle Theft 4% WSRC 2017 PART ONE CRIMES
Sexual Assaults 1%
Robbery 1%
Assaults 33%
Larceny 54%
Burglary 7%
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New Horizons
In 2017 the El Paso Police Department began its participation on the A&E’s show, “Live PD”. El Paso Police Department was first featured on the show on October 3, 2017. Live PD consist of video crews riding alongside El Paso’s finest as they go on their tour of duty. Participation on the show brought a public awareness to the type of work, persons and risks that officers have to contend with on a daily basis. The show has featured officers in high-risk shots fired calls, execution of arrest warrants, SWAT calls, vehicle and foot pursuits, and calls dealing with persons in mental crisis.
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New Perspectives
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New Unit Created
Pictured from left to right, Det. Michael Vaughan, Sgt. Sandra Zamudio, Det. Susan Kislenger, Det. Vanessa Acosta, Det. Estela Roberts, and Off. Arturo Gutierrez. Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Effective November 6, 2017, the Mission Valley Region is now home to the newly created Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit, which is comprised of one sergeant, four detectives, and one officer. Section 42.09 of the Texas Penal Code states “Cruelty to Livestock Animals” and 42.092 “Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals” of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly treating an animal. The unit will be handling the city’s rising need for addressing animal cruelty cases, presenting them to the courts and bringing justice for these animals that have no voice. After the implementation of the unit, there were 37 animal cruelty cases report in the first 2 months (Nov 6, 2018 –December 31, 2018).
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Community Policing
Northeast Community Fair The El Paso Police Department’s Northeast Regional Command Center hosted a community fair at Cohen Stadium in August 2017. The fair offered free medical screening, entertainment and vendors. The fair is a community-building campaign that promotes police and emergency services personnel partnerships with communities and promotes neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
Citizen Recognition
In an effort to strengthen community involvement, the El Paso Police Department honored an exceptional child in December. The CAC section was advised of a young girl named Kaylee Castillo, who had been collecting teddy bears for Christmas. Her objective was to provide teddy bears to disadvantage children. Kaylee raised money and collected over 200 teddy bears to give to the Child Crisis Center, Children’s Advocacy Center and local hospitals. On December 21, 2017 the CAC section honored this young child and surprised her with several gifts for Christmas. Attendees included Commander Pelletier and Chief Maloney.
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District Attorney’s First Chance Program
The El Paso Police Department, the El Paso Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s office in conjunction with the Council of Judges worked together to create the First Chance Program. The First Chance Program is a diversion program offered by the El Paso District Attorney’s Office to first-time offenders who are caught with marijuana.
The First Chance Program went into effect on December 10, 2017. The program allows people who are solely caught with
four ounces or less of marijuana, and have no prior criminal record, to participate in community service and pay a fine, instead of being arrested and charged with a class B or class A misdemeanor. From the start of the program in December 10, 2017 to December 31, 2017, there were 79 Arrests for Possession of Marijuana under 4 ounces. From the 79 arrests, 42 were accepted into the program.
Social Host Ordinance
The El Paso Police Department, Health department, City of El Paso’s legal department, Paso del Norte Health Foundation, YMCA’s Shift Positive, and the Alcohol Impact Network worked together to create the state’s first Social Host Ordinance. On June 6, 2017 the Social Host Accountability Ordinance went into effect. The ordinance aims to reduce underage drinking and augments current Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TACB) laws already in place by imposing a civil penalty on violators. The per- son(s) allowing gatherings “where alcohol is consumed by, served to or in the possession of underage persons” may be issued a Notice of Violation which can carry up to a $1,000 civil penalty. Since the start of the enforcement to December 31, 2017, there were 18 cases.
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911 Communications Center
On October 2017, the operations at the El Paso 911 Communications center went live as a multi-purpose, multi-agency building that houses various public safety departments. The El Paso Police Department relies on 911 call takers and dispatchers for their field officers and critical operational support. The sprawling complex contains the El Paso Fusion Center, as well as the communications units of the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control, the Office of Emergency Management, and various training facilities, with state of the art technology. It was designed with great attention to progressive innovations in order to promote the standards of improved communications and increased public safety response to El Paso. One mission of the communications center is to combine all elements needed to handle community emergencies. The extensive Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system is used by 38+ agencies, which allows for timely and accurate incident reporting to improve response times and ensure thoroughness of the application of industry best practices. Inter-agency cooperation of communications at such a high level is unique to Texas and the United States as a whole. The facility itself was designed to maximize the performance and well-being of the employees. This design includes several specialty rooms, including a quiet room, private gym, computer training center, conference rooms, specially designed server rooms, and a large warehouse. The main dispatching area includes state of the art equipment ranging from special lighting, state of the art computers, ergonomically designed dispatching stations, and a carefully plotted floor plan, all of which are intended to improve the functionality of the department and provide for the comfort of the employees. The design also includes plenty of room for growth and change in order to accommodate the anticipated needs of the region.
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2017 Crime Victims’ Memorial
During the week of April 2-8, 2017, communities across the United States observed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. In 2017, the theme was “Strength. Resilience. Justice.” El Paso Police joined several area departments, community organizations and the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office in observance National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This event is held each April for victims of crime. Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities are intended to engage the community and raise awareness of the rights and interests of crime victims. El Paso citizens who lost their lives as a result of a violent crime are honored at the annual memorial, where their names are engraved on a giant marble circle. Their names are read aloud while first responders ring a bell. The ceremony shines a light on crime victims whose lives have been shattered as a result of crime. Every loss still pains our community and those victims will never be forgotten. As of 2017, there were 1,596 names engraved on the Crime Victims’ Memorial Wall.
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Hurricane Harvey
I n August 2017, Houston, Texas, was afflicted by Hurricane Harvey that devastated the area with flooding and high wind damage to buildings and property. A group of thirty-nine El Paso Police Officers volunteered to help the Houston Police Department and the citizens of Houston with services, supplies and public safety. The officers were in the devastation area for 13 days. The total cost for Hurricane Harvey relief trip was $426,750, this cost included labor, travel, equipment and material.
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2017 International Association of Law Enforcement Planners Conference Awards and Achievement
The El Paso Police Department Planning and Research Unit submitted the 2016 Annual Report to compete against multiple law enforcement agencies. The Annual Report is a collaborative effort of various units on the department, including the Photo Lab, the Chief’s Office, and each bureau and regional command. The Annual Reports were judged at the conference for the International Association of Law Enforcement Planers (IALEP), and El Paso was awarded 3rd place honors out of the entries from around the world. At the 2017 conference, Planning and Research’s Lt. Shields earned recognition as a Certified Law Enforcement Planner, a distinction which required rigorous academic achievements and a diverse portfolio of projects and accomplishments.
Also in 2017, the EPPD Planning and Research Team was awarded the honor of hosting the 2018 IALEP Annual Conference.
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Steve Plummer, ATTF’s Crime Prevention Manager, with the assistance of different department and agencies conducted Vehicle Theft Prevention Event at various locations throughout the City of El Paso. With auto theft being the most expensive property crime, every preventative measure taken can help decrease your chances of falling victim to an auto thief or burglar. VIN Etching is a process in which the vehicle’s identification number is permanently etched into the glass of the vehicle. This makes the vehicle less valuable to a thief as it will become more difficult for a thief to sell the parts and helps assist law enforcement in the recovery of stolen vehicles and identification of “Chop Shops”. In some instances, the public was also eligible for an insurance discount from their vehicle’s theft coverage, depending on their insurance company. The VIN etching has an estimated $100.00-$300.00 value, however, offered FREE of charge by the El Paso Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force. Vehicle Theft Prevention Event
Special Traffic Investigations (STI)
Special Traffic Investigations (STI) investigated 52 traffic fatalities in 2017 vs 64 in 2016. The El Paso Police Department prioritizes traffic safety as a major factor to achieve our mission with keeping the community safe. The El Paso Police Department’s Special Services Division conducted 115 traffic presentations at local schools, citizen groups and Ft. Bliss. In accordance with our Strategic Business Plan, Goal 2, the EPPD has actively participated in the following programs/ operations:
• • • • • • •
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program
Motor Surges
Unified Traffic Operations between DPS and EPPD
Operation U.P. Cares
Traffic Presentations/Events
DWI Surges
Traffi c Fatalities
Alcohol Related
Speed Related
STI Call-outs
Expansion of the DWI Task
2016 64 2017 52
21 14
20 21
82 85
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The 121st Police Academy Class
“Together we fight”
January 22, 2017
Congratulation to our 2017 Commission Officers
50 Graduated
1,888 Applied
566 passed written exams
340 Passed Physical Fitness Test
Aguilera, Bethel Arras, Roberto Avila, Ramon Barrientos, Jose Jr Becerra, Andres Jr Borunda, Rodrigo Carrillo, Charles Castillo, Natalie Castro, Aracely Chacon, Joanna Costa, Jessica De Matias, Alejandra
Dominguez, Sergio Figueroa, Miguel Fowler, Spencer Frensley, Emily Garay, Kevin Garcia, Gilbert Gomez, Vicente III
Jaramillo, David Jurado, Edgar Lopez, Fermin Luna, Sandra Macias, Amanda Marin, Bonnie Marie Martinez, Luis A Mendoza, Enrique David Modesto, Oswaldo
Pacheco, Javier Paoli, Paul Pena, James Perez, Joseph Quezada, Carolina Ramirez, Benito Regalado, Jessica Rodriguez, Aundrea
Grajeda, Juan Guereca, Julio Han, Stephanie Hernandez, Alyssa Hernandez, Jacqueline
Santana, Leonel Savedra, Janette Sias, Gustavo Soberanis, Ivan Soll, Dustin
Montoya, Edwin Nevarez, Nicholas Ortiz, Samuel
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Officers’ Recognitions
Congratulations to our EPPD family members that were recognized at City Hall in 2017 for their time in service. They have stayed the course and continue to serve a department that is made better by their continued commitment.
O cer Sergio Garcia 25 Years of Service
LT. John H. Lanahan III 30 years of Service
Sgt. Patrick G. Natividad 25 Years of Service
36 O cer Fred Arias Jr. 30 years of Service
O cer Enrique Medina 25 Years of Service
O cer Sarah Stokes 25 Years of Service
2017 EPPD Awards Lifesaving Award Officer Daniel Salcido #2960 CRCC Chief’s Award
Vanessa Morales Alberto Hernandez Nathan Torres Jim Morgan Angie Morgan Tiffany Schneider Thomas Winfield McKay Lenzie Marie Loudder Rebecca Bailey Wetsel Ryan Robert Andrekus Joseph Michael Farr
Officer Nelson Velazquez-Garcia #2673 CRCC Officer Lugardo J. Garcia #2936 CRCC Officer Maria D. Delgado #3085 MVRC Officer Raul I. Puentes-Lowry #2845 PHRC Officer Michael A. Carter #2968 PHRC Officer Erik S. Garcia #3094 PHRC Officer Jacob S. Serna #2881 PHRC Officer Luis A. Martinez #3149 PHRC Officer Nathan V. Daniel #3002 PHRC
Officer Jose M. Azar #2888 PHRC Officer Jose M. Rivas #2985 CRCC
Jessica Vargas
Officer Jose M. Rivas
Officer Nelson Velazquez-Garcia Officer Lugardo J. Garcia
Unit of the Year Westside Regional Command - Graveyard Patrol
Community Service Award Officer Slade W. Davis #1496 NERC
Officer of the Year Officer Joshua C. Longenbaugh #2869 WSRC FTO of the Year Officer Gabriel Candia #2237 PHRC Detective of the Year Detective Edward J. Granados #2867 OCD
Civilian of the Year Araceli Mendoza C779 WSRC
Civilian Unit of the Year Safe Communities
John Lanahan Award of Excellence Officer Curtis Whitener #1487 Academy
Supervisor of the Year Sgt. Louis C. Johnson #1850 WSRC
Meritorious Service Award Jessica Vargas C1692 Grants
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2017 National
National Police Week honors and recognizes those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The El Paso Police Department was fortunate enough to not lose any officers in 2017; nonetheless, our hearts and souls still grieves for all those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The El Paso Police Department held our Annual Police Memorial Week from May 14-20, 2017 and the Annual Police Memorial was held Friday May 19, 2017. Police Vigil 2017 Police Memorial Run
Light the City Blue
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Police Week
Memorial 2017
Number of Fallen Officers in 2017 National 135 Texas 16 El Paso 0
* Data retrieved from https://www.odmp.org/search/ year/2017
Photos Courtesy: Ruben R. Ramirez/EL PASO TIMES
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Carolina Park Renamed after Officer Ortiz
On March 10th, 2016, Officer David Ortiz was on his police motorcycle stopped at a red light when he was hit from behind and died from his injuries. The officer’s family petitioned the city to rename the park after Officer David Ortiz, and on June 14th, 2017, the park was renamed in his honor.
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Naming of Streets After Fallen Officers
On Sept. 25, 2012, Officer Molina was off duty when he observed three juveniles vandalizing his car. He confronted the three and identified himself as a police officer. As he spoke to them, one of the juveniles punched him, knocking him to the ground. The teen continued to beat him even after knocking him unconscious. Officer Molina eventually died from his injuries. On December 16, 2012, Officer Angel Garcia was struck and killed by an automobile on I-10 while clearing a ladder out of the roadway. Both Officers were U.S. Marines before joining the El Paso Police Department. Two streets were named in honor of Officers Jonathan K. Molina and Angel D. Garcia. The new streets are located in the Tierra Del Este subdivision in Far East El Paso.
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Remembering
omas Moad Asst. City Marshal July 11, 1883
Newton Stewart O cer Feb 17, 1900
William Paschal O cer Dec 4, 1914
Gus Chitwood O cer Feb 13, 1915
Harry Phoenix Captain June 13, 1921
Frank Burns Detective April 12, 1923
Enrique Rivera Special O cer Nov 25, 1923
John J. Coleman Detective July 14, 1924
Guillermo Sanchez Detective Dec 14, 1957
Arthur Lavender O cer Dec 16,1966
Roger Hamilton O cer June 21, 1970
Guy Myers O cer July 24, 1970
Ernesto Serna O cer Nov 12, 1991
Karl McDonough O cer Oct 13, 2010
Jonathan K. Molina O cer Oct 5, 2012
A. Andrew Barcena O cer Sept 25, 2004
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Our Fallen
Sydney J. Benson O cer June 28, 1917
Juan N. Garcia , Jr. Special Police Agent Feb 1, 1918
Octaviano Perea O cer Feb 2, 1918
George F. Drake O cer Sept. 22, 1918
Lynn McClintock O cer Oct 2, 1926
Schuyler C. Houston Captain Oct 4, 1927
Ralph Marmolejo Detective Mar 17, 1951
Warren Mitchell O cer May 16, 1953
David Bannister O cer June 3, 1974
Wayne Carreon O cer June 27, 1980
Charles Heinrich Detective Aug 29, 1985
Norman Montion Detective Oct 16, 1989
Angel D. Garcia O cer Dec 16, 2012 David Ortiz O cer March 14, 2016 “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” —Aristotle Onassis Adrian Arellano O cer Mar 18, 2015
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Stand with Law Enforcement in Texas
To mark the one-year anniversary of the attack on Dallas law enforcement, and in honor of all peace officers across Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide call to stand with law enforcement in Texas. The officers killed in the Dallas shooting included Sr. Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Officer Michael Krol, Sgt. Michael Smith, Officer Patrick Zamarripa and Officer Brent Thompson. Governor Abbott asked Texas law enforcement officers to turn on their red and blue lights for one-minute on Friday, July 7th, 2017.
Other Fallen Officers
El Paso Native, Police Officer Floyd East was shot and killed inside of the Texas Tech University Police Department October 9, 2017. EPPD Officers helped escort the U.S. Honor Flag, coming from Idaho to El Paso, TX in honor of slain Texas Tech Officer.
2017 Texas Fallen Officers
Police Officer Keneth Malcolm Copeland San Marcos Police Department
Police Officer Miguel Moreno, III San Antonio Police Department
Deputy Constable Mark Gregory Diebold Tarrant County Constable’s Office
Corrections Officer Shana Renee Tedder Texas Department of Criminal Justice Border Patrol Agent Isaac Morales United States Department of Homeland Security
Trooper Damon Charles Allen Texas Highway Patrol
Sergeant Steve Albert Perez Houston Police Department
Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez United States Department of Homeland Senior Trooper Thomas Patrick Nipper Texas Department of Public Safety Police Officer Floyd East, Jr. Texas Tech University Police Department Police Officer Elias Martinez, Jr. Metropolitan Transit Authority Police
Corporal Monty Dale Platt West Texas A&M University Police Department Detective Elise Ann Ybarra Abilene Police Department Deputy Sheriff Jason Matthew Fann Yoakum County Sheriff’s Office
Assistant Chief Deputy Clinton Francis Greenwood Harris County Detective Jerry Ronald Walker Little Elm Police Department
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Memorial Trek Riders EPPD Officers joined the Memorial Trek Riders as they rode in remembrance of fallen law enforcement officers from various agencies across Texas. The Memorial Trek Riders have been bike riding across the state in honor of fallen officers since 1993. The mission of the Memorial Trek Riders is to bring attention to the sacrifice that each officer makes each day for their community and the State of Texas. The Ortiz family received the ceremonial memorial flag presented by the Bike Trek Riders.
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2017 Retirements “Once the badge goes on, it never comes off, whether they can see it, or not. It fuses to the soul …” In 2017, the El Paso Police Department, bid farewell to 25 sworn personnel, to include one Assistant Chief, two Lieutenants, seven Detectives, five Sergeants, and ten Officers. We also had seven Civilian Personnel retire. Although these individuals will be greatly missed, the EPPD wishes them good luck on their future endeavors.
SWORN
YEARS OF SERVICE CIVILIAN YEARS OF SERVICE
OFFICER RODRIGUEZ, JESUS SERGEANT RIVERA, RICARDO
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MANUEL MUNOZ MARTIN AGUILAR
39 31 25 22 15 14
29 ASSISTANCE CHIEF GARDNER, MICHELLE 29 LIEUTENANT OLSEN, WARREN 27 DETECTIVE SANCHEZ, RAMON 26 OFFICER DOMINGUEZ, LAWRENCE 26 OFFICER OJEDA, ARNULFO 25 OFFICER BAEZA, ROBERT 25 DETECTIVE SALAZAR, RICARDO 25 OFFICER AMAYA, EDMUNDO 24 DETECTIVE GRIFFITH, SAMANTHA 24 SERGEANT DENIO, CHARLES 24 DETECTIVE ORDAZ, JULIO 24 LIEUTENANT GOMEZ, DAVID 23 SERGEANT CLARK, DARRYN 23 DETECTIVE MONTES, JOSE 23 OFFICER SANCHEZ, SALVADOR 22 SERGEANT OLSEN, ESTHER 22 OFFICER ELLINGSON, DANA 22 OFFICER OLIVARES, PETER 21 DETECTIVE RETA, JUAN 21 SERGEANT COX, DAVID 20 OFFICER CORONA, MARIA 20 DETECTIVE WESTPHAL, MELODY 12 OFFICER DRUMMOND, JEFFREY 10
TERESA SALAS CRUZ VALLES
STEVEN HOLGUIN RICHARD CROWE LESLIE CANADA
9
“Choose a work that you love and you won’t have to work another day.” – Confucius
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El Paso Police Department Published by the Office of the Chief Planning and Research Unit 911 N. Raynor St. El Paso, Texas 79903 915-212-4000 www.eppd.org Photographs by Vicky Diaz, Jeff Clouser, and El Paso Times.
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