Wylie Today

Rick and Alicia White are special citizens of Wylie, Texas. They are a unique couple that spend vast amounts of personal time and money helping and contributing to the world class Wylie Fire Department. They are always found on a fire scene early, documenting the events not just for themselves and Wylie citizens, but for the Wylie Fire Department itself.

Alicia said, “We are privileged to be allowed to get up close and personal on the scene of an incident. We capture scenes no one sees but a few. We see the intimate expressions on faces and the compassion these guys and gals give. But more importantly, we feel that we are part of a unique and loving family. The fire and police departments have let us become an integral part of them.”

Rick and Alicia post many of the photos they take on their website, http://www.wyliephotos.com. Here, one can see just what kind of quality photographs are taken and provided to the Fire Department. One can also get a feel for exactly how early and often they arrive on a scene.

So how does the Fire Department feel about Rick and Alicia? I was able to speak to Fire Chief Randy Corbin about them and not surprisingly, he had only good things to say. “I’ve been here for 18 months now and our arrangement is that Rick and Alicia are reserve members of our Fire Department. They arrive early on a scene, even in the middle of the night and their photographs are timely and professional. They help us with training, investigation and documentation photographs which really help us. ”

Cheif Corbin continued, “Rick is very technical in the communication business and we’ve really been able to tap into his knowledge bank. We’ve turned to him quite often as a technical consultant before and during our planning of an overhaul of our communications systems. Whether he is sharing his knowledge or pointing us to the right contacts to talk further, he has just been so extremely helpful and knowledgeable.”

Rick and Alicia White are special members of this great community and city in which we all live. They put a tremendous amount of time and effort to be of service to the community and the departments that make Wylie special. Wylie is lucky to have such fantastic and involved people living within it’s limits.

I hope Wylie Today can continue to bring readers some of the fantastic photographs or as some might say, “works of art”, that Rick and Alicia White produce.

Photos © 2008 Rick and Alicia White - click images for larger photos

The Wylie Police Department is growing, adding two new officers and one recruit. Nuria Arroyo, 22, and Jason Smith, 33, were sworn in by Judge Terry Douglas on March 13th, 2008. They are both fresh graduates from the Collin County Law Enforcement Academy and will now attend a three week mini-academy.

The mini-academy is an instruction based class led by Wylie PD Field Training Officers. Once completed, Arroya and Smith will work in the field with their Field Training Officers for 16 weeks to conclude Wylie PD’s Field Training Program.

Lieutenant Scott Stowers, spoke highly of the new officers. “We are proud to add these 2 new officers to our staff. They went through a very tough hiring process that allows only the very best applicants through. They will be a great addition to our already outstanding group of officers.”

Michael Palko was hired as a new recruit and begins training at the Collin County Law Enforcement Academy on March 24th, 2008.

The Wylie PD plans to add 6 more officers this year and will be testing for these positions soon. If you are interested in joining Wylie’s Finest, check this page out.

Photo © 2008 Earl Newsom

This past weekend, the police department’s SWAT team held a training exercise in which a suspect held hostages in a home. The suspect provided the SWAT Team members with a scenario that the department was not privy to, allowing the Team to practice their skills and reactions with an element of surprise. The exercise was a joint training with department SWAT, and Negotiators, as well the Wylie Fire Department.

Photos © 2008 by Alicia White - click image for larger photo

Congratulations Mr. Barton and Mr. Presley.

PRESS RELEASE - OVERALL CRIME RATE FALLS

Overall Crime Rate Falls
2007 Combined Part One and Part Two Offenses Down 5.2%

Wylie, TX, February 29, 2008 – The Wylie Police Department (WPD) reports that the City’s 2007 combined crime rate per 100,000 population dropped by 5.2% over 2006, representing a 1.84% increase for Part One Crimes and a 7% decrease in Part Two Crimes.

“The City of Wylie continues to experience one of the lowest crime rates in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex”, says Wylie Police Chief John Duscio. “In 2006, Texas cities reported on average 4,599 Part One Crimes per 100,000 population compared to Wylie’s 2006 figure of 1,794 and 2007 number of 1,827. Citizens can be proud of the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday making Wylie a safe place to live.”

The 1.84% increase in the Part One Crime Rate is partly attributed to an increase in Larceny, particularly construction theft. Larceny is defined as the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another, including pocket-picking, purse-snatching, shoplifting, thefts from motor vehicles, theft of motor vehicle parts and accessories, theft of bicycles, theft from buildings, and theft from a coin-operated device or machine.

Crime rate numbers are based on the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system, defined as the number of crimes reported to the police per 100,000 of population. The Crime Rate is calculated by dividing the number of Part One Crimes reported to the police by the population. For example, in 2007 there were a total of 716 Part One Crimes reported to Wylie Police. Wylie’s estimated population is 39,182. The result is a Part One Crime Rate of 0.01827 or 1,827 crimes per 100,000 of population.

The FBI receives data from more than 17,000 law enforcement agencies across the United States and the UCR reporting system ensures that data categories and information are consistent; yearly comparisons are not skewed by population swings; and city by city comparisons are accurate. The FBI only collects data on Part One Crimes and city by city crime rate comparisons are based on this data. More information on UCR can be found at http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm.

The crime rate is just one indicator of trends and issues that affect the quality of life for Wylie residents. Though the crime rate is low in comparison to surrounding areas, the number of reported Part One and Part Two offenses will increase as the population grows. The members of the Wylie Police Department are well aware that the figures do not comfort those that have been victims of crime.

“There are many ways to become a less attractive target for criminals”, says Chief Duscio. “I encourage citizens to educate themselves in Crime Prevention and Awareness by partnering with the Police Department through programs such as Neighborhood Crime Watch and the Citizens Police Academy that is coming this fall. When the community works together in Crime Prevention, the criminals will be less likely to stay in business.”

For full crime statistics, download the full press release.

I know you all know what this week is, right? I know you do because you were told two weeks ago. I know it might have easily  slipped your mind on Monday while you were wearing shorts and working in the yard during the 75° temperatures, but the wind attack yesterday might have jogged your memory.

This week is officially, and I do mean official as Mayor John Mondy proclaimed it be, Severe Weather Awareness Week!

I fought a tornado once, back in the day. It was the F4 in Lancaster in 1994. I won. My truck did not. Within seconds the trunk of an ancient oak tree was pointing towards the sky, supported by the branches on the ground and enveloping my truck. I couldn’t get out of the disaster area for days. But I needed to call my dad and made it up to 7-11 with my friend to find a working pay phone.

However, when we tried to get back, the officers guarding the disaster area wouldn’t let me back in because I didn’t live in the neighborhood. It didn’t seem to matter that I was with someone who did and I even told them the tragic story about the death of the Chevy. I even tried bribing them with Arby’s. Nothing. Anyway, we had to walk through the woods and creek to get back in the area so I could work on getting that tree off of my truck.

Please read the following tornado safety tips and make sure you are prepared for the day it might affect your life. Be aware of Severe Weather this week!

Billy Meeks is a candidate for Collin County Precinct 2 Constable in the primary election March 4th. Mr. Meeks has been very active in his campaign, but was gracious enough to take some time to answer a few questions for Wylie Today. More information about Billy Meeks can be found on his website, http://www.billymeeks.com.

1) What motivated you to run for Constable this year?

A couple of years ago several people in the area had asked me to look into the possibility of running for Constables. After looking at the situation in the Constable’s office, talking to Constables in other Precincts, officers of the court, and a lot of citizens, I decided this is where I’m needed the most. I have been a public servant for 28 years and I take this job very seriously.

In researching I found areas in the Constable’s office that would benefit from procedures of accountability, up to date methods to improve efficiency and the need to hold the office to a higher standard of professionalism.The skills and experience I’ve gained from over 26 years with the Plano Police Department with 20 years as a detective where I investigated major crimes and death cases, served on the FBI Terrorist Task Force, was the lead investigator assigned to the FBI and DEA Drug Overdose Task Force, gives me all the tools needed to bring the Constable’s office into the 21st century.

2) Why did you choose Precinct 2 over Precinct 3, which is an area you have that you have major support and have worked since 1980?

I have received a lot of support and encouragement from people living in Precinct 3 and am endorsed and supported by the Texas Municipal Police Association, the Plano Police Association and the Collin County Deputies Association, but the need is here in my own backyard. My friends, neighbors and the people I know from Wylie all the way up to Blue Ridge have asked for my help and I can do nothing but respond to that request for help.

In the 20 years that I have lived in Wylie it has changed a great deal. In those 20 years the population has exploded and technology has advanced at an astounding rate. The Constable’s office is just too outdated to be effective. The citizens in Precinct 2 deserve better than that.

3) I have received a lot of feedback regarding the last line of your letter where you state, “With your assistance we can restore integrity to the Constables Office.” How has the current team failed to demonstrate integrity and what are your plans to change that?

Part of integrity is the fair treatment of all citizens whether they are from the family that has lived here a hundred years in the big house on the hill or the young couple that just moved here.

The widow that called and asked for help and was brushed aside, the young woman being violently threatened by her estranged husband was left to fend for herself, these citizens were in dire need of immediate help and their pleas were ignored. The Constable is a Texas Peace Officer and as such it is his duty to preserve the peace by all lawful means and not show favoritism and definitely not just walk away.

In your question you ask how I plan to change that. The answer is simple…by fulfilling ALL the duties of the office, not picking and choosing the easy, safe ones, but ALL the duties.

It has been my honor to serve the citizens of eastern Collin County as Constable since 1989.  As this precinct has grown, we have worked hard to keep pace.  In 1995, Earl Newsom joined the office as my deputy and this year, we added Gary Edwards as the second deputy. Both of these men brought many years of law enforcement experience with them.  Our office has well over 100 years of law enforcement experience.

I, personally, have over thirty-five years of law enforcement experience with twenty-seven years of budget management.  While serving with the McKinney police department I was in the number two position as a Lieutenant.  I hold a Master Peace Officer Certification and a Civil Proficiency Certificate.  I have taught in police academies and Constable schools throughout the state.  Both of my deputies also hold Master Peace Officer Certifications and Instructor Licenses, and Deputy Newsom holds a Civil Proficiency Certificate.  Deputy Edwards has over twenty-five years as a supervisor with a large Constable’s Office in Dallas County.   Deputy Newsom, who has over fifteen years as a supervisor before joining my office,  has taught with the Dallas Police Academy, Texas Justice Court Training Center, Collin County Law Enforcement Academy, and with various police departments in Collin County.

I have been very involved in my community serving as the President of Chaparral Rails to Trails, Inc.  I am a Past President of Rotary and have perfect attendance for over fifteen years.   I have also served on the Planning and Zoning Board of Farmersville, been a member of the Collin County Rape Crisis Center Board of Directors, and served four years on the board of the McKinney Municipal Credit Union, two years as Board Chairman.

I am a strong believer in family values and have been married for thirty-six years to Eva Hartsell Barton.  We were blessed with one daughter, Autumn Barton, who is now a graduate of Baylor University and employed by Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville.

With your support, I and my team hope to continue to serving the citizens of Precinct Two in a professional manner for years to come.

Pictured from left to right: Bill Blanton, CERT of Wylie Coordinator; Jon Bodie, Wylie RACES Radio Officer; Fire Marshall Steve Seddig; Mayor John Mondy and Mayor Pro Tem “Red” Byboth.

During the City Council meeting last night, February 12th, Mayor John Mondy, in recognition of the statewide event, declared February 24th through March 1st, 2008 as, “Severe Weather Awareness Week”. Below is the text of the official proclamation.

Whereas, emergency preparedness depends on the leadership and efforts of elected officials, public servants, and dedicated volunteers; and

Whereas, each year brings the potential of violent weather causing damaging winds, hail, fires, flash flooding, hazardous material releases and power outages, placing lives in danger and property in jeopardy; and

Whereas, experience has demonstrated that a well-informed and prepared public which heeds warnings and watches and takes proper protective actions can reduce the loss of life and damage to property when threatened by severe weather; and

Whereas, individuals, families, schools, and businesses are encouraged to develop a disaster plan with protective actions to follow when severe weather strikes; and

Whereas, the City of Wylie, the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have joined together in urging all citizens to prepare for severe weather events and to educate themselves on safety strategies, and to participate in severe weather preparedness activities available in the City of Wylie.

Therefore, I, John Mondy, Mayor of the City of Wylie, Texas, on this the 12th day of February 2008, in official recognition of this statewide event, do hereby proclaim February 24, 2008, through March 1, 2008, as,

“Severe Weather Awareness Week”

In the City of Wylie, Texas.

Friends and Neighbors,

I am asking for your support in my campaign for Collin County Constable PCT 2 which covers Wylie, St Paul, Lavon, Nevada, Josephine, Copeville, Farmersville, Blue Ridge and the communities east of Lake Lavon.

The Primary Election on March 4th is just around the corner with early voting starting February 19, 2008. It is my goal to meet each of the citizens within the district which is an impossible task without your assistance. I am asking each of you to contact your family, friends and neighbors and share with them my vision and goals as their Constable of Precinct 2.

My message is straightforward……….I will restore professional law enforcement and accountability to this elected position with over 28 years experience to draw from. I served over 26 years with the Plano Police Department with 20 years as a detective where I investigated major crimes and death cases. I also served on the FBI Terrorist Task Force and was the lead investigator assigned to the FBI and DEA Drug Overdose Task Force. I was honored to receive the US Attorney Director Award for serving on the Plano Heroin Task Force and gained valuable experience which will make the Constables Office the leading edge in law enforcement. As a 10 year member of the Texas Municipal Police Association Board of Directors and President of the Plano Police Association, I have the experience and knowledge to forecast, prepare and operate within a balanced budget.

Please visit my Web Site, www.billymeeks.com, to better understand the duties and responsibilities of a Constable, my goals and experience. Personal references include John Mondy, Red Byboth, Jeran Akers, Bill & Ronnie Fetzer, Merrill or Toni Young, Jim Griffin, Gary & Charlotte Bowland, Cliff & Pat Martin, Charles McKay, J. I. Page, Don & Paulette Smith, Keith Stephens, Harold Myers, and Jim Bunger.

With your assistance we can restore integrity to the Constables Office.

Thank You in advance for your continued support,

Billy J Meeks
114 Fairmount Dr,
Wylie, Texas 75098
972- 670- 6758