MPD The Beat Issue 7 | March 2018

Making Mobile the safest city in EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER America with respect for everyone. Issue 7MPDTheBeat March 2018 #NeverForgotten A message from CHIEF OF POLICELawrence L. Battiste, IVVolumes of sympathy, signs of For Officer Justin Billa’s sacrifice, he will be honored and neverhonor forgotten. His calling was to be a police officer — to serve and protect others, and he did it with the highest commitment.On Tuesday, Feb. 27, our city took center stage across thecountry in honoring the life of Officer Justin Billa. With an Officer Justin Billa’s End of Watch, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018expected large number of people attending the funeral,there were 68,284 people who watched livestream from Fox The Police Officer’s Prayer10 TV News. Hundreds more people, both adults and schoolchildren, lined the route of the funeral procession to esteem Submitted by Chaplain Ed Connickour fallen officer as a hero. O Almighty God, whose great power and eternal wisdomBilla’s police family, all of you, poured out your compassion embraces the universe, watch over all police and lawin volumes to render honor. Your deeds were an amazing enforcement officers.sight to behold. Everyone who had a role in making sure the Protect them from harm in the performance of their duty toBilla family’s needs were met went above and beyond all stop crime, robberies, riots and violence. We pray, help them toexpectations. keep our streets and homes safe day and night. We recommendAnd, the response from the community certainly did not them to your loving care because their duty is dangerous.go unnoticed. The world saw how a city that is made up of Grant them your unending strength and courage in their dailya spectral of citizenry becomes one when a police officer assignments.is killed in the line of duty. From flowers, kind words and Dear God, protect these brave men and women, grant themsympathy cards to donations to the Officer Justin Billa your almighty protection, unite them safely with their familiesMemorial Fund, the community showed us how much they after duty ends. Amen.care. Their overwhelming support is proof that we are anecessary and needed resource, as well as an appreciated 1one.Chosen we are and set aside to be the peacekeepers, wemust continue to provide the selfless service of standingwatch over our city and its communities.As always, it is an honor for me to serve as your Chief ofPolice. I will never forget that I work for you. Stay safe as yourepresent the Mobile Police Department.“From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint;lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” – Psalm 61:2 January 2013 - Newsletter Template

Back the Blue Telethon raises $73K Officer of the Month for January 2018WKRG News 5 and first responders from across the Gulf Coast held a “Back theBlue” telethon Feb. 28 to honor Officer Justin Billa and raise money for the official Officer Micah Jonesfund to benefit his family. Joined by other law enforcement agencies, Mobilepolice officers began answering phones at 5 a.m. The telethon was scheduled Officer of the Month forto end at 7 p.m. but thanks to Corporal Michael Thomas, Officers Alisha Davis, February 2018Stephen Sam, and Steve Hassell for coming in after their shift, the telethon lasteduntil midnight. The “Back the Blue” telethon raised $73K for the Billa family.Several officers signed up to help make the telethon a success. They includedDetective Joshua Coleman, Dakota Vest, Major Kara Rose, Detective RaymondGrissett, Officer Miranda Hayes, Sergeant Jirasak Ingram, Sergeant MarkMcCracken, Linda Pitts, Rebecca Turk , Meosha Hart, and Katina Randolph. Thanksto everyone who played a part in the telethon.Badges for Billa from across the countryA hobby of Officer Billa was police patch collecting. To honor his passion, the Officer Aaron GolemanMobile Police Department asked law enforcement agencies to bring a patchto the funeral so that they can be displayed to treasure the memory of Officer You’re InvitedBilla.WKRG News 5 helped send our announcement all over the country. Hundreds EVENT CALENDARof badges were mailed to the news station. Wednesday, March 28th, 9AMWishing a Happy Retirement First Responders BreakfastLieutenant Chris Berra retired Feb. 28, 2018 afternearly 34 years of service with the Mobile Police Tillman’s Corner Community Center,Department. Hailing from St. Louis, Mo., Berra 5055 Carol Plantation Roadmoved to Mobile and played baseball for the Presented by the Southwest MobileUniversity of South Alabama. He began his law County Chamber of Commerceenforcement career in the late 1970s in Prichard. RSVP at 251-666-2488 or emailBerra joined the Mobile Police Department Aug. [email protected], 1984.Berra has been married to his wife, Karen, for EDITORIAL CONTACTmore than 30 years. They have two children, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICEBobby and Marissa, and a granddaughter. Charlette Solis ext. 19182 THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Major Kara Rose Captain Linda Tims Chaplain Ed Connick Leah Modelski Gloria Hill Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: [email protected] JanuarMy a2r0c1h32-0N18ew| MslePttDerTTehmeBpleaatet

Kay Jewelers donate teddy bears to help comfort children You often see a bunch of teddy bears in Kay Jewelers during the holidays. When customers purchase one of the teddy bears, they are supporting the pioneering research and treatment at St. Jude in an effort to save children’s lives in communities everywhere. Our local Kay Jewelers had an overstock of the teddy bears and decided to bring six boxes of them to police headquarters to be used to give to children during a crisis. In the event that police responds to a situation involving children, the officer will have a comfort item to give to the little ones. Pictured left, Douglas Smith and Valeri Johnston of Kay Jewelers talk to Chief Battiste about their donation.Wings of Life to start 1Body Service Project, reaches out to policeWings of Life is an nonprofit organization that exists to for the day where volunteers are needed.do greater good in the community. A multi-fold ministry, • In the Thrift Store, sort donated bags of clothes.the organization feeds the homeless every Saturday and • Lead church service, whether teaching, preaching, openprovides residential alcohol and drug recovery programs. discussion or singing. The homeless has to attend churchFor the first time, Wings of Life presents its 1Body Service service before their meals.Project and is calling on the help of the police. • Cook the meals in the Wings of Life kitchen.Several of the Wings of Life residents were in and out of •Serve the meals to the residents and homeless, includingjail in the past, arrested by MPD, the Wings of Life outreach set up and clean up.coordinator revealed. But now they want to partner to help • Give out the God Bless You goodie bag, which containsthe police. That is a testament to MPD’s community outreach toiletries and bottled water, and offer prayer to those whoefforts. want it.The 1Body Service Project is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, To sign up as a volunteer, call Wings of Life Outreach2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here is a list of activities planned Coordinator Cameron Shaw at 408-1190. Rich’s Car Wash raises $26K for the Billa 3 family at its four locations Among the numerous fundraisers set for the Billa family was Rich’s Car Wash. With the help of our generous community members, $26K was raised for the Billa Family. The Charity Wash was held March 1at Rich’s Car Wash Airport Blvd, University Blvd, Springhill Ave. and Saraland locations. For a $5 donation supporters received the top wash package valued at $17. Additional cash or card donations were also accepted and 100% of every dollar was donated to the Billa family. Pictured in the photo with Chief Battiste, Rich’s Car Wash owners Tim Richardson and Rayford Richardson. The owners stopped by headquarters to share the results of the Charity Wash and to express how much they back the blue. They thanked all who participated to make the fundraiser a blessing.JanuaryM2ar0c1h32-0N18ew| MslePttDerTTehmeBpleaatet

Membership has benefits: Earn your Criminal Justice Degree onlineColumbia Southern University’s mission is to change lives Why Choose CSUthrough higher education. The online university based in • Flexible Online LearningOrange Beach provides students with flexible, affordable, • Textbooks Providedtrusted degree programs that are underscored through • No ACT, SAT, GRE or GMAT Requiredexceptional student support. • Math and Writing AssistanceEmployees of the Mobile Police Department, a CSU Learning • Evaluation of College Credits, Military TrainingPartner, have exclusive benefits including tuition savings, • Certifications and Professional Licensesscholarship opportunities and more. Not only are these To learn more about Mobile PD’s Learning Partner benefits,benefits available to our partners’ employees, but they’re also call (800) 344-5021, email [email protected] oravailable to employees’ spouses and children. With a growing visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Partners.base of more than 3,000 Learning Partners across the nation, About Columbia Southern UniversityCSU continues to train and educate thousands seeking a One of the nation’s pioneer online universities, Columbiabetter life for themselves and their families. Southern University was established in 1993 to provide anYour Learning Partner benefits include: alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU• 10% Tuition Discount offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral• Exclusive Scholarships degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire• Family Discounts administration and occupational safety and health.Having Tyler Blues with stolen vehicle reports?VH Farmers Market fundraiser for 2VH Farmers Market & Nursery will host a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House and the family of Officer Justin BillaSaturday, March 24. The event day is also the grand opening for the market, which sells tropical plants, exotic fruits,vegetables, palms and citrus trres. All proceeds will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House and Officer Justin Billa’s wifeand son.VH Farmers Market opens at 8 a.m. and is located at 8209 Cottage Hill Road. Even if you don’t plan on buying a plant, you canstop by and make a donation.4 JanuaryM2a0rc1h3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

7 earned the opportunity to serve in promoted rankSupport from loved ones of those beingpromoted was the first thing Chief Battisterecognized during his address at thePromotion Ceremony held March 1. Sevenofficers earned the opportunity to serve in apromoted rank.The promotees were asked to take hold ofthe philosophy of servant leadership as theystepped into their new roles. Servant leadersfocus first on the growth and well-being oftheir people and their community.“You are servants and your job is to serve From left, Charles Degeer, Billie Rowland, and Randy Jackson at the Promotionthose who have been placed in your charge,” Ceremony held at the Mobile Police Academy.Battiste said. “Each and every day carry outyour responsibilities to the best that youpossibly can.”Congratulations on your promotion MajorWillam “Randy” Jackson, Captain BillieRowland, Lieutenant Charles Degeer,Sergeant Kenneth Gillespie, Sergeant ChrisReed, Corporal Dwayne Patterson, andCorporal Nicholas Vegliacich! Left Photo: Wife of Sergeant Kenneth Gillespie, Kristen, pins his badge on after the promotion ceremony. Above photo: Promotees listen to remarks spoken before they receive their badges. St. Dominic welcomes 5 Precinct 2 Students from St. Dominic School came to welcome Precinct 2 to the community and to show their appreciation to Mobile police officers. With muffins in hands and a bucket full of goodies, the students were all smiles as they were greeted by the police officers. The students received a tour of the precinct and they asked questions about police equipment and the operation of the interrogation room. The students learned about the importance of being a model citizen as well as the responsibilities of a police officer.JanuaryM2a0rc1h3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet