Grapevine Police Department

When we hire police recruits, there may be a few weeks before they can start the next police academy. We use this time to teach them about our department and our community. It's a great way to get to know our future officers. We also provide them with opportunities to strengthen their physical fitness routines. If you'd like to know more about a career in policing, check out our website and apply at: https://bit.ly/GPDhiring

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who came out for the First Responder Hockey Showdown last weekend in Euless. It was a great game between Fort Worth and Dallas police officers and we had a blast cheering on the players. The teams played the game as a benefit for our very own Officer RJ Hudson as he battles cancer, and we just learned the event raised $5,700. Thank you to the police athletes and organizers of this event. We are grateful to see so much support from our law enforcement community. Special thanks also to Robert Ray Photography and Brittani Ashley Photography for helping us capture so many incredible moments from the day.

Physical fitness is an important element in the health and wellness of our officers. This spring, Sergeant Juliet Bostick competed in the CrossFit Festivus Games and placed second. We are so proud of her commitment, passion and success. As we congratulate her on this achievement, we encourage everyone considering a career in law enforcement to prepare for the physical assessment. Grapevine Police utilize the Concept2 Rower for applicants, with a candidate's time based on gender, age and weight. We have a calculator and instructions in the recruiting section of our website. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/GPDphysical

Our School Resource Officer Richard Weber just earned the Friend of Children Award from the Grapevine Elementary PTA. This esteemed accolade celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in advocating for children district-wide, and Officer Weber's unwavering commitment truly shines. With an impressive 30-year tenure in law enforcement, Officer Weber's journey has been marked by selfless service and remarkable achievements. Prior to his invaluable role as a school resource officer, he spent 21 years as a Detective, diligently combatting the exploitation of children. As a Certified Computer Forensic Examiner, his expertise has been instrumental in assisting local, state, and federal agencies in prosecuting offenders who pose a threat to our most vulnerable. Now, as Ofc. Weber walks the halls of Grapevine Elementary, he continues to forge meaningful connections with students and staff while ensuring their safety and well-being. His infectious smile and genuine care are a source of comfort and reassurance to all who know him. In honoring Officer Weber with the Friend of Children Award, the Grapevine Elementary PTA acknowledges the profound difference he has made in the lives of children and families. His dedication, compassion, and servant's heart truly exemplify the spirit of this prestigious honor. Below is the PTA Nomination and a small look into Officer Weber's impact on our community: "Officer Weber goes above and beyond for our students. He actively looks for ways to be of service for both families and children and has even shown up to extracurricular activities with his wife to support our students. Each day, he allows my son to come visit him as a reward from his teacher and he means the world to our family. He volunteers to supervise doors and gates to protect students during busy periods, he regularly checks on students, and remembers their names and interest. GES is a better place because of SRO Weber." "Officer Weber is the most wonderful school resource officer. He is incredibly focused at his job and walks the halls everyday with a smile. Since he has come to our school, he had gone above and beyond helping students, watching the playground, talking to students. My favorite part is to observe him when no one is watching. He constantly is hanging up falling artwork, putting police officer stickers into valentine boxes and coming to PTA and school events with his wife to support. He knows most of the kids by name and always is one of the most encouraging and friendly people I have met. During a situation where police were dispatched to the school, he was incredibly focused and professional and stayed hours after to make sure every student was walked out to their parent safely. I feel so much safer with my child at school knowing that Officer Weber is a part of our amazing school. He is the definition of Friends of the Children." Congratulations, Officer Weber!

Today we observe Peace Officers Memorial Day. Thank you to the Grapevine Rotary for setting up flags in front of our building to honor fallen officers. More than 24,000 officers' names have been carved into limestone at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Our own Officer Darren Medlin is among those names, and we are honored to have several officers and members of Medlin's family in DC this week to pay tribute to our friend. We have lost several of our brothers and sisters in BLUE from neighboring departments in recent years, including one just this month, and our hearts are with all of them, their families and fellow officers today. We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on those who gave their lives in the line of duty. We will never forget.

Just as we celebrate National Correctional Officers' Week, we are also hiring more Detention Officers! This is a great week to start your career in law enforcement. No experience is necessary, and the job includes paid training. You must be at least 18, have a valid Texas Driver's License and be able to pass a background check. Benefits include: Paid Holidays Paid Vacation (3 Weeks) Paid Sick Leave Sick Leave Buy-Back Program College Reimbursement Program Longevity Pay Top Tier Insurance w/ Vision & Dental Excellent Retirement Program Learn more about the Detention Officer job at GrapevinePD.org and apply today.

This week our School Resource Officer, Eric Huski, was honored with the Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership Award in recognition of his decade-long dedication as a school resource officer. This esteemed award, among the highest bestowed by the PTA, celebrates individuals whose remarkable contributions significantly enhance the lives of children and youth. Officer Huski's unwavering commitment to the GCISD community has rightfully earned him this prestigious accolade. In addition to this honor, Officer Huski was previously bestowed with the Friend of Children Award by the Cross Timbers PTA in 2020. This award, created to commend individuals for their exceptional advocacy on behalf of children district-wide, underscores Officer Huski's tireless efforts in supporting the youth across multiple schools within the district. Officer Huski's devotion to the well-being of GCISD's children and parents epitomizes the core values of the Texas PTA. His selflessness, passion, and unwavering dedication embody the essence of an exemplary School Resource Officer. Through his compassionate leadership, empathy and commitment to service, Officer Huski has established himself as a mentor, educator and protector within the community. His impact is evident in the countless smiles and high fives he shares with the children he safeguards and mentors. The GCISD community and Grapevine Police Department is profoundly enriched by Officer Huski's selflessness, compassion and steadfast commitment. We extend our deepest gratitude to Officer Huski, whose remarkable contributions have undeniably made our organization and community a better place.

We were honored to be part of ceremonies before the Rangers game this weekend. In addition to having Officer Bowdre serve on a joint Honor Guard with White Settlement Police, Grand Prairie Police, Texas DPS and the US Army, our own Officer Lain also performed the National Anthem. This game was extra meaningful because it was a first responders appreciation game benefitting the Peace Officers' Angels Foundation - POAF. Special shout out to Maria Alvarado and her team for the endless work they do for critically injured Texas law enforcement, and to the Texas Rangers for their support of this group!

Today marks the start of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This year's theme asks all of us in the community how we can help crime victims. Are you prepared if someone confides in you about a victimization? Are you familiar with the services available in your community? Thank you to Mayor William D. Tate for issuing a proclamation supporting National Crime Victims' Rights Week at the last City Council meeting, and thank you to our Victim Services Advocate Makayla Moore for bringing attention to the support we offer in our community. Since the Victims Services program launched in 2022, Moore has helped more than 1,200 individual victims of crime. She works to ensure all victims receive access to trauma-informed emotional support, crisis intervention, trauma support services, guidance on the criminal justice process, and victim advocacy. We are grateful to have city leaders who recognize both the victims and the work done on behalf of them.

Now this is a sweet appreciation setup! Thanks to our Emergency Communications Manager and Technical Services Captain for setting up this candy bar for our Emergency Communications Specialists, also known as Dispatchers, as we celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. We appreciate our headset heroes! #ThinGoldLine