Friday, March 29, 2024

Southlake Officers and Firefighters Sworn In and Promoted During DPS Promotional Ceremony

New Southlake Police Officers and Firefighters were sworn in Thursday night at the annual Promotional Ceremony at the DPS North Training facility.

After the swearing in of new officers and firefighters, others were recognized for recent promotions and several were honored with the Meritorious Conduct and Lifesaving Awards for their heroic efforts. Southlake Police Chief James Brandon and Fire Chief Mike Starr spoke at the event along with Mayor Laura Hill.  “I’m so honored to be a part of this celebration of commitment, hard work, and dedication. It makes me so proud to be your mayor,” said Mayor Hill.

“Becoming a police officer is a calling,” said Chief Brandon. Like all Southlake first responders, these men and women never shy away from danger. They instinctively run towards it and that’s why their work has life-changing effects that ripple throughout the community. “It is a desire to protect the innocent and serve the community,” added Brandon.

Each officer and firefighter chose a loved one to pin their new badge on them; either their spouse, one of their children or a parent to do the honors. It’s always a very special and emotional ceremony. “We recognize that it’s not just the officer or firefighter who makes a sacrifice. It’s also the employees’ spouse and family who make great sacrifices simply by having a loved one that is a dedicated first responder,” said Chief Starr.

The Meritorious Conduct Award went to Officer Brad Uptmore. On January 22, 2017, Officer Uptmore Officer Uptmore selflessly worked to remove the driver from a burning vehicle by trying to pry the driver’s door free. Realizing that the door was wedged shut due to the damage from the collision, Officer Uptmore then made an attempt to cut the seatbelt in order to free the driver. With the fire encroaching into the interior of the vehicle and beginning to burn the driver, Officer Uptmore used a jacket in an attempt to keep the flames away from the trapped driver.  He continued working until Southlake Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.  Officer Uptmore was subsequently treated for injuries he received in his attempt to save the driver’s life.

Fire personnel Cody Brazelton, Chase Sanderson, J. Moloney, and Jason Wise received the Lifesaving Award. On April 8, 2016, these first responders responded to a motor vehicle collision on State Highway 114 service road near the intersection of Dove and White Chapel. Personnel arrived at the scene quickly and found several vehicles involved, some with major exterior and interior damage. Crews rapidly assessed numerous patients and found one to be in dire need of immediate care. The patient was a 1 month old female found unresponsive and not breathing, still secured inside her car safety seat. Fire personnel performed a swift but focused medical and trauma assessment then promptly transported the child to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. The expeditious and advanced emergency care provided by fire personnel helped stabilize the patient which ultimately led to a positive outcome for the patient and her family.

These first responders exemplify the dedication and professionalism of being a Southlake Police Officer and Firefighter.

Congratulations to all of our new staff promoted staff and recipients of the Meritorious Conduct and Lifesaving awards.

 

New Police Officers           Promoted Officers                                         

Brad Uptmore                               Lt. Jose Luna

Jamie Hannah                              Sgt. Jason Henniger

Kyle Meeks                                   Sgt. Jonathan Macheca

Ricky Holder                                 Cpl. Preston Logan

Raymon Cannon                          Cpl. Chris Milton

Tony Pate                                     Cpl. Robert Briggs

Bobby Cure

Diedre Spears

Stephanie Warren

 

New Firefighters                  Promoted Firefighters                 

 

Chris Horne                                   Jimmy Elliott, Engineer

Nicolas Miles                                 Wes Adams, Engineer

Daniel Miller                                  Ricky Davis, Lieutenant

Cody Pierson

Joshua Borsky

Alfredo Del Valle

Kaleb Gilliam

Lester Gomez

Jared Higgins

David Hill

Kurt Hill, Deputy Chief

 

Lifesaving Award            

Joshua Brady

Cody Brazelton

Chase Sanderson

J. Moloney

Jason Wise

 

Meritorious Conduct Award

Officer Brad Uptmore