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