|
|
|
Memo from the Manager
Teens & public safety professions
It seems that in the past 10 years, law enforcement-related dramas on television have proliferated. I'm not sure which one started the trend, but I think it rhymes with "CSI." In relation to that, I remember reading somewhere that enrollment in law enforcement and forensic science-related classes at colleges and universities is up dramatically.
It is, then, no wonder that local interest in public safety agencies is also running high. That's the basis for the Citizen Police Academy movement that got started in the late 1980s and has extended to Fire Departments and, in some cases, City Halls. Here in Farmers Branch, in addition to our versions of the Citizen Police and Fire Academies, the first-ever Farmers Branch Teen Fire & Rescue Academy was held earlier this summer and Teen CSI Camp is coming later this month. These very specific opportunities give our maturing kids an eagle-eye view of our public safety agencies from an up close and personal vantage point. Teen CSI Camp is still looking for participants so be sure to contact the Community Recreation Center if your teen is interested. We owe a great debt of thanks to Police Chief Sid Fuller, Fire Chief Steve Parker and the Parks and Recreation Department staff that works so hard to pull these programs together.
And, to date myself by quoting a landmark cop show from the 80s, "Let's be careful out there." |
|
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Back for a fifth year, kids ages 13 to 18, will discover the ins and outs of law enforcement professions during Teen CSI Camp, sponsored by the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.
Activities will include hands-on demonstrations led by a variety of law enforcement professionals, including representatives of the medical examiner's office, forensic artists, district attorneys, FBI agents, undercover narcotics officers, DFW Airport Police, K-9 units and more. Off-site trips to the Dallas Police Homicide Unit, a mock trial and mock crime scene searches are also included.
The camp meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 11-15, at the Community Recreation Center, 14050 Heartside Place. Fees are $50 for Recreation Center members and $65 for non-members. For more information, call 972.247.4607. |
|
 Inaugural Teen Fire and Rescue Academy scores with first participants
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Fire Department teamed up the Parks and Rec Department in June to hold the City's first Teen Fire and Rescue Academy. This hands-on program was designed to educate teens about the fire service and emergency medicine, as well as teach them life-saving skills and techniques. Other topics presented during the academy were fire science, fire investigations and fire inspections.
Fourteen teens attended the week-long academy. Throughout the academy the teens experienced some of the training and education required to become a Firefighter/Paramedic, as well as participating in activities at the Fire Department. These activities included operating a fire hose, using rescue tools to practice vehicle extrication, and climbing a ladder on a fire engine. The teens also received first aid and CPR training and learned how to properly use a fire extinguisher and to "Have an Exit Strategy" in every home or building they enter.
The class concluded with a graduation ceremony and a final outdoor activity which involved fire hoses and a lot of water.
Those interested in attending the Teen Fire Academy next year, more information will be available through the Recreation Center in late spring of 2012. |
Lecture Series to stroll down bowling's memory lane
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Following the history of baseball in Fort Worth, the  Farmers Branch Historical Park's Summer Lecture Series turns to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in a presentation set for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 26 in the park's Old Church.
The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame opened in Arlington in 2010 after being located in St. Louis, Missouri until 2008. Representatives will be on hand to detail the museum's collection and history of the game.
The summer lecture series concludes on August 30 with the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. All lectures are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Old Church on the Historical Park grounds. The Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road. Call 972.406.0184 for more information.
VIDEO  EXTRA
 | | Farmers Branch Historical Park Summer Lecture Series: History of Professional Baseball in Fort Worth with Mark Presswood |
|
|
BRANCHbriefs
Enhanced Star Party coming July 29
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Observation of the largest star in our sky will be coupled with a telescope how-to clinic, family picnic and evening stargazing at a special Star Party, set for July 29 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
There will be solar observation during the early evening, beginning at 7 p.m. along with volunteers from the Texas Astronomical Society on hand to instruct participants on proper use of telescopes, all during a family picnic. Then at 9 p.m., attention turns to the nighttime sky as telescopes will be trained on celestial objects both (relatively) near and far. The public is invited and admission is free. Call 972.406.0184.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In the Banner |
|
June of 2011 saw the inauguration of another community outreach program as the Farmers Branch Fire and Parks & Recreation Departments welcomed 14 participants to the Farmers Branch Teen Fire and Rescue Academy. Teens found out what it was like to be a member of the fire department including getting up close and personal with fire suppression foam.
| |
Photo by Amy Cooper |
|
 | |
City Staff
Mini-Profile
David
Ferguson
Position:
Engineering Specialist
Department:
Public Works
Years with the City:
12 years
Personal:
Family comes first in my mind. My interests include spending time with my wife of 16 years, Heather and my 3 wonderful daughters, seeing and visiting as many cultural events and locations as possible, as well as enjoying hunting, fishing and wildlife photography. Awards I have received include the Police Chiefs award and Utilities Employee of the Year.
What Does He Like Most About Working for Farmers Branch:
By working for the City, I have been given the privilege of assisting numerous citizens and companies to better the quality of life within the City limits. Having worked for the private sector prior to working for the City, I see the major difference in municipal work is our concern and customer care. |
|
 | |
Weekly Report
LANE CLOSURES
FRONTAGE ROADS and
CROSS STREETS
Eastbound
Right lane from east of Josey to Webb Chapel
Until August 13 / 24 hrs
Right lane from west of Welch to west of Inwood
Until Aug 30 / 24 hrs
Right lane between Hillcrest and Park Central
Til July 15 / 9 am to 6 pm
Westbound
Right lane WB from west of Marsh to Webb Chapel Rd
Until August 13 / 24 hrs
Right lane WB from just west of Coit Rd to west of Montfort Drive
Until July 31 / 24 hrs
Right turn lane of WB Frontage road at Webb Chapel
July 5 - 9 / 9 am - 3 pm
Southbound
Right lane closure of I-635 cross street along SB Valley View fromm 500 ft north of LBJ to WB LBJ
July 5 - 9, 2011 / 9 am to 3 pm
HOV LANE CLOSURES
Effective Jun 17
Eastbound
Beginning east of Luna Road and extending to just east of Hillcrest
Westbound
Beginning east of Hillcrest Road and extending just
east of Josey Lane
www.lbjexpress.com |
|
|
|
About the City of Farmers Branch
Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, Farmers Branch is a vibrant and vital community with a residential population of 28,800 but a daytime population of 66,000. The City's 28 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The Farmers Branch Historical Park allows residents to step back in time and the John F. Burke Nature Preserve offers the opportunity to experience a real, 104-acre wilderness in the middle of one of the busiest metro areas of the world. The City's location in the geographical center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, only 15 minutes away from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information about Farmers Branch, visit www.farmersbranch.info or call 972.919.2515. |
|
|
