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Celebrating a career
What would you say about a police officer who was responsible for seizing 193 pounds of marijuana, more than 11 pounds of cocaine and 35 pounds of methamphetamine?
Now, what would you say when you find out that police officer is a dog?
That's just the tip of the iceberg for Farmers Branch Police Department K9 "Kilo," who officially retired in ceremonies held last week at the Justice Center.
Having joined the FBPD in 2006, Kilo's career ends after six years of service (42 years to him).
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Kilo
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A Belgian Malanois and Dutch Shepherd mix, Kilo's service record also includes recovery of 73.6 grams of heroin and 892 doses of other drugs and pills. Total street value of narcotics attributed to Kilo = $874,229. That's a decent career's work for any species.
In addition, Kilo has been responsible for the seizure of $100,866 in cash and 18 motor vehicles. Beyond that, during the search of these vehicles, officers were able to solve many other crimes, including theft, identity theft, fraud, burglaries, robberies along with recovery of stolen property and many, many firearms.
However, Kilo was trained for more than just drug detection. In his career, the has tracked numerous criminals and has accounted for eight arrests and numerous surrenders from hiding suspects.
As part of his retirement ceremony, Kilo was given his badge on a plaque, a retired police officer ID card and, best of all, a gift bag full of rawhide chew toys. Most importantly, in accordance with tradition, Kilo will now live out his retirement years with his human partner, Officer Cary Morgan.
Currently, another officer is in training with a new K9 partner that will be on the streets in Farmers Branch very soon. For now, we can celebrate a job well done and remember that for all of our technological advances in 21st century policing, sometimes basic animal instinct is the best weapon against crime.
  
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FeaturedSTORIES
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 FARMERS BRANCH ~ For the first time branching out to include online responses, the biennial Farmers Branch Citizen Satisfaction Survey saw responses from more than 1,500 residents, grading City services on everything from public safety to trash collection and many areas in-between. Conducted by the private firm, National Service Research, on behalf of the City, the survey found that respondents rated a number of City services as exceeding expectations, special events, library services, senior citizen services and the variety of recreational programming. Respondents urged continued emphasis on appearance of parks, landscapes and City facilities, public safety, animal control and residential trash services. Rated as important to citizens, but with opportunities for improvement were revitalization of residential and retail areas, code enforcement services, street maintenance and the provision of sidewalks, trails and bike paths. "We take the results of this report card very seriously," said Farmers Branch City Manager Gary Greer. "This information is so very valuable as we move forward in the planning and budget process for the coming years." City officials said the addition of online surveys dramatically raised the response rate with 717 responses received over the Internet, coupled with 784 surveys received via mail (of 8,000 sent out to random households). By comparison the previous survey, in 2010, relied on a sample of 500 telephone survey respondents. Overall, 93 percent of respondents rated quality of life in Farmers Branch as "excellent" or "good." The previous two surveys showed a 95 percent response in this category in 2010 and 94 percent in 2008. The full report for the 2012 Citizen Satisfaction Survey is available online at www.farmersbranch.info.
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Tour of Lights offers chance to donate new toys to kids in need this season
HISTORICAL PARK ~ The 2012 edition of the Farmers Branch Tour of Lights will not only feature dazzling displays, blinking bulbs and crisp Christmas cheer, it will also afford tour-ists the opportunity to donate to children in need via WFAA's "Santa's Helpers."  From the 2012 Tour's opening night, on Friday, November 23, through Wednesday, December 19, anyone driving through the holiday wonderland can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Farmers Branch Historical Park section of the tour that will be donated to "Santa's Helpers." The self-guided driving Tour, featuring more than 300,000 twinkling lights, will be open every evening from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. November 23 through December 31. The Historical Park section of the tour will be closed only on December 1, for the Christmas Tree Lighting event, and on December 25, in observance of Christmas Day. Admission is free with donations accepted by the various non-profit organizations working in the park each evening. For more information, visit www.farmersbranch.info, www.facebook.com/branchlights or call 972.919.2620.
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Santa House Calls still available
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Prime slots are still available for Santa Claus to make house calls to families living within five miles of the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, December 14-24.
Santa is taking appointments for 15 minute visits with families to deliver presents, take pictures and visiting with kids. Space is limited and time slots are starting to fill up. Times are every half hour from 6:30 until 9 p.m. Cost is $25 for Recreation Center members and $29 for non-members. Call for more details and to book a time. 972.247.4607.
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Library to feature Santa & cookies December 12
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Making his annual stop for cookies and good company, the jolly old elf, himself, Santa Claus will be meeting and greeting youngsters and families at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Wednesday, December 12 from 6 until 8 p.m.
Kids are invited to have their pictures taken with Santa and to decorate a festive cookie with Mrs. Claus. Additionally, there will be "Reindeer Flying Lessons" in the bounce house and other holiday games for families. Branch Park Academy dancers will entertain.
As a special feature, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer will participate in a reading of Clement Clarke Moore's timeless 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. For more information, call 972.247.2511.
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Rec Center plans Christmas Open House Friday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center throws open its doors Friday evening for its annual Christmas Open House, from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Santa will be on hand for visits with families. There will be "Reindeer Games," holiday refreshments and local entertainment. For more information, call 972.247.4607.
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PartingSHOT
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All smiles
Farmers Branch Historical Park Superintendent Derrick Birdsall (right) and Charlie Bond unveil the "JoAnn Elliott Bond, Proprietress" window on the new 1920s replica General Store, during grand opening ceremonies held Saturday. Mr. Bond donated $50,000 in matching funds to the project, in honor of his late wife, JoAnn.
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Volume 2.49 | Number 93 
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the City of Farmers Branch, TX.
Two-time TAMI Award Winner for Best eNewsletter in Texas
Given by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
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Yard of the Month returns for holiday decoration edition
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Returning as a joint venture between the City and Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce, the Yard of the Month program will focus on holiday decorations in December. Holiday decorated yards will be judged in four geographic regions of the City and will include consideration of lawn and bed appearance, together with appropriate holiday decorations. Winners will receive a $100 Turner Hardware gift card, a "Yard of the Month" sign to display and recognition in various media outlets. Holiday Yard of the Month nominations may be submitted online or by calling 972.243.8966, extension 23. Nomination deadline is December 14.
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Library presents authors, "Wonderful Life" in Saturday programs
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Everyone is invited as three local authors will be on hand Saturday, December 8 for Christmas-themed readings from their own holiday releases, to be followed by a screening of a classic Christmas movie at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
Set for the Library meeting room at 1 p.m., Sylvia McDaniel will read from The Reluctant Santa. Elizabeth Essex will present from her work, Almost a Scandal, and Vicki Batman will feature selections from Twinkle Lights. These readings are recommended for adults over 18. After the readings there will be a question and answer session.
Afterwards, at 2:30 p.m., the Dieselpunks of North Texas invite the public to an open screening of the 1946 Frank Capra classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." An eclectic bunch, the Dieselpunks blend the culture and history of the era of the 1920s through middle 50s and hail the movie as a classic example of its time. The screening is open to the public with membership in the group not required for attendance.
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Christmas Spectacular set December 13-16
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The second annual production of the Firehouse Theatre's "Christmas Spectacular" is set for 6 p.m., December 13-15 and 1 p.m. December 16 at the Victoria restaurant at 13435 Bee Street. Thursday through Saturday will feature dinner at 6 p.m. with the show at 7:30. The matinee performance on Sunday will include lunch at 1 p.m. with the show at 2:30. Tickets are $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and $30 for students. For reservations and ticket information, call 972.620.3747. For more information, visit www.thefirehousetheatre.com.
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City releases holiday facility hours
FARMERS BRANCH ~ City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities will be closed for the upcoming holidays according to the following schedule:
Mon, Dec 24 - Christmas Eve
City Hall - Open regular hours
Rec Center - Closes at 5 p.m.
Senior Center - Closes at 5 p.m.
Historical Park - Closes at 5 p.m.
Library - Closes at 6 p.m.
Tue, Dec 25 - Christmas Day
All offices and facilities closed.
No garbage collection.
Tour of Lights closed.
Mon, Dec 31 - New Year's Eve
City Hall - Open regular hours
Rec Center - Closes at 5 p.m.
Senior Center - Dance til 9:30.
Historical Park - Closes at 5 p.m.
Library - Closes at 6 p.m.
Tour of Lights closing night.
Tue, Jan 1 - New Year's Day
All offices and facilities closed.
No garbage collection.
All schedules are subject to change. Call 972.247.3131 for more information.
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 The replica 1920s General Store opened Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park as part of the annual Christmas Tree Lighting festivities.
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LBJUpdate
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About the City of Farmers Branch
 An historic community in the geographic center of the DFW Metroplex, Farmers Branch boasts a residential population of 28,800 and a daytime employment population of 66,000. Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, the City's 27 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The city's location in the center of the Metroplex and only 15 minutes away from both DFW Airport and Love Field, along with the 2,200 hotel rooms within the city, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information on the City of Farmers Branch, visit farmersbranch.info, visitfarmersbranch.com, lovethebranch.com
or call 972.247.3131. |
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