|
|
Police Chief Sid Fuller to retire this summer
|
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With 33 years of police service to his credit, Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller has announced that he will retire August 31 after a decade at the helm of the local department.
"In my opinion, no police chief should stay in one place longer than 10 years," he said. "We should make room for fresh ideas and innovative new approaches to policing."
With that in mind, the Chief said that he and his wife, Amy, have had this date circled for the past three years.
Chief Fuller came to Farmers Branch in 2006 after 23 years with Irving PD. His tenure has seen significant advancements in community policing, implementation of the successful mandatory crime reduction program for apartments and accreditation of his department as a Recognized police agency.
"The 10 years I have spent in Farmers Branch have been, by far, the highlight of my career in law enforcement," he explained. "There are three reasons for that.
"First, the employees of the FBPD are the very best that law enforcement has to offer. Second, the caliber of Farmers Branch city employees and their spirit of cooperation with other departments is unmatched. Third, the citizens of Farmers Branch really assist us in keeping this city safe at every turn."
Farmers Branch City Manager Charles Cox said the community owes Chief Fuller a debt of gratitude.
"Not only will Chief Fuller retire as one of the most successful chiefs in Farmers Branch history, he has also been one of the most popular," Mr. Cox said. "That has been a natural extension of his warm and very approachable personality. His impact on the Farmers Branch Police Department will be felt for many years to come."
One of the major legacies of the Fuller administration is regional cooperation, exemplified by his role in the creation of the Quad Cities Police Consortium with Carrollton, Addison and Coppell. That effort led directly to the creation of the North Texas Metro SWAT Team, the North Texas Emergency Communications Center joint dispatch operation, a shared radio system, a joint officer-involved shooting team and a joint accident reconstruction team.
Under his watch, the City of Farmers Branch has also seen a steady decline in the crime rate with 2015 representing a 25-year low. A leader in the field of law enforcement, Chief Fuller was President of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association from 2014 to 2015.
In retirement, Chief Fuller says he plans to move "to the lake and begin a very extensive bucket list" while teaching college part time.
Upon Chief Fuller's retirement, Deputy Chief David Hale will become Acting Chief of Police.
There will be a retirement ceremony for Chief Fuller on August 31 at 2 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
|
|
'All Funk Radio Show' to turn up the volume at Tastes & Tunes
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Continuing as one of the busiest venues in the City, The Grove @ Mustang Crossing will again be the site of the Tastes & Tunes summer food truck and concert series, with a makeup event, featuring the Mowtown sounds of "All Funk Radio Show" on Thursday, June 30, from 6 until 9 p.m.  The band was originally scheduled for May 19, but was postponed due to inclement weather. Everyone is invited and admission to the event is free. Food truck options for June 30 include Bombay Chop Stix, The Butcher's Son, Gypsy Scoops, Gepetto's Pizza and Nuevo Leon Mex-Mex. In addition, craft beer and wine will be available for sale. Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended for the lawn seating, but the Friends of the Farmers Branch Historical Park will have chair rentals for $2 per chair. The summer series will conclude with the Texas sounds of "Lone Star Attitude" on Thursday, July 21. In the event of threatening conditions, information will be updated on the weather hotline at 972.919.1433. For more information, visit fbspecialevents.com.
|
|
Citizen Bond Committee invites everyone to July 19 meetings
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The City Council-appointed Citizen Bond Committee is inviting the public to attend one of, if not both, "Listening Meetings" on potential bond issues, set for Tuesday, July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Center or at 7 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center.
 |
| |
Click Image to PLAY
|
The Committee is asking for the public's help in deciding on potential bond issues for a 2017 ballot by offering suggestions for bond projects through June 30 and by attending the Listening Meetings on July 19.
Requesting feedback on potential bond ideas, the Citizen Bond Committee is posing a single question - What can Farmers Branch do for you and your family to help make Farmers Branch an even better place to live, work and play?
 The committee is asking residents to answer the question via several response options:
- Log on at farmersbranchtx.gov/bond to fill out a returnable form
- Mail ideas to or stop by City Hall at 13000 William Dodson Parkway, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
- Call 972.919.1410 and leave a message
The Citizen Bond Committee requests that residents please submit their ideas by Thursday, June 30.
|
|
Firehouse plans patriotic musical celebration, June 30-July 3 only
FARMERS BRANCH ~ "Red, White and Broadway" is the title of a patriotic musical celebration to be staged by The Firehouse Theatre with performances at 7:30 p.m. on June 30 and July 1 & 2. Additionally, 2:30 p.m. matinees will be offered July 2 & 3. Later in the month, the theatre will host the regional premiere of "Billy Elliot: The Musical" on select nights July 28 through August 14. The Firehouse Theatre is located at 2535 Valley View Lane. For tickets or more information, visit thefirehousetheatre.com or call 972.620.3747. |
Teen Police Academy sets summer session July 11-15
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Designed for teens, ages 13 through 18, the Teen Police Academy is now registering Farmers Branch residents for their summer 2016 season, to be held July 11-15.
The Farmers Branch Teen Police Academy gives teens the unique opportunity to work side-by-side with Farmers Branch Police and other law enforcement officials.  Activities include hands-on training, classroom instruction and off-site trips. Topics are criminal investigations, crime scene searches, crime prevention, gangs, traffic stops and more.
Teens will end the week with a slideshow and awards ceremony.
The Academy is limited to 20 participants and costs $50 for Farmers Branch residents.
The companion Teen Fire & Rescue Academy is planned for August 1-5.
For more information on either program, call 972.247.4607.
|
New PSA hopes to educate about mosquitoes and prevention
|
| |
VIDEO  EXTRA Click the Image to Play
|
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As the weather substantially warms up, the threat of mosquito-borne illness also increases which has prompted the City of Farmers Branch Environmental Health office to issue an educational public service announcement on TV and the Internet.
The short video features Environmental Health Manager Katy Evans outlining methods for reducing the danger of mosquito-breeding areas.
Elimination of those breeding opportunities reduces the chance for the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika.
|
|
Historical Park to celebrate 30 years
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With countless tours, events, camp outs, Christmas lights and thousands upon thousands of visitors under its figurative belt, the Farmers Branch Historical Park is getting ready to celebrate 30 years of service to the Farmers Branch community with a free event on Friday, July 8. The park will be open from 7 til 11 p.m. that evening for families to bring their own picnics to be augmented by a "sweet treat" provided by the park. Once the sun goes down, members of the Texas Astronomical Society will focus their high-powered telescopes for visitors to gaze at the many celestial bodies in the nighttime sky.
|
|
Toddler Time & Ribbit Reading on Mondays
AQTX ~ In association with the Farmers Branch Manske Library, the Aquatics Center's Frog Pond offers 'Ribbit Reading' poolside storytimes on Mondays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. through July 25. The event is designed for ages 2 to 7. Admission is free but kids must be accompanied by an adult. There will be no Ribbit Reading on July 4. Following that, there will be activity pool time "Just for Tadpoles" from 10 until 11:30 a.m., June 6 through August 8, for ages 0 to 9. Admission rates apply but kids may re-enter the Frog Pond any time the same day with a wristband. Again, kids must be accompanied by an adult.
|
Volume 6 | Edition 26 | Number 279 
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011
Four-time winner of TAMIO Awards for Best eNewsletter in Texas, recognized by
the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
|
|
Food, fireworks and more at Independence Day festivities, Sunday
FBTX ~ The Annual Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration invites everyone to show up in their finest red, white and blue on Sunday, July 3 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.  Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free. Officials say, however, for safety reasons, the gates will close if the park reaches capacity.
There will be a concert from the band, "Inside Out," along with a free KidZone area, concessionaires selling festival favorites and more.
By popular demand, Uncle Willie's Pie Eating Contest will return. There will be two rounds for adults and one for children, top three places of each round will be awarded prizes.
The traditional, low-level fireworks show will conclude the evening after dark.
The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road, and a short walk from the DART Green Line Station.
Free parking is available at the Metrosquare Business Park, with a free shuttle to the gate.
|
City facilities to close for 4th; garbage WILL be collected on schedule
FBTX ~ Most City offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Garbage and recycling will be collected as scheduled, but the bulk trash truck, the 'Green Grabber', will not operate on July 4th..
Some facilities will be open limited hours through the holiday weekend.
> Sunday, July 3: Community Recreation Center and the Margaret Young Natatorium both open from 1 until 4 p.m., Frog Pond open 12 to 6 p.m., Historical Park closed to set up for that evening's event.
> Monday, July 4: Community Recreation Center and the Margaret Young Natatorium open 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Historical Park open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Frog Pond open 12 to 6 p.m.
|
Manske Library has wide variety of activities for the whole family
FBTX ~ Teen Scream is geared towards teenagers who enjoy a good scary movie, and this event is set for July 8 at 7 p.m.
The movie being featured at Teen Scream will be 'The Forest'. Free soda and popcorn will be provided.
Birding 101 is an an outdoor adventure slated for July 9 at 11 a.m.
Participants can discover the fauna surrounding Manske Library with this beginner's class. Presented by the Trinity River Audubon Center, attendees will learn the basics of bird identification, and then head out to the pond to identify the ducks, geese, and other birds on the grounds. BInoculars will be available to use, but patrons are invited to bring their own.
Then, on July 11 at 3 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy Pixar's family movie, 'The Good Dinosaur'.
This PG rated animated film follows the adventures of Arlo as he sets out on a journey to reunite with his family.
For more info on Library programs and events, call 972.247.2511.
|
6 to 9 pm @ The Grove at Mustang Crossing
972.919.2620
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
|
8 am to Noon @ The Grove at Mustang Crossing
972.919.2620
JULY 3
INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVITIES
Gates open at 6:30 pm @ Historical Park
972.919.2620
fbspecialevents.com
JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY
Most City offices closed
Only Open: Rec Center & Natatorium, 6 am-5 pm; Historical Park, 8 am-5 pm; Frog Pond, 12-6
Garbage & Recycling Will Be Collected on Schedule
972.247.3131
JULY 8
HISTORICAL PARK 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
7 to 11 pm @ Historical Park
- Picnics
- Sweet treats
- Celestial viewing
972.406.0184
JULY 12
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Only Meeting in July
6 p.m. @ City Hall
972.247.3131
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
Office hrs with Mayor Bob Phelps
3 to 6 pm @ City Hall
972.919.2515
JULY 21
6 to 9 pm @ The Grove at Mustang Crossing
972.919.2620
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
|
VIDEO GALLERY
|
Click on Thumbnails to View
|
| POLICE TIPS:
Protecting 3rd Row Seats & Tailgates from Theft |
|
| |
FARMERS BRANCH POLICE RECRUITING: Join Us!
|
|
The brass section of the band "Inside Out" will provide the rhythm for the Independence Day festivities concert on Sunday, July 3 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
|
|
|
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
lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.
|
|
|
