Lewisville Noon Rotary was delighted to honor Edwin Benitez as the Exceptional Student of the Month for September at last week’s club meeting. Special Education teacher Kaitlyn Juroska, who has Edwin in her third period English class, noted he is incredibly bright with a smile that lights up the room. He not only has been successful academically, she said, but demonstrates strength of character. Edwin’s future plans include getting a job where he can be successful and happy. We applaud Edwin for his achievements and have no doubt he will continue to excel in all his pursuits!

LNR President Dennis Song last week presented Bill Collins (above left) with his Paul Harris +2 pin for his continued financial support of the Paul Harris Fund. The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to the Paul Harris Fund or approved global grants, which Lewisville Noon Rotary later receives back in the form of matching grants to support charitable initiatives in the community. Song also presented Tom Emmet with his blue badge, making him an official member of Lewisville Noon Rotary. 

 

For Rotarians interested in becoming a member of the Paul Harris Society, the district currently is offering a special point match program, which can put you on the fast-track to the $1,000 contribution goal. From now until February 2023, District 5790 will match with points each dollar you give ($250 to $500) to the Rotary Foundation ANNUAL PROGRAM FUNDS share. A total contribution of $500 plus 500 points earns you enough to move to another level. For more information, please contact club member John Kazor or Steve Cox. The terms of the matching program are available online here. 

 

Bistecca Steakhouse was the safest place in north Texas to eat lunch last Wednesday, as Support Bureau Assistant Chief Jay Powell and Patrol Bureau Assistant Chief Chris Clements of the Lewisville Police Department turned out to hear Training Sergeant and S.W.A.T. Commander Jonathan Wolk speak about the city’s S.W.A.T. team operations.

 

Having a Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team as part of the Lewisville Police Department gives you a quicker response time, noted Wolk, who oversees the team. Lewisville S.W.A.T. has 15 officers, who bring various skills and specialties to the operations, from explosive breaching to battering rams, robots, and tear gas deployment. “We have to go through specialized certification” for different skills, he said, adding, “I sit in the command post and I’m the one deciding our next tactic, whether it’s breaching a door or using tear gas.”

 

Officers volunteer for the S.W.A.T. team and take on significantly more responsibility without additional pay or benefits, Wolk noted. The team is responsible for two types of operations. One is serving warrants to individuals considered dangerous or high risk. “We get more training and have more equipment and protective gear,” he said, as well as specialized training in critical thinking skills to handle tense interactions. The other operations are call-outs, when patrol officers cannot safely manage what has become an escalated, critical situation. “We take it upon ourselves to respond,” even if the S.W.A.T. officers are not on duty when the call comes in the middle of the night, Wolk said.

 

The S.W.A.T. team also has two specialized vehicles, including an armored personnel carrier (APC), which can withstand a 50 caliber round on any part of the vehicle. The other is a large equipment vehicle, similar to a box truck, that brings all necessary equipment to the scene in one place.

 

S.W.A.T. had about eight callouts and eight or nine warrant services last year, Wolk said. As the S.W.A.T. commander, Wolk also puts together safety plans for large events, like Western Days, and the team stations snipers to act as spotters. In addition, Lewisville S.W.A.T. has been called to assist other S.W.A.T. operations for the Flower Mound, Colony, and Denton Police Departments, which also have part-time teams. To learn more, visit the Police Department Support Bureau web page.

Please lift up Rotary District 5790 Governor Dan Steele in your prayers. He has been navigating challenging health issues and likely would appreciate cards and letters of support as he recuperates.