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City Connection June 2020C I T Y C O N N E C T I O NCITY C O N N E C T I O N J UN E 20 20 VO L . 1 6, I S S U E 6 Learn more about City events at HuntsvilleTX.gov No playing around at Kate Barr Ross Park New playground equipment and fencing under construction J U N E 20 20 VO L . 1 6, I S S U E 6 City of Huntsville Police Chief Kevin Lunsford was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award by the 100 Club. The announcement comes during this time of social distancing and safety, making the annual announcement at an awards banquet impossible. All award winners honored by the 100 Club are nominated by their fellow officers and firefighters and then voted on, individually by our selection committee, that is comprised of officers and firefighters in coverage area. The 100 club is a 32,000-member non-profit organization that began in 1953, which provides financial support to the dependents of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty in 32 counties surrounding Houston. The 100 Club is a non-profit organization that also provides life-protecting equipment, such as bulletproof vests, radio equipment, and armored personnel carriers. “I received a phone call confirming that I had been selected for the honor out of the blue,” Chief Lunsford said. “I was honored beyond belief and very surprised. The 100 Club are great supporters of law enforcement and I am proud to be associated with the organization.” Chief Lunsford was awarded a Sig Sauer pistol with special engraving that is traditionally handed over at the awards banquet in Houston. “Chief Lunsford is an asset to the City of Huntsville, and we are very proud of the recognition of his lifetime of service to law enforcement,” City Manager Aron Kulhavy said. “We are blessed to have him as our Chief.” Chief Lunsford is a career police officer, with over 37 years of service with the Huntsville Police Department. His service to the community includes three years as a patrol officer, two years as a detective, and 18 years as a Sergeant. His tenure as Sergeant included supervising in patrol, training, administration, emergency management coordinator, special teams and more. “I took my career to the next level when I tested and was promoted to Lieutenant/Division Commander,” said Chief Lunsford. “I spent five years as a Lieutenant – two years in command of the Uniformed Services Division and three years in command of the Support Services Division.” Chief Lunsford was named Interim Chief of Police when then Chief Allwin Barrow retired. Three months later, he was officially named Chief of Police and has been serving in that capacity for nine years. The Huntsville Police Department currently employs 60 sworn officers and nine civilians comprising two main divisions - the Uniformed Services Division is comprised of the Patrol Section and the School Resource Officer Section, including SWAT, Traffic, K-9, and City Marshal; and the second is the Support Services Division which consists of Criminal Investigations Division, Training section, Records sections, Victim Services, and Property / Evidence sections “We have a great Department consisting of very dedicated, professional officers,” Chief Lunsford said. “It is thanks in part to these individuals that I am able to accept this achievement.” HPD currently holds a Recognition Status through the Texas Police Chiefs Association for compliance with nearly 200 identified standards for Best Practices in Texas Law Enforcement. Of the roughly 2500 police agencies in Texas, only about 150 have achieved this Recognition Status. In November 2017, the department was re-Recognized and accredited through 2021. “The Huntsville Police Department is beginning an exciting new phase in our history. After 38 years in the same building, we are about to embark on the construction of a new40,000 square foot state of the art police facility,” Chief Lunsford said. Chief Lunsford received his formal education at Sam Houston State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and amaster’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management. Chief Lunsford is married with two children and three grandchildren. “When I’m not performing the duties of my office or teaching classes at Sam, I like to play golf. I also enjoy hunting and fishing andriding my Harley. I am active in my church and teach the adult Sunday School class,” Chief Lunsford said. “My wife and I like to travel whenwe can and always enjoy seeing new places. “I had the opportunity to visit and study in China in 2013 at theZhejiang Police College in Hangzhou, China. This trip was coordinated through SHSU and I was fortunate enough to travel around China withsome great police administrators from all over Texas,” Chief Lunsford said. “I also serve on the executive board of the Texas Police Chief'sAssociation, am a former board member of the local YMCA, and a member of the Masonic Lodge.” Chief Lunsford receives Lifetime Achievement award J U N E 20 20 VO L . 1 6, I S S U E 6 J U N E 20 20 VO L . 1 6, I S S U E 6 City Council HappeningsCity Council Happenings Lyle appointed to Council Walker County Judge Danny Pierce administered the Oath of Office and Statement of Officer to newly appointed Councilmember Bert Lyle Monday, May 18th, in the City of Huntsville Council Chambers with Mayor Andy Brauninger watching from the dais.Bert Lyle was appointed to City Council on May 5, 2020, to fill the vacancy in the remaining term for At-large Position 1 following the resignation of Paul Davidhizar. Serving #HomeSweetHuntsville Members of the City of Huntsville Council and staff made time to volunteer at the Food Truck Distribution, being conducted by the Houston Food Bank in cooperation with Covenant of Christ Walker County. The food drive took place on Mondays in May at the Sam Houston State University Bowers Stadium parking lot.