Courtesy Photo
Gun Barrel City Municipal Judge Grace Wallace (left) swears in the new Gun Barrel City fire chief, Cecil Colby McBride, during the Nov. 18 city council meeting. McBride has been the interim chief since former fire chief Joseph Lindaman retired in the spring.

GUN BARREL CITY‑Gun Barrel City’s city council met Nov. 18 for its regular meeting. Police Capt. Connie Katsoulas presented Police Chief Keith Stephens’ detailed report on the police departments last quarter of business.
Katsoulas began the presentation with events that the police department has been involved in. She started with the National Night Out held Oct. 7. Katsoulas commented, “Events like this are important, not just because they are fun but because they strengthen the relationships between our officers, the firefighters, city workers and the communities that we serve.” She also gave recognition to the city’s Events Coordinator Brooke Hairl for all the work and preparation for National Night Out. 
Another event the police department is involved in is Mabelle’s Toy Drive. Katsoulas commented, “This is one of the traditions that we are most proud of and it is already underway. It is a yearly event and it truly captures the spirit of Gun Barrel City. It is one of our favorite days of the year because it allows for more of a connection to the families that we serve.” Katsoulas continued by announcing that toys and donations can be dropped of at Walmart Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gun Barrel’s city hall and police station are also drop-off centers. According to Katsoulas, toys will be delivered to children in Gun Barrel City neighborhoods Dec. 13 by the police department, fire department, public works and other city employees.
Continuing with her presentation, Katsoulas spoke of recruitment. “We have got some positions opening up, she said. We are strained a little but we are still performing. Agencies all over the state are facing hiring challenges, but Gun Barrel City police has been proactive, intentional and creative in their recruiting.” That includes going to Navarro Community College Police Academy in Corsicana and spending time with cadets, where one cadet fully committed and two more submitted applications, said Katsoulas.
According to Katsoulas, during the quarter there were 110 arrests and 544 citations and warnings for traffic activity. Addressing Seven Points, Katsoulas stated, “As neighboring agencies, we believe strongly in supporting one another, especially when public safety, community and stability are at stake. So, in that spirit, our department has been assisting Seven Points by responding to calls for service within their city as needed.”
Katsoulas spoke about  how the animal control’s department handled a significant animal cruelty case involving neglected puppies. The captain spoke of Animal Control Officer Carol Jett, who has been attending trainings, receiving her certification as an animal cruelty investigator, advanced training on dangerous dog handling and a training on the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Jett is currently addressing a feral dog issue, the captain said. Katsoulas reported that over the last three months, there have been 17 dogs impounded with 16 taken to the Cedar Creek Human Society and one reunited with its owner.
Gun Barrel City police is working on getting its accreditation, the captain continued. Katsoulas said, “Officers have the most current streamline and professionally aligned guidance to support best practices. In addition to policy updates, we have enhanced our officer safety and emergency preparedness. Every patrol unit is equipped with a stop the bleed trauma kit. Accreditation isn’t just a checklist for us. It is about raising our operational quality, our safety quality, readiness and our service to the community.”
In other business, the council:
• Approved the Harbor Point Road reconstruction project, phase two.
• Approved, after an executive session, hiring Capt. Cecil Colby McBride as the Gun Barrel City fire chief.