TITLE: Commending Justin Delacruz and Michael Carter for their work with the Patrol Stories program.

SUMMARY: Commending Justin Delacruz and Michael Carter for their work with the Patrol Stories program.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, North Texas police officer Justin Delacruz and his partner Detective Michael Carter have contributed greatly to promoting positive relations between members of law enforcement and the communities they serve through their work with the Patrol Stories program; and WHEREAS, Justin Delacruz is the founder and CEO of Patrol Stories; a full-time law enforcement officer, as well as an author, speaker, and entrepreneur, he established the program to create opportunities for police departments to engage with citizens, particularly children, in an entertaining, interactive, and educational way; and WHEREAS, Patrol Stories is a live presentation that incorporates interactive video elements; the program's star and official mascot is the character of Officer Maxwell, who was designed to provide younger community members with a positive role model who embodies hope, trust, friendship, and respect; the presentations are staged by Officer Delacruz and Detective Carter, with one of the two serving as Officer Maxwell at events; and WHEREAS, To date, the Patrol Stories presentations have been delivered to thousands of children from ages 4 to 12; student participants are encouraged to get involved and work together to answer questions as they learn valuable lessons about what to do in an emergency, about the job of a police officer, and about the importance of believing in themselves and looking out for others; and WHEREAS, Patrol Stories also features another initiative called the Little Hero Program, which was created to recognize, celebrate, and reward youth who perform significant acts of kindness and generosity; and WHEREAS, Justin Delacruz and Michael Carter's outstanding work with Patrol Stories has helped police departments enhance their youth outreach and community policing efforts, and in so doing, they have contributed to making communities stronger and safer for all; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby commend Officer Justin Delacruz and Detective Michael Carter for their work with Patrol Stories and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued success with the program; and, be it further RESOLVED, That official copies of this Resolution be prepared for Officer Delacruz and Detective Carter as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Paxton President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 20, 2021.