La Marque Awarded at Texas Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association Annual Conference La Marque Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association earned the “Alumni Association of the Year” award from Texas Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at the annual conference in San Marcos, Texas. LMCPAAA was honored for exemplary community outreach, innovative programs and sustained membership growth. This year was the first state convention ever attended by LMCPAAA, which makes the recognition even more extraordinary. There are roughly 150 CPA organizations in Texas, and La Marque is one of the newest and smallest. Past award recipients have had up to 300 members. La Marque does it all with less than 50 dedicated volunteers. The growth and success of the LMCPAAA can be attributed to the combined efforts of La Marque Police Department leadership and the current CPA president, Abby Cash. When she started, there were eight volunteers. Now, there are 46 active members. “It is truly an honor to be named ‘Association of the Year’ out of all the CPAs in the entire state of Texas,” said Cash. “This is huge for us, and great for La Marque. None of it would be possible without the support of Chief Jackson, and our LMPD lieutenants.” LMCPAAA was recognized for being the most engaged organization in Galveston County, and for extending their reaching to surrounding counties. From planning speaking engagements, potluck dinners with the police officers, Blue Santa and youth programs at La Marque Public Library, to the introduction of the Paw Patrol Chase program and new partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the “No More Victims” campaign, LMCPAA is focused on building bridges between the police department and citizens. “As police officers, we want to know the community we serve,” said Lieutenant Shawn Spruill, liaison for LMCPAAA. “We need community engagement to make that happen and our CPA volunteers have taken this task to heart. They work hard to improve community relations. There is no truer heart than that of a volunteer, and we are proud that La Marque Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association earned this award.” BE ON THE WINNING TEAM La Marque Police Department is accepting applications for the next Citizens’ Police Academy (Class 11). Class starts on September 5, 2019, and continues through November 21, 2019. Classes will meet on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with one Saturday morning class. Students will receive a wide range of instruction on law enforcement topics. The majority of the classes are taught by officers from the La Marque Police Department. Outside agencies also provide instruction, such as the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and K9 Handlers from the Transportation Security Administration. The Citizens’ Police Academy is a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on activities, police ridealongs, and select tours of other agencies. Class size is limited to approximately 25 students. Upon graduation, students can join the La Marque Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni & Volunteers. You do not need to live in La Marque to sign up for CPA. If you are interested in volunteering with the La Marque Police Department or just enhancing your knowledge about law enforcement, please contact Lt. Spruill for an application by emailing s.spruill@ cityoflamarque.org. https://www.ci.la-marque.tx.us/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=366
