Features

On Monday, May 17, 2010, Lufkin Police Department began a Traffic Crash Reduction Initiative in eleven specific areas of Lufkin.

In addition to considerable financial expenses, traffic crashes can result in injury, property damage, and death. Between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, Lufkin Police Department Officers investigated 2,213 reported traffic crashes that occurred within the city limits of Lufkin. Those crashes resulted in the deaths of 6 persons, 20 persons reporting incapacitating injuries, 169 persons reporting non-incapacitating injuries, and 339 persons reporting possible injuries. The goal of the Traffic Crash Reduction Initiative is to increase public awareness of traffic laws and dangerous driving behaviors and to reduce the number of crashes and injuries.

The eleven target areas were chosen for selected enforcement following a survey of traffic crashes occurring during 2009. The target areas have a high concentration of traffic and accounted for approximately 1,000 of the 2,213 total traffic crashes that occurred during the surveyed period.  Read more about it.

On Thursday, May 6, 2010, Lufkin Police Department received notification from Guy's construction and scrap metal, located at 3113 East Denman Avenue in Lufkin, that employees found a suspicious looking object while processing scrap metal.
Lufkin Police Department Officers responded and observed what appeared to them to be very old military ordinance; the object was rusty, dirty, and filled with cobwebs. Through photographs, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel at Fort Hood identified the object as a training device that does not house an explosive payload but stated that at one time the device could have held a small propulsive charge at its base. As a precaution, the area around the device was cleared and Fort Hood’s EOD personnel were asked to retrieve the device.

Other than avoiding the area around the device, Guy’s employees continued with their work as usual and to minimize the impact on their business, Guy’s management requested that media personnel not come onto the property. Fort Hood’s EOD personnel are expected to arrive after 6:00 P.M. and Lufkin Police Department Officers will remain at the scene until the device has been retrieved.
At this time, the device’s origin is not known nor is it known how and when it came to be at the business. The device was among other scrap metal and it does not appear that it was placed with malicious intent. The need for any additional action by Lufkin Police Department will be determined following discussions with the EOD personnel. Additional Information will be released as it becomes available.

Update:  Shortly before 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 6, 2010, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel from Fort Hood arrived at Guy's construction and scrap metal, located at 3113 East Denman Avenue in Lufkin, and inspected the suspicious object found earlier in the day by employees processing scrap metal.
The EOD personnel confirmed that the object was an inert training device; it did not contain an explosive payload or a propulsive charge. Except to say that it was “old”, the EOD personnel were not able to date the device; they noted that the type of training device discovered, which the military has used for decades, is still in use today. The EOD personnel did take possession of the device and will dispose of it in accordance with military procedures.
It still is not known how and when the device came to be at the business but, based upon the findings of the EOD personnel, it appears that the device was discarded as scrap metal and that no violation of law occurred. Therefore, at this time, additional action by Lufkin Police Department is not warranted or planned.

Chief Brazil Retires

Legacy of service: Lufkin Police Chief retiring after 8 years in top spot, 41 years of service with department

Known affectionately as a gentle giant, Lufkin Police Chief Larry Brazil's watch over the city streets is coming to an end at the end of July when he retires from his 41-year career with the police force. He leaves behind a monumental legacy, say those who worked with him.

"I would venture to say he's been the best police chief Lufkin has ever had," said Lufkin Mayor Jack Gorden.

Although the decision comes as no surprise since Brazil, 63, has been eligible for retirement for years, the reality of it has those he worked with feeling bittersweet.

"I hate to see him leave from the professional standpoint, but I'm happy for him, personally, to have the time," said Lufkin City Manager Paul Parker.

Brazil made great strides in the department during his eight-year tenure as chief.

Although he implemented Lufkin's first crime scene unit and cyber crimes investigative team, Brazil is most widely remembered for an overall department pay hike he successfully pushed through city council. The increase has since helped Lufkin retain its police force and also raised the bar for its recruitment to that of comparable size cities, said Parker.  Read more about it in the Lufkin Daily News.  Watch the video of the entire retirement ceremony.

The Lufkin Police Department strongly supports the Relay for Life in the fight against cancer. In order to help the effort more, the Lufkin Police Department will become a year round collection point for recycle aluminum cans.

A drop box will be placed near the front entrance of the police station and with the help of the City of Lufkin Recycling department we will be able to collect and sell more scrap aluminum cans to help the fight against cancer.

All proceeds from the sale of the aluminum cans will go directly to the Relay for Life in Lufkin.

For more information on donations, call Stephanie Cagnon at 936-633-0316 or e-mail at stcagnon@lufkinpolice.com.