Smith County Commissioners Court

Weekly Update

May 6, 2025 – Commissioners Court

by | May 7, 2025 | Weekly Update | 0 comments

Commissioners Court Notes

Please note: All agenda items are considered PASSED unless indicated otherwise.

OPEN SESSION: 

RESOLUTION
 
1. Consider and take necessary action to ratify a resolution proclaiming May 3, 2025, as “Pastor Larry Don Wade Day” in Smith County.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Receive presentation from Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool regarding Smith County receiving the 2024 Safety Award.

3. Receive presentation from Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool, awarding the 2024 Making a Difference Award to Smith County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Aimee Crockett.

Comments:

This award recognized Lt. Crockett’s significant contributions to improving training programs and mentoring new corrections officers within the Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Aimee Crockett has over 30 years of experience in the field of corrections and joined the Smith County Sheriff’s Office in January 2023. Her contributions have been pivotal in addressing recruitment and retention challenges for detention officers, earning her recognition as a key asset to the Sheriff’s Office. 
 
Crockett has been instrumental in overhauling the Jail Training Officers Program and serves as the instructor for the 120-hour Basic County Corrections Officer Course. Her efforts have enhanced the quality of training for new officers.
 
She played a significant role in developing the innovative Detention Officer Program, the first of its kind in Texas, in collaboration with the Tyler Independent School District’s Career and Technology Center. This program allows high school students interested in criminal justice to take the state jailer certification exam upon graduation. 
 
As the overseer of the field training officer program, Crockett has leveraged her extensive experience to mentor new officers, fostering a culture of professionalism and dedication. Chief Deputy Gary Pinkerton praised her as a “great asset” to the Sheriff’s Office, noting her wealth of knowledge and commitment to officer development.

COURT ORDERS

SHERIFF’S OFFICE
4. Consider and take necessary action to approve the addendum to the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO), State Plan of Operation between Smith County and the State of Texas, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: 

The Department of Defense’s Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) 1033 Program enables law enforcement agencies to acquire surplus military equipment suitable for their operations. Through this program, agencies can browse and request items from a catalog of available military surplus, which are then transferred for law enforcement use upon approval.

One notable acquisition under the 1033 Program is the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, utilized by the Sheriff’s SWAT team. The MRAP serves as an armored transport, often referred to as an “armored taxi,” providing a secure environment for officers approaching high-risk or volatile situations. Due to its critical role, the MRAP remains a permanent fixture on the inventory and is never removed.

Smaller items, such as plotters, may also be acquired through the program but have a shorter inventory lifespan. These items can be removed from the inventory after 2 to 3 years of use, depending on their condition and utility. The program mandates an annual inventory review to ensure compliance and accountability. Detective Kevin Londoff oversees the inventory process, though the 2024 inventory report is currently unavailable.

The LESO 1033 Program equips law enforcement with tools to enhance operational safety and effectiveness, from heavy-duty vehicles like the MRAP to smaller support equipment. By repurposing military surplus, the program supports agencies in maintaining public safety while optimizing resource use.

FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
5. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the sale of fireworks for Memorial Day.

Comments: 

Yes, you will be able to buy fireworks to celebrate Memorial Day!

RECURRING BUSINESS
 
ROAD AND BRIDGE
6. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the Re-Plat for Dove Ridge Phase One, Lots 12A and 12B, Precinct 4.
 
AUDITOR’S OFFICE
7. Consider and take necessary action to approve and/or ratify payment of accounts, bills, payroll, transfer of funds, amendments, and health claims.
 
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
8. Receive report on status of Smith County jail operations, inmate population, employee overtime, and employee vacancies.

ADJOURN