FEATURE ARTICLES IN THIS MONTH’S
FORT BEND LIFESTYLES AND HOMES MAGAZINE>>

Sugar Land Fire Department Open House to Showcase

Newly Opened Fire Station No. 1

The 3rd Annual Sugar Land Fire Department Open House is expected to attract hundreds on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way. The annual event provides an opportunity to learn about Sugar Land ’s first responders and the many fire and life safety programs available for citizens.

The event, sponsored by SLFD’s Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association, is intended to raise public awareness of SLFD ’s many educational programs and raise money for future CFA classes, restoration of the SLFD ’s vintage fire truck and the newly created Hearts and Hoses program. 

In addition to live fire safety demonstrations, information is provided on a number of volunteer opportunities, including the CFA and Citizens Emergency Response Teams. There will be demonstrations such as the “Jaws of Life” in action, tours of the newly opened Fire Station No.1 and hands-on opportunities to learn about fire equipment and vehicles, including the department ’s state-of-the-art hazmat truck.

The public will have the opportunity to purchase $2, $5 and $10 raffle tickets for a chance to win themed gift baskets. Free popcorn, children ’s games and $5 dinner plates cooked by firefighters are also planned.

For more information, call 281-491-0852.

City of Sugar Land Supports Bicycle Campaign

Sugar Land Council member Jacqueline Baly Chaumette presented the Bike Friendly Community program to fellow council members. The Bicycle Friendly Communities Campaign is an awards program that recognizes municipalities that actively support bicycling. A Bicycle-Friendly Community provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. For more details, go to http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/ communities/.

Encouraging bicycling is a simple way towards improving public health. With more people bicycling, communities experience reduced traffic demands, improved air quality and greater physical fitness. In addition, bicycle-friendly towns are often seen as places with a high quality of life. This can translate into increased property values, business growth and increased tourism.

Citizens Highlight Economic Development,

Balanced Development and Mobility

Community leaders participating in a Community Summit placed an emphasis on three guiding principles for Sugar Land ’s future—“Regional Business Center of Excellence,” “Balanced Development and Redevelopment” and “Superior Mobility.”

During the summit, more than 70 citizens worked in small groups to provide feedback for an ongoing effort to update the city ’s Comprehensive Plan, a document that serves as a blueprint for the future. The results show a continued interest in fostering an environment that attracts and retains valuable businesses and employment options, while upholding quality building and development standards.

The goal of the Summit was to receive citizen input on Sugar Land Vision 2025, a document that lists eleven guiding principles city council should consider when crafting policy and making decisions that will affect the city ’s future.

Mobility was an area targeted for improvement by summit participants; feedback from group sessions moderated by a professional facilitator demonstrated an interest in pursuing both inter- and intra-city transportation options.

Summit participants also placed a high value on principles such as “Outstanding Cultural Arts, Educational and Recreational Opportunities,” “Destination Activity Centers” and “Safe Community.”  

In addition, residents specifically discussed the importance of improving the Imperial Sugar site to preserve the city ’s historical identity.

Use of Wireless Communication Devices Prohibited

in School Crossing Zones in Missouri City

Missouri City council has authorized posting signs in all city school zones notifying drivers of a new state law prohibiting the use of wireless communication devices. The new law went into effect Sept. 1. Violators could be fined up to $200. Approximately 75 signs have been posted in school zones.

“The city is enforcing this new law, which puts the safety of residents, especially schoolchildren, first, ” said Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald. “Drivers should be especially cautious when traveling in school zones, and not be distracted by cell phone conversations with schoolchildren back in class. ”

The new law amends the state’s Transportation Code to prohibit

The new law also prohibits bus operators from using a wireless communication device while operating a passenger bus with a minor passenger unless the bus is stopped.

SLPD Citizens Police Academy Class

Sugar Land residents who want to discover firsthand what it takes to be a police officer or who want to learn more about criminal investigation have signed up for the Sugar Land Police Department ’s Citizens Police Academy. The 14-week course began Sept. 10, with students meeting once a week to learn more about the challenges faced by police officers, laws affecting citizens and the judicial system and emergency management. Participants will have the opportunity to personally interact with officers, detectives and other personnel in a nontraditional law enforcement setting.

The training program consists of classroom and “hands on” instruction designed to provide interested Sugar Land citizens with a working knowledge of the Sugar Land Police Department, its personnel and emergency management operations.

Topics taught during the academy include police training, roles and responsibilities of the uniformed officer, use of firearms and deadly force options, criminal investigative skills, traffic law, crime scene search, communications, narcotics, gang education, specialized units, tactical operations, juvenile law, community involvement and emergency management. Additionally, participants have an opportunity to participate in a “staged” traffic stop, an evidence gathering session at a “staged” murder scene, a “staged” building search and a tour of a local prison unit in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system.

Sugar Land, Missouri City Plan National

Night Out Events on Oct. 6

Sugar Land neighborhoods will join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event on Oct. 6 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

“Our city’s most important crime prevention tool is citizen involvement,” said Officer Harris Johnston, of the Crime Prevention Unit. “The Crime Prevention Program partners with residents to increase safety within the community through programs like NNO. In this spirit of cooperation, these partnerships positively influence the quality of life in Sugar Land. ”

Neighborhoods, blocks or streets in Sugar Land are able to register their parties each year, and police officers, firefighters, the mayor, city council members and other city officials visit as many parties as possible.

Register online at www.sugarlandtx.gov or call Officer Harris Johnston at 281-275-2580.

If you like good food, a good time and a chance to meet your neighbors—all for a good cause, then you’ll want to attend Missouri City’s 26th annual National Night Out

Missouri City neighborhoods will be joining communities throughout Texas for the state-wide event that encourages residents to get involved in their community through a series of block parties that build community spirit.

Those wishing to host neighborhood parties can register with the Missouri City Police Department by calling 281-403-8705.

Missouri City’s fire and police personnel traditionally begin National Night Out with a kick off community gathering from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. This year it will be held at the Target store parking lot located at Highway 6 and FM 1092/Murphy Road. During the kick off event, residents can meet police officers, including the Missouri City Bike Patrol, All Terrain Vehicle, Dive Rescue and SWAT Teams. McGruff, the Crime Dog, will be there, too. The police department will hand out crime prevention materials, and Target will furnish refreshments and “goodies” for the children.  Residents are encouraged to join in the activities at the kick off event prior to their neighborhood block parties.

Each year, the city’s elected officials and city staff attend the resident block parties to talk to the community about safety and to answer questions about public safety in Missouri City.

Officer Flagg points out that National Night Out is a chance to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police —community partnerships, and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back against crime.