In Defense of Reporters Covering Hurricanes

It’s a question critics of TV news often ask: Why do reporters stand out in hurricanes to tell people what they already know — that the hurricane is hitting?

Well, I am one of those reporters.

As I write this, I am heading to the Louisana coast to report on Hurricane Gustav.

A few words in defense of my colleagues and me.

There is no higher calling, no bigger challenge in journalism, than to report on an ongoing disaster like a hurricane. There is no story that has more of an impact on more people.

There’s a constant need for information.  People want to know details of what is going on to make life-and-death decisions.  Communications often break down because of power outages, and the information flow is even more critical.

Is my city under water? Is my house still standing?

What if we just threw up our hands and said, “Category 5 hurricane hits the Gulf Coast. Details tomorrow or the next day when it’s all over.”

We don’t stand out in hurricanes because we are hams and want the “face time.” We do it because there is no other way to cover the story.

Yes it is risky.  It can be dangerous. But we take all necessary precautions.  When it gets too bad, we seek shelter.  We are human.

But I really believe that just like the firefighters and police officers and emergency workers, reporters play a vital role in a disaster — providing information so that people are informed and can stay safe.

Heroin Killed Two Teens

The two teenagers who died in Grapevine just two days apart in Grapevine both overdosed on heroin, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner has ruled.

Police say there was no connection between the deaths of 18-year-old Christoper Hackler and 18-year-old Brandon Mason.  They didn’t even know each other.

Click here for my earlier blog.

They shared the same age, the same apparent heroin habit, and both died in the same city at about the same time, but police say it was a tragic coincidence.

For the full story, click here for the Star-Telegram report.

An End to Those Annoying Recorded Sales Calls

The phone rings. You answer it.

“Hello?”

Pause.

Nobody’s there.

“Hellooo?”

Finally, the voice from the other end of the line: It’s a recorded sales call.  Some great “offer” too good to refuse.  You can’t hang up the phone fast enough.

If you’re like me, you’ve experienced these annoying sales calls also.  They always seem to come at the worst time.

Now, word the federal government is cracking down.  Starting Dec. 1, the telemarketers have to provide you with a way to “opt out” from future calls.

Starting Sept. 1, 2009, the government will ban the calls altogether.

Finally!

Click here for a link to the news release from the Federal Trade Commission.

If the Mayor Were a Tree…

I was getting ready to interview Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief about budget cuts involving Cowtown’s tree-planting program when I put on my best Barbara Walters impression.

“If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?” I asked, with a big smile.

I always try to keep things fun and light, especially if the subject matter isn’t that serious.  I’ve known Mayor Moncrief professionally for years. And obviously these outtakes never end up on the evening news.

The quick-witted mayor didn’t miss a beat.

“A mesquite,” he said. “They’re impossible to kill off.”

On a serious note, it looks like the city will be able to save the forestry program from the budget ax, which is a good thing.

Killing a Cop Killer

UPDATE 7 PM: Here are the official times, as released by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

6:02 – Taken from holding cell.

6:03 – Strapped to gurney.

6:06 – Solution flowing.

6:10 – Last statement.

6:13 – Lethal dose began.

6:16 – Lethal dose competed.

6:20 – Pronounced dead.

Here is the official transcript of Michael Rodriguez’s last words: “I know this no way makes up for all the pain and suffering I gave you. I am so, so sorry. My punishment is nothing compared to the pain and sorrow I have caused. I hope that someday you can find peace. I am not strong enough to ask for forgiveness because i don’t know if I am worthy. I realize what I’ve done to you and the pain I’ve given. Please Lord forgive me. I have done some horrible things. I ask the Lord to please forgive me. I have gained nothing, but just brought sorrow and pain to these wonderful people. I am sorry. So so sorry. To the Sanchez family who showed me love. To the Hawkins family, I am sorry. I know I have affected them for so long. Please forgive me. Irene, I want to thank you for being with me on death row and walking with me and helping me find Christ’s love. These last few steps I must walk alone. Thank you and thank your husband Jack. I’ll be waiting for you. I am so sorry. To these famlies I ask forgiveness. Father God I ask you too for forgiveness. I ask you for forgiveness Lord. I am ready to go Lord. Thank you. I am ready to go. My Jesus my Savior there is none like you. All of my days I want to praise, let every breath. Shout to the Lord let us sing.

UPDATE 6:45 PM: The Irving PD officers who had gathered on the lawn across the Walls Unit are now dispersing.  Hawkins’ family has also left without saying anything publicly.

UPDATE 6:33 PM: FINAL WORDS: From public information officer Jason Clark of the  Texas Department of Criminal Justice: Rodriguez’s last words were: “I know this makes up in no way for the pain and suffering I’ve caused you. I’m so sorry…I hope someday you can find peace… Please Lord, forgive me… I’m sorry, so sorry… These last few steps I must walk alone… To the family I ask forgiveness… I’m ready to go Lord. I’m ready to go, warden..”  Then he sang a hymn and the lethal injection took affect.

UPDATE 6:24 PM: Word just came that Rodriguez was executed. Time of death: 6:20 pm. Still awaiting details.

UPDATE 6:19 PM: The witnesses are still inside. We’re expecting them to emerge any minute now. The Irving officers have lined up, almost in formation, and are facing the big brick wall, behind which is the death chamber.

UPDATE 5:45 PM: Outside the Walls Unit a contigent of officers from the Irving Police Department has gathered around a portable white tent.  We believe Officer Hawkins’ widow Lori has already gone inside with some other witnesses.  We expect the execution to take place at 6 pm, with the official announcement about 6:15.  Check back for updates.

–

Looks like everything is set for the 6 pm execution of Michael Rodriguez, one of the notorious “Texas 7″ group of prison inmates who escaped in 2000 and killed Irving police officer Aubrey Hawkins during a robbery.

Photographer Juan Rodriguez and I are heading to Huntsville to cover the execution as I type this.  I covered the Texas 7 extensively back when they escaped.  I was also there when they were captured on a freezing night in Colorado. 

So for me, the story is coming full circle.  I am also mindful of the fact that for so many people, especially Hawkins’ family and police family, this isn’t just a “story” they see on the news but something that has deeply affected them.

Hawkins’ wife Lori is scheduled to be one of the witnesses to Rodriguez’s execution.

She and the others will have the opportunity to speak to reporters afterwards.  As always, the choice is up to them.

According to a prison spokesman, Rodriguez has requested his last meal: Fried chicken, grilled pork steak, a bacon cheeseburger, french fries with ketchup and a salad.

Rodriguez will be the first of the Texas 7 (now the Texas 6 since one of them committed suicide rather than be captured) to be put to death.  He has fought two years in the courts to go forward with the execution.  None of the remaining 5 has an execution date.

“Lets do the right thing for once,” Rodriguez recently told a reporter. “My parents raised me to be accountable.”

The Irving Police Department released the following statement: “The memory of Officer Hawkins, his dedication to duty and family are cherished by the Irving Police Department and others who knew Aubrey. His legacy and his service are not forgotten. Our police family suffered a devastating loss through Aubrey’s ultimate sacrifice.”

I will update this blog with more information later today.

Fort Worth Police Chief Search Goes National

Things have been pretty quiet recently, at least publicly,  in the search for a new Fort Worth Police Chief. But get ready for some news in the coming weeks.

Acting Chief Patricia Kneblick has been leading the department since former Chief Ralph Mendoza left in February.

Now, the word at City Hall is the city is preparing to fly in candidates from around the country for interviews.  City Manager Dale Fisseler confirmed the plan to NBC 5 following a budget meeting Tuesday.

Fisseler said he hopes to complete the process by the end of September.

The city announced it would launch a national search when Mendoza left in February, but little has been said since.

There’s no indication where Kneblick, a 26-year veteran, stands in all this.  It still appears very possible she could be named permanent chief, the first woman chief in the city’s history and one of the few female big-city police chiefs nationwide.

An 18-Year-Old’s Obituary

In just the past two weeks, three northeast Tarrant County teenagers have died of apparent drug overdoses. Two in Grapevine. One in Euless.  Two were 18 years old.  One was 15.

Police don’t think any of the three deaths are related because the teens did not know each other and apparently had taken different kinds of drugs.

I briefly profiled all three teens in my story but unfortunately couldn’t give too much detail because of time restraints.

Below is a copy of the obituary for Christopher Hackler, 18, of Euless. He was found dead in his girlfriend’s apartment in Grapevine August 7th.  Let’s hope other young people pay attention to this and learn from it.  The obituary was written by Hackler’s parents, who want his death to serve as a wake-up call for other drug users who may not think it can happen to them.

                OBITUARY FOR CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL HACKLER

 

Christopher Michael Hackler was born on October 2, 1989 in Bedford, Texas to Steve Hackler of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the former Kimberly Reed of Sapulpa, Oklahoma.  Christopher walked into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 7, 2008 at the age of 18.  Chris was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roland and Betty Hackler of Tulsa, Oklahoma; maternal great-grandparents, J.C. and Viva Robins of Granite City, Illinois; and his great grandmother, Gertie Reed of Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

 

Chris is survived by his parents, Steve Hackler of Euless, Texas, and Kim Hackler of Skiatook, Oklahoma; two brothers, David Hackler of Norman, Oklahoma, and Matthew Hackler of Euless, Texas; grandparents, Jerry and Patricia Reed of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  While living in Tulsa, Chris attended Jenks Public Schools.

 

After moving to Texas, Chris attended Carroll Public Schools in Southlake, Texas. Chris graduated high school in late 2007 from the In Balance Ranch in Tombstone, Arizona, and had planned on attending junior college in the Dallas area this fall.

 

Chris was an avid lover of sports and during his young life had played football, basketball, baseball, and competitive soccer. He also enjoyed surfing, wake-boarding, snowboarding, and when he was only 5 years old he was one belt stripe away from being a black belt in karate. 

 

Chris was an avid Oklahoma Sooners fan and one of his greatest joys was to attend the OU Sooners football games with his Grandma and Papa Reed.  Chris was blessed to have traveled extensively around the world with his family. 

 

He had visited Beijing, China; Paris, France; London, England; the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai; Cancun, Mexico; Lucerne, Switzerland; and Milan, Italy.  While in China, people were amazed at Chris’s blonde hair and handsomeness and wanted their pictures taken with him.

 

Christopher wanted to dedicate his life to helping troubled teens and leading them in the right direction. The Chris Hackler Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to help families of kids who are troubled but may not have the resources available to get them the help that they desperately need. Chris’s life could not be saved for the Lord had better plans for him in store. 

 

This scholarship fund will address Chris’s goal he had in life and help to save the lives of kids who might not otherwise have a chance. Donations can be made by going to http://www.thenextstepalliance.org/ and specifying that it is for the Chris Hackler Memorial Scholarship Fund. 

 

Christopher will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.  He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to call son, grandson, and friend. His funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

Pastor Wendell Hope of Victory Christian Church and director of the Tulsa Dream Center will officiate the services.  Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, August 11^th and 12^th, 2008.

From an Award Ceremony to a Family Tragedy

It’s usually what I like about my job: The unpredictability. As a reporter, you never know what you will be doing from one minute to the next.  Often stories change at the last minute.

Tonight, I wish I could have stuck with my original story and never had to report the second.

I was all set to tell the story of four guys who tackled an armed bank robber in June.  They saw him run out of a Fort Worth bank and try to carjack several women, including one with a young child.

Incredibly, they jumped on the guy and disarmed him.  They then held him face down on the ground until police got there several minutes later.

We attended a ceremony where police gave the Good Samaritans an award.

Photographer Larry Herrera and I were all set to do our live shot on that story outside the bank when we got an urgent call about 9 pm.

There was a double murder and suicide, ironically not far from where we were at the bank.

We raced there to learn the tragic details: A father apparently shot and killed his wife and 14-year-old daughter, and then turned the gun on himself.

Click here for a link to the news story.

It is these saddest and most tragic of stories that are the hardest part of my job.  Of course, it is our duty to report them, but we certainly take no pleasure in it.

By the way, as those of you who watched our 10 pm broadcast saw, the story on the bank robbery also ran.  At least we were able to give a little “good news” in addition to the tragic news.

Sex Offender Allegedly Posed as Cop

Pretty interesting reading from the following news release written by Fort Worth Police Lt. Paul Henderson:

Toy Gun, Toy Cop

It’s only Monday and I have my pick of the week already. 

If you happened to be driving on North Main to the world famous Stockyards of Fort Worth, Texas you might have seen a fellow standing near a private parking lot wearing a Security Officer uniform.  Well we did, or at least our Zero Tolerance officers did.

52-year old Rickey Wayne Anthony was patrolling the parking lots near the 2500 block of North Main early Saturday Morning around 1:00 a.m.  He was sporting familiar clothing to some who frequent night clubs complete with a black T-shirt with the words “Security Police” in giant yellow letters across his chest and his back.  His uniform also consisted of black tactical pants, a nylon belt with a holstered pistol, flashlight, Smith and Wesson handcuffs nestled in a handcuff case, and even a gold badge clipped to the front of his waist line.  It was unmistakable.  He was a security police officer.  The problem?  He’s not.

Rickey Wayne was quickly detained by Zero Tolerance Officers Anthony White and Paula Hernandez.  They casually asked him what he was doing and why was he wearing a mock police outfit.  Rickey told the officers, “It’s a deterrent so people will think I’m a cop.”  The officer also discovered that Rickey Wayne had been issuing parking “tickets” to patrons which in reality were parking “stubs” to paying customers.  He told the real cops that he patrols the parking lot on the weekends and that he purchased his “uniform” T-shirt from a local print shop. 

Officers inspected Rickey’s pistol which looked and felt very real.  Inside the magazine they found rounds of 8 mm blank ammunition,  another problem for Rickey because he is a registered sex offender on parole which means Rickey Wayne is a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  Doh!

Rickey is not alone in this case.  He told officers that his “partner” also patrols a parking lot in the 100 block of 100 NW 25^th Street.  Officers changed their location and found Rickey’s partner who we will refer to as “Sonny” from Miami Vice.  “Sonny” was also sporting a distinctive “police” uniform.  His consisted of a white T-shirt with “Security Police” in giant yellow letters.  Perhaps there was a two for one sale at the print shop.  “Sonny” being a typical Miami Vice officer, was wearing blue athletic shorts along with flip flops which I assume is the summer uniform.  He was questioned and released because it was clear he did not look like a real police officer although officers did find the same exact type of 8 mm pistol inside his “Ferrari” which was actually not a Ferrari but a red Pontiac Grand Am.

Rickey Wayne Anthony was transported to jail and charged with Impersonating a Public Servant.  He was released to Mansfield Correctional Facility where he will await his destiny in a real court room from a real judge.  And with that I conclude the second edition of Hendo’s Pick of the Week.