Split Second Decisions: How Would You React?

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department Senior Officer Jimmy Olivas and his 14-year-old daughter were recently faced with a situation that called for quick thinking. On June 30, they were on I-10 East following behind an SUV that appeared to be exiting the freeway, but then the driver changed her mind at the last minute.

The SUV hit the exit barriers, which caused the vehicle to flip over and as a result, two small children were ejected. Before he could bring his own car to a complete stop, Olivas’ daughter was out of the car, running across morning traffic to gather up one of the children from the freeway. This little girl, who was not more than four or five years old, was severely injured and would not have been able to move on her own.

The second child, who had been thrown to the middle of the freeway, stood up dazed and confused, directly in the path of a semi-truck. Miraculously, at the last second, the child took a small step to the side and avoided being hit by the truck. Olivas’ daughter was able to then also grab this child and carry him to safety.

An off-duty paramedic happened upon the scene and rushed in to help. Olivas and the paramedic pulled a 9-month-old baby and 10-year-old girl from the crushed SUV. As Olivas checked the baby for injuries, he also tried to calm both the baby and mother as emergency personnel worked on the other children.

If Officer Olivas and his daughter had not been there, this accident could have had dire consequences and this family would have suffered tremendous loss. After all this, being the ever dedicated employee, Olivas dropped his daughter off at home and reported to work.

PHOTO: El Paso JDP Senior Officer Jimmy Olivas and his daughter

McFadden Sends Youth Home with Backpack of 'Hope'

By Y. Denise Caldwell Community Resource Coordinator, Northern District Parole Office FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Larry Bossaler, McFadden volunteer McFadden Ranch Volunteer Larry Bossaler enjoys his assignment: Making sure that every youth who leaves the McFadden halfway house knows that people are praying for him and wishing him the best in his future. He is the man who brings them their “Good-Bye” backpack. When he delivers the backpacks, he makes sure to do three things – visit with the youth, show the contents of the backpack (because staff put them in the lockers until the youth leaves), and lastly close the visit with a heartfelt prayer. The youth enjoy and appreciate the backpack, the visit and the prayer. Many are a little anxious and scared to leave but knowing that the McFadden volunteers care enough to send them off in this special way, helps them feel a bit less worried. “I always bring an extra backpack,” Larry said. ...

McFadden Ranch High School Graduates Honored

DENTON, Texas -- The Kiwanis Club of Denton recognized nine youth from McFadden Ranch who earned their high school diploma or equivalency by inviting them to their April 17 noon meeting and luncheon where they were awarded $50 each for their trust fund. Spearheaded by JCO IV Gregory Winn, a longstanding member of the Kiwanis Club of Denton, the event was truly memorable for the youth who attended. They heard a motivational and moving presentation by Texas Rep. Pat Fallon, who completed the Greatest Endurance Challenge – the World Marathon Challenge – tackling seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. He took the challenge after being inspired by Jonny Wade, a 7-year-old boy who battled pediatric cancer and had only one wish – ‘that no other kid ever gets cancer.’ Wade’s death led to the creation of Pediatric Cancer Foundation for which Fallon raised over $250,000 so far. Fallon, who represents a portion of Denton County, said the takeaway from his experience is that we ...

IN MEMORY AND APPRECIATION: Trayce Haynes Alexander

Trayce Haynes Alexander, of Cat Spring, Texas passed away in April. She was a JCO IV at the Giddings State School and began her employment with the Texas Youth Commission on January 5, 2009, as a JCO III. She was promoted to a JCO IV on April 1, 2010. Trayce was a hardworking, loyal and dedicated staff member and friend. Her number one priority was the youth in her dorm and she would drive one hour and forty minutes everyday (even in ill health) to try to make a difference in the lives of the youth she worked with. She was well respected by both staff and youth due to her extraordinary work ethic. The boys could always depend on her to hold them accountable. She is survived by her husband Geoff Alexander and two daughters, Kristyn and Robyn Alexander. Trayce was born on September 3, 1952. She earned a BS from Southwest Texas State University in Law Enforcement.

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