Three Honored for Service with TJJD Office of Inspector General

Left: Lt. Johnny Thomas receives his certificate. Right:

SIO Alex De La Garza receives his certificate.

AUSTIN, Texas – The TJJD Office of the Inspector General (OIG) said farewell to three of its employees in December, sending them off with a ceremony in the Lone Star Conference Room at Central Office. The departing employees, two of whom are retiring from decades-long state service, received framed flags and certificates commemorating their careers.

Lt. Johnny Thomas retired after 23 years of state service split between TJJD and Texas Youth Commission (10-plus years) and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice .

OIG Sgt. Tom Hamilton presented Thomas with a custom-made rifle that Hamilton had ordered just for his friend and fellow officer. Hamilton was uniquely positioned to procure this gift, a 35 Whelen on Mauser action rifle, for gun collector Thomas because Hamilton’s father is a gunsmith. He presented the rifle as a gift from both dad and son.

SIO (Security Intelligence Officer) Alex De La Garza also received a certificate and congratulations on his retirement after 27 years of state service, which encompassed 24 years at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and the last three years at TJJD.

Sgt. Steven Reaves, who was not able to attend, also was honored at the ceremony. Reaves leaves TJJD after nearly 10 years of state service.

Thomas, whose career in law enforcement began in 1973 in West Texas where he served various police agencies, expects to spend his retirement hunting, fishing, riding his Harley Davidson and continuing to build his gun collection.

De La Garza says he’ll enjoy life and consider a new state job if the right one comes along.

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. “In case a youth i

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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