Southlake DPS
The Southlake Rotary Club hosted National Night Out this past weekend, where they connected the community to its first responders with Southlake DPS. Each year, the Rotary Club has recognized at least one Southlake DPS employee as the firefighter or police officer of the year.
But this year, the Rotary Club was able to honor both departments, with Southlake City Councilmember John Huffman presenting the honors.
“I think this is a great thing for the rotary to do,” fire emergency manager Amanda Meneses says. “The men and women of Southlake DPS work hard every day, and this token of recognition is meaningful.”
Amanda was recognized as the Fire Person of the Year at the National Night Out event. She says she’s been with Southlake DPS for two years, and she considers one of her biggest accomplishments to be preparing citizens, visitors and employees for potential large-scale emergencies or disasters through the department’s emergency management plan.
“I have only been with DPS for a short period of time, “ Amanda says. “However when you start here, you immediately know that you are serving with top-notch individuals who love their job. There is no room for mediocrity."
Police detective Thomas Roberson was recognized as the Police Officer of the Year at National Night Out. Thomas says he’s worked for six years in law enforcement, and all of them have been in Southlake.
“My first year working for Southlake was a bit of a rollercoaster of experiences,” Thomas says. “Having worked for Southlake for six years, I understand the city’s goals and values for its citizens and employees, and I feel I have a part in that.”
Both Amanda and Thomas say they were thankful for the recognition from the Southlake Rotary Club and feel lucky to work for a supportive community.
"It felt wonderful to know that my efforts in the fire department do not go unseen and that what I do makes a difference," Amanda says.