2016 Annual Report 2016 Annual Report | Page 50

State Fair of Texas Unveils Big Tex’s Colossal Clothing The State Fair of Texas held its annual unveiling of the colossal clothing that will be worn by Big Tex at this year’s fair. The Dallas Police Department was surprised and honored by a new accessory that was added to Big Tex’s outfit this year. Situated prominently on the front of his shirt is a blue ribbon with a Dallas Police badge. Karissa Condoianis of the State Fair of Texas said, “the ribbon is in memory of those DART and Dallas Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty on Thursday, July 7, 2016. Big Tex will wear it for the entire 2016 State Fair.” The Dallas Police Department is very touched by this show of support from our partners at the State Fair of Texas. We are so grateful to have our fallen brothers honored at such a famed event in our city. Thank you again to the State Fair of Texas! 49 Quilts for Peace On Thursday, September 22, 2016, representatives from Quilts for Peace presented Assistant Chief Christina Smith and the Dallas Police Department with handmade quilts for the families of the fallen officers in the July 7th attack. The organization also provided quits to the officers who were injured in that shooting, along with Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown, City Manager A.C. Gonzalez, and Mayor Mike Rawlings. Quilts for Peace is an organization comprised of the Dallas Modern Quilt Guild, the Fort Worth Modern Quilt Guild, and the McKinney Modern Quilt Guild. Although geographically different, they are all on one accord and began making quilts for the fallen officers and other involved immediately after that tragic day. On behalf of the Dallas Police Department, thank you to Quilts for Peace, we are truly grateful for your generosity. Teddy Bears on Patrol On Thursday, September 29, 2016, representatives from Sodexo USA of the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas presented the Dallas Police Department with more than 400 teddy bears. The teddy bears were donated to Sodexo USA by employees at the Federal Reserve Bank and will be equally distributed to all patrol divisions. They will be given out by police officers on patrol so see the need to brighten up someone’s day. On behalf of the Dallas Police Department, thank you to Sodexo USA and the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas for your kindness and generosity. 50