March 19, 2003

Public Safety Heroes honored in recent incident in Town Center

THE WOODLANDS, Texas (March 19, 2003) – Town Center Improvement District (TCID), various retailers located in The Woodlands Town Center and students from Lamar Elementary honored four public safety individuals and two horses in a special event today.

Sergeant Brice Herring and Deputy Jason Moore of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office were honored for the capture of two suspects wanted in the aggravated assaults on two Alpha & Omega Troopers and their horses. Sergeant Rick Parsons and Trooper Monty Bell of Alpha & Omega Royal Courtesy Mounted Patrol were honored, along with their horses Maverick and Bar Fly, for their bravery and courage.

“These individuals are heroes,” said TCID President Frank W. Robinson. “Bravery and courage describe each of these individuals. We’re certainly proud of their efforts in keeping The Woodlands Town Center a safe place to shop, dine, play and stay.”

On March 4, 2003, Alpha & Omega Royal Courtesy Mounted Patrol and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to a call concerning shoplifters in Town Center. Two Mounted Patrol Troopers on horseback were hit by the alleged suspect’s vehicle during the suspect’s attempt to evade security personnel. Through a communication system established by TCID, Sheriff’s deputies were notified of the developing events and responded as the suspects attempted to evade arrest. The suspects were later arrested on Interstate 45 by the two Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies.

“Town Center Improvement District is committed to public safety,” Robinson said. “Through innovative communication programs created by TCID, law enforcement agencies and security companies work diligently to achieve the low crime rates realized in The Woodlands Town Center.”

Students from Lamar Elementary, which is near The Woodlands Town Center, presented a special giant card and banner for the honorees containing every student’s signature in the school. School representative Karen Booren was pleased of her student’s concerns. “They have the total respect of the horses and deputies,” Ms. Booren said.

"Alpha & Omega Troopers are on the front lines every day helping to safeguard patrons and property of the Town Center Improvement District,” said Frank Keller, president of Alpha & Omega. “We are proud of Rick Parsons and Monty Bell and their horses Maverick and Bar Fly and are relieved that they were not seriously injured. We believe their extensive training and bravery helped to contain the situation and save others from harm. Their heroism is acknowledged and honored by all the Troopers and staff at A&O. We salute them."

Since its inception in 1994, TCID’s major emphasis has been on public safety. TCID accomplishes this mission through interlocal agreements with local law enforcement agencies and engages the services of the Alpha & Omega Royal Courtesy Mounted Patrol (A&O).

Through the support of TCID, local law enforcement agencies and mounted patrol are part of a total public safety program in Town Center, an area that has one of the lowest in crime rates in the nation, according to CapRisk, Inc., a leader in crime rate statistics.

TCID initiated a radio frequency for law enforcement and private security units to work together to assist each other in the apprehension of suspects.

Since the inception of TCID, Alpha & Omega has played an integral role in the overall public safety program. Alpha & Omega is the nation's oldest and largest private mounted horse patrol provider. Alpha & Omega professional troopers patrol venues nationwide, including The Woodlands Town Center. Confident, friendly, highly-trained troopers and their horses foster improved safety and public relations. This, in turn, promotes goodwill to guests and deters anyone whose goal is not consistent with public safety.

Town Center Improvement District is a public entity committed to maintaining The Woodlands Town Center and surrounding area, as the best possible place in which to live, work, shop, and invest.