Cypress South November 2017

Bill Powell (left), director of transportation, opens the Appreciation Luncheon by welcoming
officers and members from supporting departments.
women in blue. It’s the transformation from what started as a simple idea to give thanks and a grill
outside the Telge Transportation Center cooking hamburgers and hot dogs.
Bill Powell, director of transportation, bought retired Chief Alan Bragg lunch one day six years ago, picking
up the tab on a hamburger to show his appreciation. It turned into burgers and hot dogs. Then came Bridget
Roome, transportation data management specialist and her husband Paul, facilities and construction special
projects manager, who took the luncheon to the next level.
Eric Mendez, CFISD chief of
police, gives a few remarks
to those in attendance at the
fifth annual CFPD/Security
Department Appreciation
Luncheon.
Workers from the departments served lunch and even provided musical entertainment to the honored
guests. CFISD campuses and transportation centers joined in the effort, buying “We Love CFPD” shirts
to help support the luncheon. The luncheon received more than $15,000 in donations and officer
giveaways from area businesses and individuals.
In addition to simply giving thanks, Powell said the luncheon was also a chance for fellowship between
the departments. It helped ease frustration and differing philosophies when Powell and Bragg met for
lunch and has become a way for entire departments do the same.
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November 2017 | Cypress Community Newsletter