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Saving the day


UPD chief

commends  officer for heroic act

Kimberly Rubio

Assistant editor

Before Uvalde City Council, co-workers, family and friends gathered Tuesday, Uvalde Police Department patrol officer James P. Calliham was awarded a lifesaving and meritorious award for his efforts to remove a motorist from a burning vehicle.

The incident began around 4 a.m. on Dec. 20, when motorists traveling along U.S Highway 90 began to call in reports of a driver, Everett Lorenzo, driving recklessly in Sabinal and west through Uvalde County.

In response, Calliham parked his patrol vehicle in the 3100 block of East Main Street, where using a radar he clocked Lorenzo traveling at 100 mph. Calliham notified the department’s dispatch center and activated his emergency lights and sirens.

The officer lost sight of the vehicle until he came upon the crash site, where several witnesses were attempting to remove Lorenzo from the vehicle.

“Officer Calliham quickly assessed the dire situation and observed a man trapped inside the burning vehicle,” said UPD chief Daniel Rodriguez. “Officer Calliham ran back to his patrol unit and retrieved his fire extinguisher in an attempt to put out the fire as much as possible. Officer Calliham reported he heard popping noises coming from the vehicle and that is when Officer Calliham and other good samaritans, disregarding their own personal safety, were able to cut the driver side seatbelt and pulled the driver out of the burning vehicle.”

Calliham, who graduated from the Middle Rio Grande Law Enforcement Academy at Southwest Texas Junior College in 2017, joined the local department in July of 2018. He was previously employed as a reserve deputy for the Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office.

Calliham is the son of Patricia and Jimmy Calliham. Jimmy Calliham has been in law enforcement for 30 years and previously worked as a patrol officer with the Uvalde Police Department. He is now employed with the SWTJC campus police force.

Citizen’s input

Uvalde resident Diana Karau asked council to consider regulating the number of rental properties allowed per neighborhood.

Karau, who resides in the 800 block of East Nopal Street, said properties owned by absentee owners are often left unkept and that decreases property values.

Uvalde Mayor Dons McLaughlin directed staff to look into the matter.

“We need to be careful. We are not a homeowners association,” said Councilman Rogelio Muñoz. “We are a municipality.”

Celebrate Texas

Council approved a request by Main Street Manager Susan Rios and Uvalde Good Eggs representative Jan Elliot for use of the downtown plaza on March 2 for a “Celebrate Texas” event. Uvalde Good Eggs hired a performer who travels the state as Sam Houston to perform that evening at the Uvalde Grand Opera House.

Exhibits and demonstrations, which will be from the 1800s era of Texas History, will take place in the downtown plaza from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Other business

Council approved the purchase of a track loader in the amount of $531,094 for the public works department. The department currently owns a 2001 973c Caterpillar track loader, which is in need of costly repairs. According to public works director Juan Zamora, the equipment is used daily at the landfill.

Council approved the mayor’s appointment of Elizabeth Chapa-Vasquez to the housing authority board.

Council also designated the Uvalde Leader-News as the official newspaper for the city of Uvalde. The city is required to designate an official newspaper for the publication of most ordinances adopted by city council and other official notices.

A request by Arnulfo Reyes for a special use permit for an accessory dwelling unit was also approved. The property is located at 826 W. Leona St.

Council authorized the police department to destroy surplus office equipment and old wiring harnesses.

A closed session was also held to discuss economic development negotiations and consult with attorney regarding the ongoing litigation involving the Edwards Aquifer Authority. No action was taken.

Kimberly Rubio|Leader-NewsUvalde Police Department Chief Daniel Rodriguez (right) with patrol officer James P. Calliham after presenting Calliham with a lifesaving and meritorious award for efforts to remove a motorist from a burning vehicle. The award was presented Tuesday in council chambers at city hall.

Kimberly Rubio|Leader-NewsUvalde Police Department Chief Daniel Rodriguez (right) with patrol officer James P. Calliham after presenting Calliham with a lifesaving and meritorious award for efforts to remove a motorist from a burning vehicle. The award was presented Tuesday in council chambers at city hall.

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