Shiner Police Department passes state audit, recognizes officers

  • Sgt. Chris Kalina, right, was recognized for saving a woman from a house fire that occurred in early April. Police Chief Wayne Denson presents him with a plaque. Not pictured is Officer William Miller, who assisted in that call. Photo by Clayton Kelley.
    Sgt. Chris Kalina, right, was recognized for saving a woman from a house fire that occurred in early April. Police Chief Wayne Denson presents him with a plaque. Not pictured is Officer William Miller, who assisted in that call. Photo by Clayton Kelley.
  • Councilman Gus Jaehne is stepping down from his position as a councilmember, after 16 years of combined service for the City of Shiner. Pictured are, left to right, Natalie Fric, Brady Brown, Jaehne, Mayor Fred Hilscher, David Schroeder, Joey Gamez and Greg Murrile. Photo by Clayton Kelley.
    Councilman Gus Jaehne is stepping down from his position as a councilmember, after 16 years of combined service for the City of Shiner. Pictured are, left to right, Natalie Fric, Brady Brown, Jaehne, Mayor Fred Hilscher, David Schroeder, Joey Gamez and Greg Murrile. Photo by Clayton Kelley.

    The Shiner Police Department gave an audit report to city council at the May 4th meeting. 
    This audit was done by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). “We passed the audit and inspection with no deficiencies,” Police Chief Wayne Denson said. 
    “The audit was comprehensive and included inspection of facilities, equipment, administrative records, personnel, protocols and department policies. It also covered body armor for compliance with the National Institute of Justice standards.”
    Also at the meeting, Denson praised Sergeant Chris Kalina and Officer William Miller for assisting in a house fire. The house was struck by lightning, and these officers extracted a woman who was trapped inside the house. “This happened on April 12 and it was a structure fire in the Midway area,” Denson said. 
    “Sgt. Kalina and Miller responded to the scene. There was an elderly woman trapped inside and they were able to extract the woman, saving her life.”
    Councilman Gus Jaehne was also recognized for 16 years of combined service for the City of Shiner. “Gus provided a lot of knowledge and patience and has been the voice of reason on this council,” Councilman David Schroeder said in his invocation. “We thank you God for allowing him to serve with us.”
    Fire Chief Billy Petru Jr. gave a report on the fire department. It was reported that the Shiner firefighters had 650 hours on scene last year, with 442 hours of training. Petru also said the new fire station has been working really well for the department. 
    The fire department also ordered a new tanker pumper as the last one was 26 years old. “This will allow us to have enough water to fight structure fires in the country,” Petru said. 
    The recent firefighter cookoff and car show was also a success. There were 94 cars in the car show with 34 barbecue cookers. 
    Other items on the agenda include:
    • Council approved a request from the Chamber of Commerce to hang banners, park rental and approval of the parade route for Half Moon Holidays which will be held the weekend of July 3. The Chamber will be pushing activities to Friday due to the Emotions playing at the Spoetzl Brewery on Saturday. The cookoff will still be Friday and Saturday. Fireworks will be on that Friday pending sponsorships from businesses. The parade will still be on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m.
    • Council made no action on junked vehicles.