Hays County Commissioners Preview New Animated SRP Video, Honor GJC Corrections Cadet

By, Terra Rivers, Managing Editor

On Tuesday, January 15, the Hays County Commissioners Court issued three proclamations and received a presentation on the new animated Standard Response Protocol video among the 40 items on their agenda.

The meeting opened with a presentation by the Office of Emergency Services on the Standard Response Protocol Animated Video for Pre-K to 2nd-grade students.

Commissioners watched a clip of the new video before its national debut at a press conference, which took place at 11 AM on Tuesday at the Hays Consolidated Independent School District’s Performing Arts Center in Kyle.

The video was part of a cooperative project between Texas State University, the Hays County Office of Emergency Services and local school districts to help “young school students better understand and remember standard response protocols.”

The video is an hour-long animated feature designed to keep the interest of young students and explain Standard Response Protocols in terms they can understand.

Kharley Smith, Hays County Emergency Services Director, said she wishes it wasn’t necessary to train and teach this to “our kids,” but she wants them to be prepared for any situation.

In other news, commissioners issued three proclamations. Commissioners proclaimed January 21, 2019, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This year’s special observance will be a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the civil rights activist’s 89^th birthday on Monday; the event will begin at the LBJ / MLK Crossroads Memorial followed by a Silent March to First Baptist Church NBC.

Members of the Dunbar Heritage Association were present to accept the proclamation. The organization will host an additional event for children at the San Marcos Public Library on Saturday, January 19, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the “extraordinary life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr” with a special storytime followed by arts and crafts and other “fun, educational activities.”

Gary Job Corps Corrections Cadet, Michael Lewis, was honored for his “heroic response in providing lifesaving first aid” during the isolated stabbing incident that took place at Sights & Sounds of Christmas in December 2018.

On December 5, 2018, Cadet Lewis was a member of the Gary Security Team volunteering at Sights & Sounds when he encountered a male subject near the basketball courts in City Park who had been stabbed in the neck.

According to officials, the emergency first aid provided by Cadet Lewis was instrumental in the survival of the victim. The victim was transported to Seton Hays Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Commissioners named January 15, 2019, GJC Corrections Cadet, “Michael Lewis Day.”

Commissioners also recognized the Wimberley Lions Club’s 50^th anniversary and the organization’s work in the community since its inception with a proclamation.

In 2018, the dollar value of the Wimberley Lions Club donations through the years surpassed 4 million dollars. Commissioners honored the Wimberley Lions Club members for their service to Hays County. 

Judge Ruben Becerra was absent for yesterday’s meeting due to training.