TERRELL—As hundreds gathered in Rockwall for Officer Candanozas's Memorial Service, Terrell Mayor Rick Carmona told inForney.com that the true Terrell spirit has been displayed even in the darkest times.
TERRELL—As hundreds gathered in Rockwall for Officer Candanozas's Memorial Service, Terrell Mayor Rick Carmona told inForney.com that the true Terrell spirit has been displayed even in the darkest times.
In an interview with inForney.com’s Will Busby, Mayor Carmona said that relationships are the secret to unity, which has been displayed over the last week. The Mayor played football with Terrell’s Fire Chief and said the Council comprises Terrell graduates. He says strong relationships and mutual respect move Terrell forward.
“In Terrell, we can agree to disagree respectfully, but we always come together to support one another in the good and challenging times,” said Mayor Carmona.
Pointing out that actions speak louder than words, Mayor Carmona said the City Council’s commitment to First Responders has been evident throughout the last week.
“The Police force, Fire Department, and all First Responders are the top priority to the Council. It’s one thing to say it, but it’s another to show it.”
Terrell has boldly shown that commitment. At the Candlelight Vigil for Officer Candanoza, Mayor Carmona, City Manager Mike Sims, the Terrell Police Chief, the Council, and Terrell Police Officers all came together to figuratively and literally hold each other up, comfort each other and the community, and pledge their support to Officer Candanoza’s family. They were joined by hundreds of people from Terrell and other cities who showed up to pay their respects.
Alison Walker, Terrell's Public Information Officer, said that she has lived in Terrell since 1991 and can’t imagine living anywhere else.
“Throughout the last week, Terrell has come together to mourn, grieve, and build each other up,” said Alison Walker. “I’m proud to live in Terrell, to work here, to serve here, and I can’t imagine living elsewhere.”
Terrell and all of Kaufman County are growing at an unprecedented rate, with new business opportunities happening almost daily.
Still, the Mayor says that when he meets with developers and decision-makers, the relationships they build aren't just for now; they're to sustain and cultivate relationships that ultimately become part of the city's bedrock.
As for Officer Candanoza and his family, Mayor Carmona told inForney.com that the moment Officer Candanoza joined the Terrell Police Department, they were forever part of the Terrell family.
“Once Officer Candanoza and his wife became part of the police force, they became part of the family in our city,” said Mayor Carmona.
“As the family mourns, Terrell’s leadership mourns with them. This is a dark day, but brighter days are to come. Terrell will be there for them when they need us.”