Goliad, Texas may be small, but it is the third oldest municipality in the state and is literally drenched in history stretching back almost five hundred years. Founded in the 16th century by the Spaniards as Santa Dorotea it became Goliad on February 4, 1829. Today’s Goliad County has 1,000 square miles and only 7,000 citizens.
Like many rural communities nationwide, Goliad struggles with an aging population. The hoping to prevent younger people from bolting to more exciting environments thought to be found in Dallas or Houston. Eighteen percent of Goliad’s population is over 65 compared with 10% statewide.
As the head law enforcement officer in the County, Sheriff Robert DeLaGarza and his head deputy William J. “Bill” Schaefer oversee the usual duties of a Sheriff’s department and still find time and resources to pursue special programs such as D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training)
Beyond that, they’re vitally concerned with the welfare of the growing population of Seniors within the County, taking responsibility for providing each resident in need with a free working 911 access cell phone and charger. The first distribution was at the Senior Citizens Center in early April, attended by Sheriff DeLaGarza and Chief Deputy Schaefer. A follow-up program is planned at the La Bahia Adult Day Care center.
Secure the Call wishes to thank and recognize the efforts of Chief Deputy Schaefer as the head of the program. As our first Community Partner to distribute phones in Texas, we are proud to be associated with him and the Sheriff’s Department of Goliad.
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