Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 22, 2003

This week in Metro (Sept. 22, 2003)

Metro Transit Police Department graduates additional officers

Three more officers join MTPD
The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) graduated three more officers in a brief ceremony this morning, September 22, at Metro headquarters. Strengthening the number of officers on the force, the following recruit graduates joined the force after nearly a year of classroom and practical application training:

∙ Trudy Blackett, resident of Suitland, Maryland

∙ Alicia M. Loney, resident of Washington, DC

∙ Christopher J. McLoughlin, resident of Washington, DC

As do all officers in the nationally certified Metro Transit Police Department, these newly sworn officers will have to know and uphold the laws of three jurisdictions -- the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. It is believed that MTPD is the only tri-jurisdictional police department in the nation. These officers will continue to work under the supervision of veteran officers while they participate in field work for the next10 weeks.

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month Metro to Celebrate the Month on October 9 Metro will sponsor a program honoring Hispanic contributions to the transportation industry during the month (September 15 through October 15) nationally designated as Hispanic Heritage Month. Metro’s program will take place on October 9 at Metro headquarters. The program will be emceed by Angel Cabrera, manager of Metro’s Revenue Operations, and will feature an Hispanic Business Person of the Year, a slide show honoring Hispanic achievements, and informational materials about the Hispanic culture. Flags of the various countries representing Hispanic heritage and culture are being displayed in the lobby of Metro headquarters during this month.

In addition to recognizing Hispanics at this program, early in the month, Metro’s Human Resources Management Program joined the D.C. Office of Latino Affairs for an employment outreach effort at the Cardozo Senior High School in the District; and the offices of Civil Rights and Procurement joined in an outreach program for Hispanic businesses in the metropolitan region.

Upcoming Events Accessible by Metro
∙ Now through October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month; the month recognizes the traditions, ancestry, and experiences of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean; employees of Hispanic origin make up 2.9 percent of WMATA’s work force. This recognition began September 15.

∙ October 11-13, 2003, The 12th Annual Taste of DC, A Salute to Our City, on Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 14th streets, NW; free admission; Metro will sponsor a booth on Pennsylvania Avenue and 11th Street, NW, where visitors can obtain information to learn more about the Metro system. Visitors to A Taste of DC can take Metro’s Red, Orange/Blue Lines to Metro Center; Orange/Blue Lines to Federal Triangle; or Green Line to Archives-Navy Memorial; or Metrobus routes 30, 32, 34, 35, or 36 to this event.

∙ October 21-26, 2003, The 45th Washington International Horse Show, at the MCI Center; if attendees show their Metro farecard, SmarTrip card, or bus transfer, they can receive $5 off any regular ticket; the nearest Metrorail station is Gallery Place-Chinatown on the Red, Green, or Yellow Lines; the nearest Metrobus routes are the 70, 80, and X2.

∙ October 24 to 26, Boo at the Zoo, an evening of not-too-scary fun featuring animal encounters, festive decorations, and haunted trails for enjoyment by families with children. All adults and children, ages 2 and older, must have tickets. Attendees are encouraged to take Metrobus or Metrorail to the Woodley Par-Zoo/Adams Morgan station. To plan your trip, visit the RideGuide at www.metroopensdoors.com.

Board Meetings Scheduled
The Human Resources Committee will convene on Thursday, September 25, 2003, at 9 a.m., and a special " Hurricane Isabel" Operations Committee meeting will be held at 10 a.m. The first two meetings will be in the Meeting Room. The full Board meeting will be at 11 a.m. in the Board Room. Both rooms are adjacent to the lobby at Metro headquarters, 600 Fifth Street, N.W. To hear a recording about upcoming meetings, date and time changes for meetings, or the results of the last meeting, call 202-962-1055. To hear quotes by Metro experts, call MetroVoices at 202-962-2007.

News release issued on September 22, 2003.