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DeSoto Police Chief Joseph Costa has been named one of the finalists for the top cop job in the city of Austin.

Costa is a candidate for the currently unoccupied chief role in the Texas capital and could be soon headed to Austin.

He is among more than 30 candidates that are being considered for the position.

Costa first arrived in DeSoto in 2012 from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department where he worked since 2005.  

Before relocating to Texas, Costa had a distinguished 25-year career with the Massachusetts State Police.

His roles included patrol officer, radar enforcement, homicide investigations, narcotics, and Internal Affairs.

He also served on the Massachusetts Governor’s Auto Theft Task Force, the DEA Task Force, and worked with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

In Texas, Costa continued his law enforcement career, serving as a Sergeant/Investigator with the Texas Lottery Commission and as an Investigator with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Education from Boston University and a Master’s Proficiency Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLOE).

Costa is also a graduate of the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy and the FBI National Academy.

“We believe in Chief Joe and are supportive of any path that he chooses to pursue,” said DeSoto Mayor Rachel L. Proctor in a statement.

“Joe is a valuable member of our community and has done an excellent job of building a police department that we are proud of and that serves the people of DeSoto well.”

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The cities of DeSoto and Lancaster are gearing up to host a grand 4th of July Fireworks Show on Thursday, July 4.

The event takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This free event promises an evening of patriotic celebration, live performances, and family fun at Grimes Park.  

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m., with festivities starting at 6:00 PM.

Headlining the concert is The Bar-Kays featuring Larry Dodson with additional performances including the Natural Change Band, Dominique Hammons, and the GoGo Band.

These acts aim to energize the crowd and provide a memorable evening.

The event will also feature children’s activities, games for all ages, and a variety of food vendors.

The highlight of the night will be the fireworks show, scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m., promising a special and captivating display.

Admission and parking are free and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots and enjoy the full range of activities.

The DeSoto and Lancaster communities are invited to join in this celebration of the nation’s independence.

For more information and to RSVP visit Eventbrite.com.

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The DeSoto Senior Activity Center is set to host its 3rd Annual Ice Cream and Friends Social on Thursday, June 27th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The event will be a day filled with ice cream, food, music, and games, fostering community and fun for all attendees.

Sponsored by Councilman Andre Byrd and presented by the DeSoto Parks and Recreation, the Ice Cream Social aims to bring together residents for a delightful summer gathering.

The event will be held at 204 Lion Street and will offer a refreshing and enjoyable experience, especially for seniors in the community.

The event will feature a range of ice cream flavors and food options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Attendees can look forward to music and games, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Classic cars will be on display, adding a nostalgic touch to the event.

Volunteers are welcome to assist with the event and can express their interest by contacting the senior center.

In addition to ice cream and entertainment, the social event helps emphasize the importance of social interaction and engagement, particularly for the senior residents of DeSoto.

For more information or to volunteer, residents can call 972-230-5825.

The DeSoto Parks and Recreation Department encourages everyone to mark their calendars and join in the fun at this year’s Ice Cream and Friends Social.

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Juneteenth, a national holiday marking the end of slavery following the Civil War in 1865, has been celebrated by Black Americans for decades.

However, it wasn’t officially recognized as a federal holiday until three years ago.

Many across the country celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

The holiday is often celebrated with prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings, and picnics.

Recently, on June 15, the cities of DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster celebrated Juneteenth with their annual Juneteenth Celebration.

The holiday is observed every year by the Best Southwest Communities with a festival, music, food, and dancing.

The annual observance marks the day on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

It would be more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

In 2021, Juneteenth was designated a federal holiday, thanks in part to the efforts of activist Opal Lee in raising awareness.

The day is also observed internationally, with organizations in various countries using it to recognize the end of slavery and honor the culture and achievements of Black Americans.

As Juneteenth is recognized and celebrated, the holiday provides an opportunity for reflection and to honor those who fought for freedom, justice, and equality, as well as to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and achievements of Black Americans.

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The DeSoto Police and Fire Departments have released their call volume reports for the week of June 2 to June 8, detailing a busy period for emergency services in the city.

The DeSoto Police Department handled a total of 2,332 calls during this period.

Most of these were neighborhood patrol calls, which accounted for 767, a 4% increase from last week’s 738 of the total directed patrols, followed by 360 calls.

Business-related calls numbered 256, while animal-related incidents prompted 76 calls.

Officers responded to 58 calls regarding suspicious activity and handled 301 traffic-related incidents.

Meanwhile, the DeSoto Fire Department responded to 232 emergency calls for service in the same week.

Of these, 164 were medical calls, highlighting the critical role of medical response in the department’s operations.

The remaining 68 calls were categorized under fire and rescue, including 4 major vehicle accidents, 1 Diesel Tanker Fire, 1 Car Fire, 1 Trash Fire, and 14 Fire Alarms.

Notably, 84 medical calls required additional assistance and manpower from a fire engine.

The data from these reports provide valuable insights into the types of emergencies and routine calls that the city’s first responders handle, aiding in the continuous improvement of their efforts.

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