Tagged: SAPD

Fiesta gets underway tomorrow and the Boston Marathon bombings have San Antonio police and firefighters strengthening their presence to make sure people stay safe during the 11-day celebration.

Fiesta is San Antonio's way to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto and it all started in 1891 with a hugely successful Battle of Flowers Parade.

Though the years since have been full of fun and festivities, there was one incident that changed everything.

The Texas Department of Transportation is reviving its Fiesta Safe voucher program this year to offer free cab rides to intoxicated individuals.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus echoed the words of other law enforcement agencies on catching drunk drivers.

"If you drink and drive, you’re going to get caught," McManus said. "It’s just a matter of when. When you do, it’s going to cost you a lot of money and a lot of heartache that you don’t need."

Last year San Antonio Police reported that dozens of people were struck and killed crossing busy roadways. As a result, Police Chief William McManus instituted stricter jaywalking policies.

However, people continued illegally crossing the street, and one area where it kept happening was on Fredericksburg Road, which sees more than 16,000 cars each day.

 In the first 27 days of Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau's time in office, three sheriff’s deputies have been arrested under the suspicion of DWI. To discourage deputies from driving while drunk, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Bexar County is providing free cab rides those who need a ride home.

Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau said a deputy relaxing when they’re off-duty is understandable.

The 100 Club of San Antonio received an undisclosed large donation from car dealer Red McCombs on Friday as part of the company’s Partnership in Education Fund.

The organization provides financial support for the family of fallen law enforcement officers from any jurisdiction in Bexar County.

Director of Operations for Red McCombs Enterprises Speedy Gonzalez said a quarterly contribution will continue through car sales following this initial donation.