Palestine Police Officer Patsy Smith has been tapped to lead the department. Smith, currently a code enforcement officer, will become a reserve officer in order to lead Community Services.

Community Services will encompass many of the responsibilities the former Parks and Recreation department had, including maintenance of the city’s parks and cemeteries, event planning and maintenance of city facilities, like the Palestine Mall and the Civic Center. Community Services also will house the Code Enforcement division. Smith said she is excited to begin work at Community Services.

“It’s a new adventure to be able to grow with the city and to look at a new outlook, because I am going into a new avenue, a new road. So, now I get to see a whole different aspect of the city,” she said.

Smith has served the Palestine Police Department for her entire career in a variety of capacities. She is well known with residents for her work as community liasion and in code enforcement.

“I’ve kind of gotten my name out there with the public and the community,” Smith said. “So, now I actually get to do a different aspect of helping out the community.”

The Community Services office will continue to be located inside the Palestine Mall, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 903-731- 8435.

– City of Palestine