Tina is a 52-year-old Proud Austinite and 3 months after she graduated high school, she was involved in a horrific accident and was hit by a car. She suffered a severered right leg and numerous intesinal issues. The doctors were able to work diligently and keep her on this earth!
Tina joined the workforce a few years after her accident and eventually landed a job with the Austin Police Department in November of 2001 as a 911 Dispact Operator. She worked her way up to Communications Supervisor before I retired in October of 2024. During her tenure she became one of the faces of APD. Tina joined the APD Run Team and competed in many local races in her wheelchair. To this day she still getsstopped by people out in public who remember her and ask "Don't you work for APD? I remember when you when we did our races."
During her 911/dispatch tenure Tina was also involved with APD's community engagement team and was part of the volunteer group that would go to cheer on the athletes of the Special Olympics Texas. She also engaged with the Coffee with a Cop events. Tina is especially proud of the time she was one of the recipients of an FBI's Directors Anual Award for Excelence which she received for her hard work during the Austin bombings in March of 2018. She and fellow officers were flown to Washington, DC to accept the award from the Director of the FBI himself.
During her time as an active wheelchair racer, she re-injured hery knee numerous times aand it's slowly starting to cause me problems. Tina is have difficulty navigating parts of her home. She is currently pursuing a career change and has enrolled in online school for Medical Billing and Coding, which will help her stay employeed while her mobility limits activities. Her prior experience with the APD has helped transition into getting foot in the door in a medical office setting to gain entry level experience.
In her free time she enjoys the company of her 4 rescue dogs, Charlie, Zoey, Jax & Zoey #2! And any chance she gets, she loves to cast a line, sit and bask in the sun and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors! her laugh is contagious and enjoys being goofy and happy, which brings light to her life as and be a travels this journey!
Please join Freccia Group and Gary Henley Homes to get some functionality back in Tina's life. We are looking looking to raise $20,000 to assistance Tina with a few upgrades to bring more dignaty and ease of mobility to her home. Especially in the primary bath area along with the entry/exits to her home! Won't you be part of this journey to bring joy and comfort to one of Ausitn's own?
