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The People Behind BTX
Stephanie Beard and Erica Roberts
When Victim Assistance was called to help two children at the Burleson Police Department, two city employees quietly stepped in as their advocates.
Stephanie Beard, Victim Assistance Coordinator, and Erica Roberts, Public Safety Communications Supervisor, responded with more than professionalism—they responded with heart. They brought the children food, stayed with them through the uncertainty, and made sure they felt safe. When they noticed the children’s clothes had likely been worn for days—if not longer—they didn’t hesitate to buy new ones.
It wasn’t part of a job description. It was a choice—made out of compassion, empathy and a deep commitment to others.
This is what it looks like behind the scenes in Burleson.
These are the people behind BTX.
Travis Smith and Ricky Griggs
On June 17, 2024, a routine day at Hidden Creek Golf Course quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency when an employee suffered a heart attack on site.
In that critical moment, golf course employees Travis Smith, grounds keeper, and Ricky Griggs, crew leader, responded with clarity, speed and compassion. They recognized the signs, acted immediately, and stayed by their colleague’s side while help was on the way.
In a letter of meritorious service, their actions were praised for demonstrating “remarkable composure and initiative,” noting that their quick thinking played a crucial role in the emergency response and, ultimately, in saving a life.
“It is truly heartening to know that we have team members like you who are not only proficient in their roles but also possess the empathy and courage to act decisively in times of need,” the letter reads.
Travis and Ricky didn’t just meet the moment—they rose above it. And in doing so, they reminded us all what it means to serve with heart.
They’re the people behind BTX.
Darin Parle and David Murphy
When the HVAC system at the Burleson Public Library failed during freezing weather on Feb. 19, two city employees didn’t wait to be asked—they just got to work.
Facilities Maintenance Specialist David Murphy and Facilities Operations Superintendent Darin Parle were recognized for their quick action and problem-solving during the unexpected outage. As the temperature inside the building dropped, they brought in portable heaters and tested electrical circuits to ensure safe operation.
Despite the brutal wind chill, they went onto the roof to inspect the units and assist the repair vendor, all while continuing to check in on staff throughout the day.
Their efforts reflected not only technical expertise but also a commitment to the comfort and safety of everyone in the building.
It wasn’t just about fixing a system—it was about supporting people.
They’re the people behind BTX.
Hannah Pazzos
Burleson is more than a city—it’s a community, and our staff continue to show what that means every day. Whether at the Senior Center, the library, Hidden Creek Golf Course or the BRiCk, our employees get to know the people who walk through our doors and make sure they feel seen, supported and cared for.
That’s exactly what Recreation Coordinator Hannah Pazzos does at the BRiCk. She greets participants, gets to know their routines, and takes time to talk about their lives. For some members, her friendly check-in may be the most regular interaction they have.
When one of her regular participants didn’t come in for their usual workout, Hannah noticed. Concerned, she called for a welfare check. Sadly, it confirmed that the participant had passed away. While it was a difficult outcome, Hannah’s care ensured that this community member wasn’t overlooked.
Her attentiveness and compassion reflect the heart of what it means to be part of the Burleson team: serving people, not just facilities.
Hannah shows us that sometimes the greatest impact comes not from what’s on a job description, but from noticing, caring and acting.
She’s one of the people behind BTX.
Jennifer Swim
Sometimes the most impactful work happens quietly behind the scenes—protecting both our city and the people we serve.
That’s exactly what happened when Jennifer, while reviewing vendor payment documentation, identified and stopped a sophisticated attempt to divert funds from a $7.1 million contract. Her quick action and strict adherence to vendor verification protocols stopped the fraudulent activity before any harm could occur, safeguarding both the City of Burleson and the vendor from significant financial and reputational risk.
Jennifer’s attention to detail, integrity, and calm decisiveness under pressure set a high standard for operational excellence. Her actions underscore the importance of strong internal controls and the critical role every team member plays in keeping city operations secure and trustworthy.
Thanks to her diligence, confidence in our systems remains strong—and Burleson continues to be a place where residents and businesses know their city operates with care and integrity.
She’s one of the people behind BTX.
Dusty Arnold and Alex Philips
When a Burleson resident reported debris left behind by a city contractor on Friday, Aug. 1, they didn’t expect a response before the next work week. But by Saturday morning, Alex Philips, Director of Economic Development, and Dusty Arnold, Public Works Field Supervisor for Streets Maintenance & Drainage, were already on site.
Without being asked and outside of normal work hours, Alex and Dusty took it upon themselves to address the issue immediately. Their quick response impressed the resident so much that they publicly thanked both men during a City Council meeting, saying, “This is why living in this city is such a great thing.”
Their actions went above and beyond expectations, demonstrating personal responsibility, pride in service and genuine care for the community.
By showing up when it mattered most, Alex and Dusty reminded us that small acts of service—done with heart—make a big impact.
They’re the people behind BTX.