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52 Faces of Community<\/a> is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting local unsung heroes. It is sponsored by Central Market<\/a>, H-E-B<\/a> and JPS Health Network<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the end of the year, these rarely recognized heroes will gather for a luncheon where the Report will announce one honoree to represent Tarrant County at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n ENJOY READING THE NEWS AGAIN<\/strong><\/p>\n Discover refreshing, nonpartisan<\/strong> reporting on stories happening in your backyard.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a rough walk to school as a 14-year-old,\u201d the Polytechnic High graduate said.<\/p>\n Now, the area is cleaner and getting better, she said.<\/p>\n Growing up in Polytechnic Heights provided an instant connection to area residents, she said. She understands the neighborhood, its residents and their concerns.\u00a0<\/p>\n The community has overwhelmingly responded to Bayona-Miller\u2019s outreach.<\/p>\n \u201cIt takes a village to make it work,\u201d she said. \u201cThe residents around here are mostly 30 to 50 years old. They appreciate us. They see police officers more as a person who cares.\u201d<\/p>\n Brian Builta, former assistant vice president for university advancement at Texas Wesleyan University, said he was impressed with Bayona-Miller\u2019s community building.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s been able to increase community engagement across the area,\u201d he told the Fort Worth Report. \u201cShe\u2019s been able to get close to 1,500 people to some public events.\u201d<\/p>\n For example, a recent back-to-school backpack giveaway Bayona-Miller helped organize drew more than 1,200 people.<\/p>\n Bayona-Miller is instrumental in increasing Fort Worth\u2019s Citizens Police Academy enrollment among Spanish speakers. That police education program, which lasts eight to 12 weeks, now attracts between 80 to 100 Spanish speakers, more than those who sign up for the program in English.<\/p>\n Her neighborhood efforts are also helping to deter crime and ease concerns about immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of fear, so I try to ease those concerns. I\u2019m just doing my job,\u201d said Bayona-Miller, now a U.S. citizen and married to Fort Worth officer Curtis Miller, who works in the police chief\u2019s office.<\/p>\n She\u2019s been able to increase community engagement across the area. She\u2019s been able to get close to 1,500 people to some public events.<\/p>\n Brian Builta, nominator<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Aside from her neighborhood patrol work, Bayona-Miller handles typical police duties, including responding to emergency calls, complaints, homeless concerns and parking violations.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of times residents call me directly,\u201d she said of nonemergency calls.<\/p>\n Tell us about them by filling out the form below. <\/p>\n Know an unsung hero in Tarrant County?<\/p>\n The officer also works to dispel perceptions that the east side of Fort Worth is crime ridden.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of work going on to dispel those myths.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bayona-Miller said she appreciates the connections she\u2019s made.<\/p>\n Working with residents, she said, \u201cthat\u2019s my happy place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt lets me take ownership and be more active and involved,\u201d she said. \u201cIt takes work, but once residents trust you, they have your back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my reward for helping people and changing lives,\u201d Bayona-Miller said. \u201cThat brings me satisfaction.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric E. Garcia is a senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n News decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc4b What is local news worth to you?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Important decisions are made in our community every day. Your support ensures the Fort Worth Report can cover and share those stories \u2014 freely and independently.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n\n
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