08/04/2026
On behalf of our team, we wanted to share that WSPD was featured in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin today. Great job by Sergeant John Banner, Officer Christopher Wiseman, and Officer Brian Leal that was worthy of publication across the country!
Late one spring night, amid torrential rains that resulted in flash flooding, officers from the White Settlement, Texas, Police Department (WSPD) were strategically positioned throughout the city to respond to storm damages and emergencies. While monitoring the streets, Sergeant John Banner saw a passenger car become stranded halfway into a conduit designed to channel stormwater runoff.
Three small children had escaped and stood outside of the vehicle in the pouring rain. After securing them in the rear seat of his patrol car, Sergeant Banner spoke to their mother. She had attempted to leave the vehicle but was trapped against it, unable to make it to higher ground and in danger of being swept away by the floodwaters. Sergeant Banner immediately called for emergency backup.
Officers Christopher Wiseman and Brian Leal quickly arrived on scene. Sergeant Banner swiftly developed a plan and asked for something to secure the woman in case she lost her footing or the vehicle was dislodged and swept down the channel. Officer Wiseman ran to his patrol car and grabbed a pair of jumper cables, the only available item that could work. Sergeant Banner instructed the mother to wind the jumper cables under her arms and around her chest, while the three officers held the other end in case she slipped into the fast-moving water.
The officers’ quick actions and ingenuity provided the woman with extra security until the local fire department arrived and pulled the vehicle from the rushing water. She was safely rescued and reunited with her children. After a comprehensive review of this incident, WSPD chief Christopher Cook ordered that every patrol car be outfitted with a water rescue throw bag to prepare officers for future flooding emergencies.
