PRSRT STD HOUSTON POLICE RETIRED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION US POSTAGE PAID P.O. BOX 2288, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77252-2288 HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 9155 THE With Honor We Served . . . With Pride We Remember

OFFICIALeti PUBLICATIONr OF THEed HOUSTON POLICE RETIREDadge OFFICERS ASSOCIATION VOL.R XV, NO. 2 B April - May 2016 From the Entertainment Committee

Hello retirees and friends. For those of you that do not All items that were brought in for the Silent Auction were know me, my name is Rosalie Potell. I became your sold, a total of $1559.00 was made. All proceeds went to Entertainment Chairman at the January 2016 meeting, as the Family Assistance Committee. A million thanks for all well as my husband Matthew Potell, who is also HPROA First who donated and bought items. I believe we all had a Vice-President. We both retired from the Accident Division fun time at the Auction tables! ten years ago, and began attending HPROA meetings about three years ago on a regular basis. The meetings I would like to thank ALL the volunteers who made this are informative and many times we have special guests event possible, before, during, and after the Reunion. who come and speak to us about a variety of things. In I personally was afraid to take the responsibility of our March meeting we had Garland Cole and M.D. Beale Entertainment Chairman but with all these volunteers, HPROA, Second Vice-President with Transamerica to it is a breeze. I am very grateful for everyone’s help, explain to us about long term care insurance. There is we would have not been able to make it without all always something to talk about and we also get to visit of your help. with our old work buddies. A reminder of our next event. Mark your calendars for June As far as Entertainment Chairman, we had the pleasure 25, 2016. The Crockett Reunion to be held at the Crockett of hosting the February Reunion at the Houston Academy Civic Center 1100 Edminston Dr. Crockett, Texas 75835. It on February 20th. For myself, it was fun. Hope everyone is being hosted by our President Steve Rayne and his wife else enjoyed it. I had several wonderful volunteers to Vickie Rayne. It is surely to be a lot of fun as well. help with the making of the center pieces for the tables. On the Friday before the Reunion we also had several I would like to mention, you can keep up with what is volunteers come out and help with the decorating and going on with our Entertainment on a regular basis, if getting auction donations ready. After the Reunion, we you go to HPROA.com. You can also make comments had retirees stay and help with the clean up, as well. or suggestions, about an event that has happened or is coming up. I encourage all to do so. We had a total of 170 attendees. It was good to see so many retirees come out and enjoy themselves. It is a joyous Thanks again for allowing us to be your Entertainment Chairmans. occasion to be able to visit with friends and colleagues you have not seen for awhile. Rosalie Potell We had good food which was catered by Tammy Felchak Oatis who is also a HPROA member. Thank you again Tammy, for a job well done. We appreciated your hard work.

CALL (713) 802-2967 TO JOIN HPROA TODAY 2 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition

FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BILL ELKIN

There is a lot to the old saying,”You can They say, “forget about all of the predict the future by looking at the promises made at the time those past.” We have a lot of past to look at, public employees were recruited and especially when reviewing the most hired at lower rates of pay.” They do recent session of the Texas Legislature. support giving a contribution in certain The 84th Session in 2015 certainly amounts to participants, but let them gave us all, i.e., public employee manage those funds themselves. pension benefit recipients, a forecast of the upcoming 85th Session in 2017. Now, we will fast forward to year The waters were certainly tested by 2016, the last year of the 84th Harris County State Representative Session. We find that our old nemesis, Jim Murphy, when he introduced his Representative Jim Murphy, is still signature piece of legislation, HB 2608 trying to do the dirty work of the during the 84th Session. Greater Houston Partnership, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, Also during the 2015 Legislative and others who want to eliminate session several other similar pieces of defined benefit pensions. Mr. legislation were introduced by other Murphy recently requested that newly elected representatives and/or Texas Attorney General, Ken senators, all of whom proudly carried Paxton, render an AG’s opinion as Bill Elkin, Executive Director the mantel of “ tea party” affiliation to whether to not the State of Texas when they were elected. Now, this would be liable for funding DB reference to the tea party supporters pensions, falling under the state law It is obvious that Mr. Murphy and affiliation is not to be construed governing the various cities who is starting his preparation for as totally negative in regards to have their own pensions, should legislation he intends to file in 2017, politics. However, there remains those cities become bankrupt. and will us the AG’s opinion in his the fact that most of those persons arguments in support of such a aligned with the tea party philosophy Now, he knows that an AG’s piece of legislation. are against supporting the cost of opinion is only that, an “opinion.” public employee pensions. Further, he knows that there is Again, we must stand united with nothing in the statute that makes others who will join in the fight to Their basic ideology is that government any reference to any fiscal preserve our pensions, knowing that is too big and the cost to the tax obligation by the State of Texas 2017 will be another year of doing payer in support of government must in regards to DB pensions offers to battle with some of those who will be be reduced by any and all means, it’s employees by the various cities the newly to the Texas Legislature. even if it means eliminating “Defined falling under the statute. Benefit” pension plans.

Continues on Page 9 This is Your Retired Badge

Any member or family member of HPROA is allowed and encouraged to submit articles for publication in this newspaper. Opinions, events, war stories, family announcements... all are welcome and enjoyed by our members.

Submissions will only be edited as necessary to protect your HPROA from legal liabillity. The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 3

A Message from Stephen Rayne, President HPROA

My wife and I gave up our beautiful Your HPROA Board of Directors asked big two story home with a pool and M.D. Beale to see if this kind of policy big yard for a “downsized” single was possible and after many months story home with oversize doors, easy of work, many phone conversations access showers and a very small and trips to Austin, Texas, he turned yard in a retirement community with this idea of a benefit for HPROA amenities, activities and a slower members into a reality. THANK lifestyle that fits our needs. YOU M.D. BEALE for all your work on this!!!!! More information will be We have found out that some of forth coming at our future monthly these changes take some getting meetings, on the web-site and in the used to but we are enjoying it. next “Retired Badge”. We still have a large mini-storage space and half of our garage full of I want to say “thank you” to items and “treasures” that we do Rosalie and Matt Potell (our new not have room for. I feel confident Entertainment Co-Chairpersons) for that many of these items will show their work on our Houston Reunion up at future HPROA reunions in that was held at the HPD academy the silent auctions. on Saturday Feb. 20, 2016. This was Stephen Rayne, President HPROA their first event since taking over the While talking about getting older Entertainment Committee and they and needing help, your HPROA did a GREAT job. They also worked I found out, from reading the Houston has just initiated a “group” Long with Stefanie Leonard, Sue Gaines, Chronicle on Sunday March 13, 2016, Term Care Insurance policy Barbara Cotton and Cathy Buckles that I am a ”BOOMER PLANNER”. That with Transamerica Insurance on the Surviving Spouse Luncheon is someone who remodels their homes Company. This policy is for HPROA that was held at the Houston Racket or purchases a new home that is members, associate members, Club on March 1, 2016. Stefanie designed with “aging in place” as the their spouses, children, parents (as and her group of ladies deserve a main design factor. The article says long as they are under 80 yoa) big “thank you” for another great that approximately 10 million adult brothers, sisters, in-laws and other luncheon that acknowledged the Americans over 50 years of age care relatives of the HPROA member. surviving spouses of deceased HPD for their aging parents, according There is no physical involved, just officers and the important role they to a Metlife study. These caregivers a questionnaire to fill out. Benefits played in their husband’s careers. have learned the hard way about range from $100 to $200 per day the problems of living in a home not depending on what premium you Your HPROA is a family of volunteers designed for walkers, wheelchairs and choose. Discounts are available who work to keep our retired police easy bathroom and shower access. depending who is covered. More family informed and together. We will information is available through continue to look out for our retirement Having seen the problems involved HPROA Vice President M.D. Beale, benefits, get needed information out in caring for their parents (as my wife who is a licensed insurance agent to you as quickly as possible and try to and I have while caring for her mom) and has been the driving force have some fun while we are doing it. they, my wife and I included, do not behind making this policy a reality. want these same problems in our lives as we get older and may be more Steve restricted in our capabilities.

THE With Honor We Served . . . With Pride We Remember See us online at ROFFICIALeti PUBLICATIONr OF THEed HOUSTON POLICEB RETIREDadge OFFICERS ASSOCIATION www.hpdretired.com 4 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition HPD Back Then: Courtesy

During a recent visit to Kelsey Seybold Clinic in Spring One thing was apparent – while spending time there with my wife Delores, while waiting in the patient at Kelsey, folks are mostly concerned about the same area I began watching people come and go. I was things-family, faith, and country. People like to share their amazed to see the courteous actions of those around interests, concerns, likes and dislikes. All have a story to me. Gentlemen actually standing for ladies to sit. One tell. Men will talk jobs and politics. Women talk about gentleman stood for a more elderly man. Some people family, friends, health, and travel. switched seats so couples could sit together. How refreshing it was to see people care! I guess when you boil it all down, we’re mostly all about the same thing. People just being people, taking care of life one day at I began conversations with folks on either side of me and a time and we don’t appreciate government interference. All before long everyone was talking, laughing and generally of this reminds me of our monthly HPROA meetings. passing time as people should. It dawned on me how little time we spend doing just that (speaking to one another). Till next time, EJ

Address Change

Most retired officers are somewhat settled in their lives and in HPROA’s mailing address: P.O. Box 130787, Houston, TX 77219. their homes. However, occasionally some of us find it necessary Phone numbers: (713) 802-2967, toll free number 1-866-856-7252. to make changes and move. Should you do so, please advise Email: www.hpdretired.com the HPROA of your new location. The HPROA can better serve you if we know where you are.

Houston Police Retired Officers Association P.O. Box 130787 • Houston, Texas 77219 713-802-2967 • Toll Free 1-866-856-7252 JAN RICH www.hpdretired.com Attorney at Law Executive Officers Executive Board President Executive Director of Director Personal Injury Stephen Rayne W.M. Bill Elkin Jim Ashby Past President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Bob Barnard Jack Miller Probate & Wills Matthew Potell Medwin Beale A.L. Blair Office Secretary Treasurer Secretary Ron Headley Cathy Buckles Estate Planning Nelson Zoch Sue Gaines Jim St. John Webmaster Parliamentarian Sergeant-At-Arms Steven Toth Jim Ashby 1533 W. Alabama, Suite Anthony Kivela Robert L. Crane Fred Walschburger 100, Houston, TX 77006

The Retired Badge is an official publication of the Houston Police Retired Officer’s Association (HPROA). It is published bimonthly under the supervision of the HPROA Board of Directors. However, opinions expressed by individual Board members or any other contributor in this publication do not reflect the opinion of the entire Board of Directors of HPROA. Editorial submissions and other 832-654-0718 items of interest from HPROA members are welcomed and encouraged.

COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE RETIRED BADGE ARE PAID FOR BY THE CONTRIBUTORS AND DO NOT IN ANY MANNER IMPLY AN ENDORSEMENT, WARRANTY, OR GUARANTEE BY THE HPROA. NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF EDITORIAL POLICY: The Retired Badge is published in September, November, January, March, May and July by the Houston Police Retired Officers Association. Materials submitted for purblication LEGAL SPECIALIZATION are subject to review by the Board and to editing. All photographs will be returned if they have a self-addressed, stamped envelope included. Editorial content may be mailed to P.O. Box 2288, Houston, Texas 77252-2288. Deadlines are the 15th of each month preceding the publication date. The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 5 Whatever Happened to Academy Class #12?

HPD Class #12 graduated and “hit the streets” on Those Officers who remained with HPD: Charles Anderson November 5, 1955, having commenced their training (2009), John Atkinson (1998), Bradford Bailey (1982), Joe Bradley some three months prior. Forty-eight graduated in that (2009), John Butzke (1994), Billy Chron (1982), Dominic Criscione class, at least four of those being women. This was the (1988), George Durham (1996), Timothy Furlow (1998), Murray first class believed to have women going through the Gentry (1985), Leon Griggs (1970), Lee Wayne Hartman (1970), entire academy. Thirty of those forty-eight continued Charles Howard (1993), James Jones (2002), August Luchak with HPD long enough to earn an HPOPS retirement. One (2002), Carroll Mitchell (2001), L. Moore (1998), Coy Oliver member, Leon Griggs, was shot and KILLED IN THE LINE OF (1996), James O. Parker (2011), Lee Redden (1989), Richard DUTY on Saturday, January 31, 1970, while working an Schorm (1991), Mercedes (Mercy) Halvorson Singleton (1983), off-duty extra job that afternoon on Blodgett Street at and Charles Tilghman (1992) (23) the Sacco Brothers Food Market. Seven members of this class are still alive at this time. They are, While it is unknown what the circumstances were along with estimated years of service, Jo Bankston (30), Robert surrounding their departure, the following did not earn Brumley (21), Walter Collier (23), Troy Driskell (23), Garvis Gilbert a pension: Addie Jean Smith, D.R. Smith, J.D. Smith, J.W. (35), R.C. Rich (24), and Marvin Seber (32). Today, they reside in Talley, G.C. Twomey, Emily R. Vasquez, L.L. Whatley, A.E. and around East Texas as well as in the Houston suburbs. Their Anthony Jr., G.B. Capps, A.H. Casey, W.T. Connelly, R.J. age range is from ninety-one to eighty-three. (7) Henry, J.E. Hulett, D.I. Jordy, W.R. Kilpatrick, G.H. Kindred, J.A. Phelan and E.L. Richcreek. (18) May the Good Lord continue to bless these men and women as well as their families. Nelson J. Zoch 2/26/2016

CALL (713) 802-2967 TO JOIN HPROA TODAY

City of Houston Human Resources Insurance Department Contact Numbers

HPROA Board Member Steve Toth has provided the below contact numbers for HPROA members who might have questions regarding their health insurance.

Contact Phone Numbers for Retirees (Benefits) CIGNA at City of Houston

A-F Maribel Gomez 832.393.6101 A-F LaKeith Johnson 832.393.6192 G-M Alicia Solis 832.393.6102 G-L Maria Rodriguez 832.393.6193 N-Z Kemp Lenued 832.393.6103 M-R Ivan Flake 832.393.6191 Front Desk: 832.393.6000, Option #4 S-Z Sylvia M 832.393.6194 Email Address: [email protected] MyCigna.com 800.997.1406

Dental through City of Houston Life Insurance at City of Houston Dwayne Cook 832.393.6157 Elizabeth Rodriguez 832.393.6114 6 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition “Tragedy of Colorado County”

A. Mose Townsend Colorado County Sheriff J.L. Townsend Sheriff Dickson rose from a stooped Constable, Precinct 4 notified Sheriff Hamilton B. Dickson position when he heard the sound Weimer, Texas of Wharton County to be on the of a gunshot. Sheriff Dickson was hit 1872-1894 lookout for Braddock. Sheriff Dickson by a bullet and fell to the ground. telegraphed Sheriff Townsend who Sheriff Townsend returned fire with his A. Mose Townsend was born on told him he had located Braddock Winchester rifle striking Braddock in January 11, 1872. He was appointed on the H.H. Moore place in Wharton the neck. Braddock fired several more Constable of the fourth precinct to fill County. Sheriff Dickson told Sheriff ineffectual shots at Sheriff Townsend. the vacancy of his brother, Thomas Townsend the time was right to Sheriff Townsend managed to get Lewis Townsend Jr., who died from his capture Braddock. Sheriff Townsend behind Braddock. Sheriff Townsend injuries he sustained after he fell off of was instructed to meet Sheriff Dickson shot Braddock in the head, which put his horse after running into a barbwire at the Northington Store near Moore’s an end to the vicious gun battle. fence at night while responding to a place the next day at 1:00 p.m. with woman’s call for help/disturbance in additional men and horses. Sheriff What Sheriff Dickson thought he saw March of 1893. Townsend left Columbus at 4:00 a.m. Braddock lying next to a log turned and arrived at the Northington Store out to be a decoy dummy which cost On Thursday, January 18, 1894 the next day with two deputies at him his life. Constable Townsend was on duty at the 12:00 p.m. Sheriff Dickson arrived city jail in Weimer, Texas. Approximately approximately 30 minutes later. It became necessary to send someone 6:30 p.m., Townsend was passing out back to the Northington Store for help. fresh water and meals to the prisoners Sheriff Dickson found H.H. Moore at Fry was sent. When Sheriff Townsend in the jail. As he was in the process of the Northington Store and placed him learned that Fry was sent to the opening the cell door, the suspect, under arrest. Moore was placed in store, he became uneasy with the Dee Braddock, demanded Townsend custody of Mr. Northington at the store. decision. Finally Sheriff Townsend and to turn over his pistol. Sheriffs Dickson and Townsend along Constable Heartt started back to the with the deputy posse proceeded to store. As they were riding back they Townsend refused to give his pistol to Moore’s place. While riding toward saw two men riding toward them on the suspect’s demands. Braddock the Moore place they had only gone a horseback. As the two men got closer lunged forward and stabbed short distance when they encountered Sheriff Townsend recognized one of Townsend in the chest with a dagger two black men on horseback. Sheriff them to be Moore. He ordered the type knife. Townsend managed to Dickson forced them to turn around two men to surrender. Moore refused fire one shot at the fleeing suspect as and follow him to Moore’s place. As and drew his pistol. Sheriff Townsend he fell mortally wounded to the floor. they continued to Moore’s place, and Constable Heartt pulled their The suspect fled from the city jail in a they encountered another black man guns and shot Moore, killing him. westerly direction out of town. riding fast on horseback. His name was Thornton Fry. Fry was forced to Constable A. Mose Townsend was Three bystanders heard the shot ride to Moore’s place with the sheriff’s buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery that came from the jail, went to posse. Fry told Sheriff Dickson he in Weimer, Texas; Sheriff Hamilton investigate. One of the bystanders was the messenger carrier between B. Dickson was buried in Wharton saw the suspect running away and Moore and Braddock. Fry told Sheriff County, Texas. fired two shots at him, but missed. Dickson he had delivered a message The bystanders assembled to follow to Braddock instructing him to lay low The chain of events concluded a the suspect but could not follow the and to keep his eyes open. tragic story in the lives of two brave suspect’s trail due to the heavy rain. men who gave their lives while in Later, information was revealed the After arriving to the area of Braddock’s the performance of their duties as suspect had stolen a horse near the hiding place, the two sheriffs and two law enforcement officers for the town on Content and fled to the deputies went into the dense ticket state of Texas . wooded area known as the “bottoms” to arrest Braddock. Fry was ordered near Egypt, Texas in Wharton County. to show the sheriffs the trail where to Douglas M. Hudson Townsend was taken to a relative’s find Braddock. The posse had gone HPD Ret; HCSO Ret. house for medical attention but died a short distance when Sheriff Dickson Historian approximately three hours later. whispered to Sheriff Townsend he Harris County Sheriff’s Office had found Braddock. The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 7 Liberty County S.O. Ride Along Program

NOTE: The below information was sent There is no restriction on time of day If you and the CPAAA member had all to Board Member Fred Walschburger or number of hours you ride partners day to ride, 4 hrs, 8 hrs, 12 hrs, whatever, by Liberty County S.O. Captain K.T. with the CPAAA driver, just whenever that would be fine. Just whatever time Defoor. Captain Defoor is a retired he may call for a partner and you the rider and the CPAAA member HPD Captain and is a past President have a few hours to kill and would like wants to ride. There are NO required of HPROA. to ride. Wayne Reneau is retired from shifts. AND.... most often it’s riding HPD. His wife passed away about four during the day or evening. We don’t I’ve started a “Ride Along Program” months ago, he has time on his hands want to endanger unarmed and in our Liberty County Sheriff’s and he has joined up to ride on patrol. civilian personnel by putting them out Department where citizens ride with there late at night. a member of our “Citizens Police Just let me know either by this e-mail Academy Alumni Association” ( (which I don’t check but about once Just added info. Presently one of our CPAAA ) members on what we every week or so.) or by calling or Chaplains heads up this “Citizen On call “Citizen On Patrol”. They are, texting my personal cell phone of Patrol” unit for us and, again, my wife as in short, a second pair of eyes on (713) 202-3404. My County cell phone well as one retired Houston Police Officer the streets for the regular Deputies. number is (936) 334-4083 but we can’t along with other citizens rides patrol with They are unarmed and can take receive a “text” on the county phone. our CPAAA member doing the driving. no enforcement action but ride in My LCSO office phone number is a marked and radio equipped unit (936) 336-3545. 3) The CPAAA members wear dark and do a lot of ‘PR” work by just blue pull over shirts with the Sheriff’s stopping by stores, people mowing Thanks SO much for your offer to badge embossed on the shirt and their yards, etc. and letting folks help, Fred. I SINCERELY appreciate “Citizen Police Academy” printed know a Sheriff’s unit is in their area you bringing this up at our Houston across the back. BUT..... the “ride and is there any way they can help Police Retired Officers Association along partners” will wear an orange the citizen. Again, in short, just being meeting next month. I will answer safety VEST with the Sheriff’s badge “seen” and “visible” to any potential your questions as you listed them and printed on it and on the other side is crook(s) and to the citizen(s). I’m sorry this is so lengthy but I wanted printed,” Ride Along Program”. to fully answer your questions and any They also patrol high crime areas that others may have. 4) Guns are prohibited on the “Ride taking down license numbers of Along Program”. Neither the CPAAA suspicious vehicles and turning them 1) As I mentioned in the earlier e-mail. members nor the ride along partners into me for me to forward onto our The “Ride Along Program” partner are allowed to carry guns. They Criminal Investigation Division to see would be riding with a member of CANNOT enforce the law, make if the vehicle, license plate number, the “Citizens Police Academy Alumni arrest nor get involved in ANY police location, etc. matches up with any Association” which are “civilians” calls. They are simply a “see and burglaries and thefts in that area. who have gone through a 13 week report” team and a “be seen” team “citizen police academy school”... and a “public relations” team. Even We already have several folks doing my wife, Jo, went through it and is retired Officers nor CHL carriers can this but I would like to add some more a member. Most communities have NOT carry guns in the county vehicle. retired Officers and folks from other such programs. Harris County S.O. That is WAY too much liability on the organizations who we know can Baytown P.D. etc. to name a couple. part of the county to allow that. pass a criminal background check, These folks have gone through our are level headed, and so forth. One departments driving school so they 5) Again, as I said in my original note. of our Chaplains, Father Ted Smith are authorized to drive a county It IS a Sheriff’s FULLY marked vehicle is a CPAAA member and a great vehicle. And you are correct. They are with the added lettering of ‘CITIZEN guy, is the one that normally ask for NOT Reserves nor full time deputies. ON PATROL” markings on the vehicle. “partners” to ride with him or one of They are “civilians”. the other CPAAA driver members who has been through our S.O. 2) The shift would be only as long as driving school and is authorized to you wanted it to be. If you had a drive a county vehicle. couple of hours to ride, that’s fine.

Continues on Page 14 8 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition HELFMAN FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS

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By Earl D. Musick

In January of 1986, I was promoted After gathering vast amounts of John W. Mecom Jr. ran the Mecom to lieutenant and assigned to the gold, silver and riches from the New Oil Company with offices at 4200 Special Thefts Division’s Fence Detail. World, fifteen (15) ships set sail back Montrose. While the oil money was My assignment was supervising to the mother country loaded with coming in, he got involved in many police officers who investigate precious treasures. By 2:00 a.m., on ventures including the Mecom individuals knowingly buying stolen July 31, 1715, the fleet was hopelessly Racing Team. He had a stable of property for later resale. This story caught in a violent hurricane. Only Indy cars and his racing team won is about a Houston fence and one ship, the Griton, survived this the Indianapolis 500, in 1966. That Lieutenant Richard “Rick” Rekieta’s vicious storm. The storm destroyed same year Mecom was awarded a quest to recover a king’s treasure fourteen ships just off the Florida National Football League franchise worth over 4 million dollars. The coastline laden with treasures from and he founded the New Orleans investigation is extremely interesting the new world. Alone, Captain Darie Saints. The Warwick Hotel, across from with some very unusual twists. and his crew finished the voyage the Mecom Fountain on Main Street back to Spain with the grim news of was another Mecom investment. My story begins in early 1700, when a the lost ships and treasures. king’s failure to produce an heir to his On July 15, 1991, the Houston Police throne resulted in the “War of Spanish Spain sent salvage crews back to Department became involved in the Succession”, 1701-1713. King Charles the sites of the lost ships and were search for the king’s treasure when II, the last Spanish King of the House of successful in salvaging some of Officer Muse was dispatched to 4200 Hapsburg, died with no direct heir to the treasure from the sea. Modern Montrose, suite 200. At this location, occupy his throne in 1700. During this salvage crews were also successful he met Norleen Tips, who worked time the Spanish Empire controlled in recovering vast riches from the for Mecom. She reported the theft great wealth and several countries wreckage sites. John W. Mecom Jr., a and described the missing property were interested in who would thirty year old Houston millionaire and valued at over 4 million dollars and the succeed to the Spanish throne. Spain adventurer, sponsored one of the property was not insured. found themselves in a costly war over successful savage ventures. the successor to the throne. Officer Muse could find no signs of His salvage crew recovered treasures forced entry and it appeared entry The war plunged Spain deep valued at over 4 million dollars in was gained through one of the four in debt and the king in power the early 70’s. The treasure came exterior doors leading to suite #200. needed precious metals and from the “1715 Spanish Flotilla” and The building and offices had no alarm bounty from the New World to pay included extremely rare Spanish gold system and the cabinet containing the international bankers, who coins. The king’s treasure was lost in the “1715 Spanish Flotilla” treasure had were threatening to cease loaning July of 1715, before it could be used been pried open. The entire Spanish money. Spain dispatched ships to secure loans for Spain and now in treasure, valuable antique coins and to Mexico and South America to July of 1991, someone stole this same other jewelry was missing. gather the New World’s treasures. treasure before it could secure a loan for Mecom. Continues on Page 10 10 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition

Continues from Page 9 The investigators felt the coins were possibly still in Houston, but they were covering all bases worldwide in search of the treasure. It was Danny who furnished the first real lead in the case. Mecom consulted with a psychic, Margie McClinton, who told him, “The first recovery of coins will come from someone connected with making Elizabeth Taylor’s diamond studded boots.”

Danny found this clue to be somewhat amusing, but his employer expected him to check it out. Houston’s famed boot maker Rocky Carroll had been commissioned by Dillard’s Department Stores to make the diamond studded At the time of the theft, the treasure Ms. Vance also provided the names boots for Ms. Taylor, who was introducing was no longer a novelty for Mecom, of two prospective buyers who had her White Diamonds Perfume. it had been locked in a file cabinet viewed the treasure in Mecom’s waiting to be sent to a bank in Terre office. With no real leads, the Danny met with Mr. Carroll and found Haute, Indiana to secure a loan. interview process began with all he had no knowledge of the missing Mecom needed the funds for a hostile parties who would have had access coins. He told Danny that Houston Gold takeover of a company he owned to the offices or knowledge of where Exchange was used to inlay around 300 part interest in. The bank valued the the treasure was kept. diamonds into Ms. Taylor’s boots. So, treasure at over four million dollars Danny’s next meeting would be with his and was going to loan 3 million dollars Private Investigator Danny Lang Jr., friend Rhonda Rothieiter, who worked at using the treasure as surety. an ex-Harris County deputy sheriff, the Houston Gold Exchange. had been in the office, the day of Officer Muse made his preliminary the theft, on an unrelated matter Danny and Ms. Rothieter discussed Ms. investigation report and sent it to and was good friends with Mecom. Taylor’s diamond studded boots but she the Burglary and Theft Division. Mecom had already retained Danny knew nothing about any gold escudo The investigation was assigned to to investigate the missing treasure and coins. He showed her pictures of the Lieutenant Richard “Rick” Rekieta’s he met with Rick and Len. It didn’t take missing coins and she promised to call detail. The report indicated the theft long before Danny earned Len and if she heard anything. Later that day, occurred on or about July 12, 1991, Rick’s respect. Danny’s knowledge, she called and told Danny that about and was not reported until July 15, resources and work ethic played a a month ago her boss Scott Schweiss 1991. From the first glance, it sure big role in an investigation that would bought four coins, similar to the pictured looked like an inside job. Rick thought drag on for five years. coins, from a young lady. She said her it strange that such a large loss boss bought the coins for himself and still occurred with no immediate report Together, the investigators put the had them in his safe. and still nobody was making a fuss. heat on fences that might be in possession or contemplating buying Arrangements were made for Norleen Rick assigned the case to Sergeant these extremely rare treasure. There Tips, Mecom’s art curator, to examine the Len Shoemaker for follow-up were only about 2500 known gold four Spanish gold coins, which were almost investigation and soon got caught escudos in the entire world and as unique as fingerprints. After careful up in the investigation and the Mecom’s collection contained examination, Ms. Tips positively identified search for the treasure from the over 16% of those gold escudos. the coins as coming from the Mecom “1715 Spanish Flotilla”. Mecom’s Movement of such rare coins would collection. The seller was identified as secretary Pam Vance compiled a resonate throughout the underworld Ricca Michelle Paschall, a 21 year old list of 14 company employees and and several experts promised to call female with no criminal record. She had 4 ex-employees who had keys or Rick if they heard of any movement or also left a watch that needed repairing. knowledge of the touch pad code. knew of anyone selling gold escudos.

Continues on Page 12 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 11 HPROA Event Calender: April, May, June 2016

Thursday, April 7, 2016 FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016. POLICE WEEK RECEPTION HPOU General Membership Meeting FOR LINE OF DUTY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, HPOU BUILDING, BEFORE AND AFTER THE POLICE WEEK Thursday, April 14, 2016 CEREMONY AT THE POLICE MEMORIAL. HPOPS Board Meeting Thursday, June 2, 2016 Thursday, April 14, 2016 HPOU General Membership Meeting 8:30am HPROA Board Meeting 9:30am General Membership Meeting Thursday, June 9, 2016 HPOPS Board Meeting Thursday, May 5, 2016 HPOU General Membership Meeting Thursday, June 9, 2016 8:30am HPROA Board Meeting SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2016, HPOPS SEMINAR AT THE 9:30am General Membership Meeting HUMBLE CIVIC CENTER. WATCH HPOPS AND HPROA WEBSITES FOR FURTHER DETAILS. Saturday, June 25, 2016, CROCKETT EAST TEXAS REUNION. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW. Thursday, May 12, 2016 HPOPS Board Meeting

Thursday, May 12, 2016 8:30am HPROA Board Meeting 9:30am General Membership Meeting

This is Your Retired Badge

Any member or family member of HPROA is allowed and encouraged to submit articles for publication in this newspaper. Opinions, events, war stories, family announcements... all are welcome and enjoyed by our members.

Submissions will only be edited as necessary to protect your HPROA from legal liabillity. 12 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition

Continues from Page 10 The employees at Houston Gold Through several other investigations After talking with her mother in Exchange promised to call if Paschall the police suspected Swanson private, Paschall agreed to co- came back to pick up the watch she was fencing stolen property. It operate with the police. Paschall was having repaired. On September was all starting to come together. told the investigators about finding a 24, 1991, Paschall came into the shop Swanson must have a stash of white canvas bag containing a large and was trying to sell four more gold coins at his home and Paschall is number of gold coins in the laundry coins. They called the police and stealing from him. True justice, one basket. The four gold escudos came tried to stall her, but the police were thief stealing from another. from this bag and she sold them at too late. She left and said she would Houston Gold Exchange. come back later that day, but she Investigators had more than ample did not return. probable cause to believe Paschall At the same time she took these four was involved in a felony theft and coins from the bag, she took nine The first recovery of the gold charges were filed in the 337th District other coins. Paschall tried to sell escudos was just a little over two Court, where Judge Ted Poe agreed five of the coins at the Magic Circle months after the theft. Investigators with investigators regarding the Coin and Stamp Shop, but they only finally had a promising lead to probable cause and signed the arrest bought four. Paschall then tried to follow. Len interviewed Karen warrant for Pascall. sell four coins to the Houston Gold Palmer, the employee who handled Exchange, but they ask her to wait the transaction. Paschall had On the morning of September 26, and she thought something might be claimed the coins came from her 1991, Len, Rick and Danny went up so she left. She put the five coins grandmother and claimed she to arrest Paschall at the Swanson back in the canvas bag. could get as many as she wanted. home. Investigators had hoped This statement made Len believe for surprise being on their side but With the information Paschall Paschall knew where the stash was. instead, everyone was expecting provided, they had enough probable them. Robert Swanson had cause to obtain a search warrant for Rick, Len and Danny went about instructed Paschall to not talk with the Swanson home. However, Rick trying to locate Paschall and the police and he had moved the decided to confront Sandra with the learned she was the live-in babysitter treasure from his house before the information before trying to obtain for Robert and Sandra Swanson. police arrived. Swanson’s plans a search warrant. After confronting Investigators were very aware of were going well until Danny brought Sandra, she replied, “They’re not Robert Swanson, who ran Astro City Paschall’s mother to the location. here, they’re in a friend’s house about Coin Shop, in the Galleria. three minutes from here.” Rick said, “Go get them.”

Sandra agreed to go get the bag of coins if Rick would watch the toddler. Rick, a police lieutenant, agreed and Sandra left to get the bag of coins. While she was gone the phone rang and it was Robert Swanson trying to find out what happened with the police. Swanson was surprised when Rick answered the phone and he found out Sandra was turning over the bag of coins to the police.

Rick told Swanson he wanted to know where he got the coins and Swanson claimed he bought them from a Mexican, not knowing they were stolen. Rick told him to find his purchase ticket and bring it to his office by 12:30 p.m.

Continues on Page 13 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 13

Continues from Page 12 Rick looked in the box and saw the tickets were in no sort of order and said, “No Brian, all I want is the one ticket, the one dealing with the treasure coins that Robert said he bought from the Mexican.” Rick wasn’t going to dig through the crap to find it and he reminded Coyne that Robert was required by law to produce the transaction ticket.

Coyne requested a private conference with his clients and after about 10 minutes, they called Rick into the room and produced a transaction ticket. The ticket showed that on July 19, 1991, John Jerome Mules was paid $4000 cash for a lot of Spanish gold coins. This ticket was doubtful at best and it did not contain an acceptable description of the property. Robert, Sandra and their attorney then left the Burglary and Theft offices with their box of transaction tickets.

About twenty minutes had passed She told investigators she sold The following day Harvey P. Metzler, before Sandra came back carrying four of the coins at this location. owner of Magic Circle Coin and Stamp a white canvas bag. She emptied the For unknown reasons, the shop Shop, brought in four coins in a thick clear contents of the bag on the dining room was closed, so they headed to plastic coin folder. He identified these table and Rick told her to count the coins. the police station where Paschall coins as the ones he purchased from After Sandra counted the 42 gold coins provided a written statement. Ricca Pascall on September 6, 1991. To she was given a receipt. Rick returned create a record of the transaction, he to the police station with the evidence As instructed, Robert Swanson paid her with a check and then cashed he believed might bust the case wide showed up at Rick’s office with it giving her the cash. Metzler thought open. It was truly a good day. Sandra and Brian Coyne, his lawyer. this was sufficient for identification of the He was carrying a cardboard box seller and he had no transaction ticket, While Rick was recovering the 42 gold with hundreds of purchase tickets as required by law. coins, Paschall pointed out the Magic and Coyne said, “I believe this is Circle Coin and Stamp Shop, at 14760 what you want”. Two of the recovered coins were from Memorial #102 to Len and Danny. the “1715 Spanish Flotilla” treasure. The police now had a recovery total of forty- eight (48) gold Spanish coins, which is less than 10% of the total coins stolen. There was still a lot of work ahead.

As everyone guessed, the information on the purchase record Swanson furnished was false. Forty-eight Spanish gold coins were traced to Robert’s and Sandra Swanson’s possession and they had prior knowledge the coins were stolen from John Mecom Jr. The investigators had a case against Robert and Sandra Swanson.

Continues on Page 14 14 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition

Continues from Page 13 On September 30, 1991, Harris County After a brief conversation, Rick The police had only recovered about Assistant District Attorney Mark Ellis handed Robert his hand cuffs and $400,000 worth of treasure and they accepted felony theft by receiving said, “You can put these on or I can didn’t know who committed the theft stolen property charges against put them on you.” This was a first for or who might be holding the majority of Robert and Sandra. Their bond was Rick and for some reason he gained the missing treasure. They had no clue set at $125,000 for each defendant. much satisfaction seeing Swanson as to where Swanson had gotten this shackle himself. small portion of the treasure from. Also, After Judge Poe signed the warrants, it appeared to be an inside job, which Rick and Len went to Astro City Coin Sandra learned of the warrants and created an air of suspicion on Mecom’s and Stamp Company to execute left Royal Coins before the police associates and all these unknowns the warrant on Robert. They hoped arrived. She posted her bond without were important to Mecom. Rick was that once he was in custody he having to go to jail and retained a determined to find the answers to these would cooperate in recovering the lawyer to represent her. Robert had questions and he vowed to leave no remaining Spanish treasure. Just like also refused to cooperate and also stone unturned in his search for the lost all the other numerous conversations had a lawyer representing him. Now, treasure. Rick had with Robert, he refused to the only hope of additional recovery admit he knew anything more than rested on a plea bargain agreement STORY OF THE KING’S TREASURE TO what he had already told the police. to cooperate. Assistant District CONTINUE IN PART II Attorney Ted Wilson promised not to let the Robert and Sandra Swanson plea without this agreement.

Continues from Page 7

It is also equipped with AMBER BUT.....”helping anyone in distress” They are a “preventive” unit and a “overheads” in case they run upon ? THAT depends on what it is. If they PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT to stop by a major car wreck and have to jump run upon a major car wreck then stores, people mowing their lawns, out and help somebody until a regular yes. They would work traffic and in restaurants, etc. and to shake unit arrives on the scene and/or work do what they could to advise the hands, introduce themselves and traffic until a regular unit arrives.... or dispatcher, ambulance, etc...... BUT...if let the community know that a they are working a parade or some somebody flags them down and it’s a “reprehensive” of the Sheriff’s Office is other special event. disturbance, fight, shooting, robbery, in the area and if they need anything theft, etc. then NO. They could “stand- the C.O.P. Unit can call a regular unit 6) Yes, in PART to your question by” and advise the dispatcher, EMT’s, to assist them. on this one. The duties ARE to be etc. of the circumstances but could “observers” and to report any unusual NOT take any direct police action nor NOW, if you would like to help further...... circumstances to the dispatcher by get involved in the situation. I’m also over our Reserve Program. radio OR write down the license plate I’m also recruiting HONORABLY retired numbers, location, circumstances, 7) Any other information that you Officers who may want to keep their etc. and turn the report into me so I need? It just needs to be STRESSED certification active by becoming can forward that info. to our Criminal that these are units that are to “see Reserves with our department. They Investigation Division ( Detectives) for and report” would be required to put in AT LEAST any follow-up that may be related to 16 hours a MONTH but can put in as a burglary, robbery, theft, etc. case and to “be seen” in the neighborhoods many as they want to. that may have occurred in that area. and communities to, HOPEFULLY, discourage any “crooks” who may see them to do anything in that area.

THE With Honor We Served . . . With Pride We Remember See us online at ROFFICIALeti PUBLICATIONr OF THEed HOUSTON POLICEB RETIREDadge OFFICERS ASSOCIATION www.hpdretired.com The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 15 Newspaper Blast from the Past April 11, 1971

Suspect Killed In Shootout, Officer W. D. Steffenauer, who had Dugger was seriously wounded that day 2 Police Shot been staked out in the apartment and had it not been for a concerned citizen parking lot, confronted Buntion as who lived in that apartment project, his Police Saturday shot to death he ran and shot Buntion five times, wounds could have been fatal. The citizen, Kenneth Buntion, 26, an ex-convict officers said. Buntion was shot a total who later received one of the few, if not sought in a forgery investigation, of eight times. the only, 100 Club award for other than a after Buntion shot and wounded two Law Enforcement Officer (at the time), was officers at 3132 Tidwell. Wounded Rented by Couple a trained paramedic and assisted greatly were vice officer Dale Dugger, shot in treating Officer Dugger on the scene. in the right thigh, and intelligence Mrs. Bass said the apartment had officer J.N. Thornton, grazed on the been rented April 2 by a couple with These threats by Carl Wayne Buntion were right arm by a bullet. A woman three children ranging from 1 month to believed to have openly made in order to with Buntion, identified as Sheila Ann 2 years in age. She said at least three trigger a confrontation with Dugger and that Ashford, 20, of 1035 Tunnel Lane, was men other than the tenant entered actually happened outside of the infamous slightly wounded on the forehead, and left the apartment recently. T & L Café on Jensen Drive. Buntion was on apparently by a ricocheting bullet. Homicide Lt. H. W, Kirsten said officers one of his reprieves in between convictions found several pistols and some pills at the time. Dugger confronted Buntion In fair condition in the apartment,. They also found over these threats and it ended peacefully check-writing equipment. A woman that night, but Buntion was not yet done. Dugger was in fair condition at Ben listing the same name as the one Taub Hospital following surgery. renting the apartment was arrested On June 27, 1990, HPD Solo Motorcycle Thornton was treated and released in the roundup of forgery suspects Officer James (Jim) Irby made a traffic at Homestead Hospital. Miss Ashford Saturday, but was not immediately stop on the North Freeway service was treated and released at Ben charged. The man who admitted road near Airline Drive. On that day, it Taub. Police said Houston and officers to the apartment was is believed that in an act of revenge, Pasadena officers had teamed up arrested, along with two other men Carl Wayne Buntion attempted to Saturday to trail several suspects in and another woman, but none were even the score with HPD. Officer a forgery ring and that officers went immediately charged in connection Irby was discussing the violation with to the D’Orleans Apartments at the with the forgery investigation. the driver of this car at the rear of Tidwell address about 2 p.m. on a tip the violator’s vehicle. Suddenly, Carl they would find forgery equipment EDITOR”S FOLLOWUP: Kenneth Wayne Buntion exited the passenger there. Dugger and several other Buntion was the twin brother of Carl door and walked up to Officer Irby officers were admitted to apartment Wayne Buntion, who were from a and shot him. After the Officer was 33 by James Allen Mitchell, 29, officers Houston northside family that seemed down, Buntion walked calmly over said. As the officers searched the to breed criminals. The twins, along to him and continued to shoot him. apartment, Buntion and Miss Ashford with another brother, Bobby, two Buntion fled on foot but was captured came to the door. years younger than his idols, were in nearby, trapped but basically and out of jail throughout their early begging for mercy. Officer Irby was Drew Pistol, Shot years. To quote one of the Officers taken to Ben Taub Hospital where he involved in this incident,” this was was pronounced Dead at the age of When Dugger identified himself, not the situation of a rotten one in a thirty-seven. He was married and the officers said, Buntion drew his pistol barrel of apples-the whole barrel was father of two children. and shot the officer, who fired at rotten.” Buntion as he fell. Police said Buntion Buntion was tried for the Capital ran from the apartment and swapped Carl Wayne was very upset and Murder of Officer Jim Irby. He was several shots with Thornton, who angry over the loss of his beloved convicted and assessed the death had been in the apartment of the twin brother-in-crime and was not penalty. His appeal was successful manager, Mrs. Sue Bass, until he heard shy in making threats on the Officers initially but he is still languishing in the the shots. Thornton said he thought involved in the death of his brother, Justice system at the age of seventy- he hit Buntion once. particularly Dale Dugger. one. It is hopeful that he will never again exit confinement. 16 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition Birthdays & Anniversaries APRIL MAY

4, 1937 Ben L. Roberts 1, 1954 Carey Ledet 10th Eveonne Sanders 10th John Harlan 14, 1934 Jimmie Watson 13th Patsy Whitehead 17th Barbara Harlan 15th Susan Hightower 17, 1937 Fred Walschburger 17th Darolyn Langhorne 18, 1934 Richard Delano 24, 1968 Mary and Albert Nichols 19, 1954 A.H. and LaVerne Pivonka 25, 1940 Richard L. Summer 20, 1929 Albert H. Pivonka 26, 1944 Carole Ann DeFoor 21, 1938 Antoinette Vento 28, 1955 Debbie and Paul Artz 21st Patricia I. Lynch 31, 1945 Carolyn Maniscalco 24, 1960 Tommy and Pat Mitchell 24, 1970 William L. and Kathryn Panzer 27, 1957 Dorothy and Ben Roberts The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 17

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Computer Repairs, Malware and Virus removal One cemetery plot in Memorial Oaks Cemetery on 1-10 Networking and Printer install, Data Recovery and more! west/Eldridge. Ed Cuccia Two burials are allowed in this plot. Lots are worth $8,000. 713.974.0074 Would sell for $3,500. [email protected] www.star-dot-star.biz Contact Doug Bostock, 281-890-7610. HPD RETIRED Class of 78 Don’t trust your computer to a stranger!

CALL (713) 802-2967 TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE RETIRED BADGE! 18 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition Have You Ever Read the Retired Badge Online?

I have been reading The Retired It’s easy to do. Just go to www.hproa. If you like viewing the Retired Badge Badge hard copy probably ever since com and scroll down the blue tabs on online, I would then ask you to voluntarily it’s been published. The other day I the left side of the home page until take your name off the mailing list. You read it on my iPad and was amazed you see the link to the Retired Badge would then stop receiving your hard at how easy and pleasant it was to Archives. Click on that tab and you copy in the mail, saving the association read it that way. I don’t think I’ll ever will open a page that has a list of the the cost of printing and mail postage. The read the hard copy I get in the mail recent Retired Badges. Then click on results would be a substantial saving for again. You don’t need an iPad...any the date you want to read and then the association. tablet, laptop, or desktop computer ta-dah, there it is. I have asked our will work just as well. All you need is webmaster, Jim Ashby, to send out I’ve heard oneBy Earlcomplaint D. Musick about internet access. If you are not reading the Retired Badge in a separate blast reading it online, “You can’t take it to it online, I suggest that you give it a when the new editions come out. the bathroom!” But you can...well, if try. At the last association meeting I you have only a desktop it may be a bit asked several members if they had The Retired Badge is one of the largest troublesome. and they all said no. expenses for the association. What I’m aiming for is to get all members with computers or tablets to start reading the Fred Walschburger Retired Badge online.

HPD Back Then: “1939 OLDSMOBILE”

It was about 1950 or 1951, I was all The Ferry Road ran to the Baytown He was all business and I did not of 14 years old and living with my Ferry just east of Barbours Cut, that mess with him. He just happened folks in Morgan’s Point. My dad was before the Baytown Tunnel to have come along and saw me was getting ready for work and was built. Since all was clear and sliding through the countryside. needed razorblades. He instructed except for an occasional rabbit I told him my story. His response me to go to town and get him some running out in front of you, all was, “Well, boy, do what ‘yo’ blades and get back in a hurry. In there was in that stretch was open daddy told you.” That did it. I was those days there were no stores country, pastures, and barbed more scared of him than that ole in Morgan’s Point. As a matter of wire fence. My dad said hurry so I car, so I cranked up and made the fact, not too many folks lived there did. I goosed it a little bit and that trip. I never said anything to my in those days. Oldsmobile did its own thing. It dad and my uncle didn’t either. did three 360s and the next thing Town was LaPorte, about five I knew, I was up against a barbed I’ll never forget that day nor the one miles away. I was just learning to wire fence and dead in the water. in 1960 in northeast Houston when a drive and jumped at the chance My knees were shaking so I could similar thing happened in a Houston to drive the 1939 Oldsmobile two not control them much less move. Police car! That will come later. door sedan. That car was slick. It had wide tires that squealed when All of a sudden a booming voice in turned quick and you could get 80 my left ear said, “Elden, what you in a second in a hurry. As I headed doing, boy?” He saw how scared I Till next time, east on the Ferry Road toward was I guess. It was my Cajun uncle. EJ LaPorte, traffic was clear. The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 19

Call President Alan Helfman

President Alan Helfman 20 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition The Shotgun Corner

I was in grade school before we At every jump The Cat would sink By M. D. Beale, Jr. actually had a cat that came and its claws into Sport’s nose bringing stayed around our house. It didn’t blood with each hit. It took a good really have a name. It was almost while before Sport would give up. His I can’t say that I have ever owned totally white but had a black nose was severely scarred from these a cat. I’ve owned dogs, fish and patch on its forehead that vaguely episodes. The bird dog never learned parakeets and the kids have owned resembled a pair of cowboy boots or quit. He kept at it the rest of his life. other animals. I have seen all of the sitting back to back - very similar It was ten years or so later before I was other pets and domesticated animals to the old KIKK logo. I thought ever in close contact with another cat. that have been “owned” in one form “Boots” was a good name for the Tiger was a small white and brindle or another. But I can’t really say I’ve cat but everyone always referred Aegean kitten Mary and I found owned a cat. to him as “The Cat”. when we lived in Italy while stationed there. Tiger allowed us to share a I don’t think anyone ever “owns” a The Cat never came into the house [literally] “cold water flat” during what cat. A cat may stay in or around your and I really can’t recall actually I consider to be our “year of poverty”. place for an extended period of time, petting it. He outlived our old E3 and E4 pay wasn’t much for two eat the food you provide when they English pointer, Sport, who shared people and a cat to live on. feel like it, and deign to confer their the yard him. It was, at best, an “favor” on you by approaching for uneasy coexistence between the We moved out a week before we you to pet them if and when it suits two – The Cold War in an extreme were to leave to come home so them, but cats are not really “owned” microcosm you might say - or similar another GI couple could have the in the same sense other pets are. to some marriages. place starting on December 1, 1966. We couldn’t take Tiger with us to the I’m convinced that the only real They ate the table scraps together from Gleason’s who we were staying with, differences between domesticated the same bowl as well as drank from or home for that matter. cats and the somewhat larger wild the one water bowl under the back cats are size and living conditions. yard faucet. I have seen them curled The new couple didn’t want a cat. Even small domesticated cats will up together on cold winter mornings. Tiger would sit outside the door hunt, kill and eat insects, small lizards, However, there were the unexpected and meow. After all, the place rodents and any birds that they can instantaneous explosions of “domestic “belonged” to Tiger. Poppa Urizini, – just like all of their larger cousins. To violence” between them. the landlord, finally got Tiger to borrow from a modern TV commercial adopt him and move downstairs – “It’s what they do.” I’m convinced that The Cat provoked to a bigger domain. He didn’t those violent incidents out of boredom want to get rid of Tiger because it When I was a very small child we but I never saw the start of one. There was “Mary’s cat” – a concept that didn’t have a cat around our house would be this horrendous explosion of is backward to my way of thinking but on all of my kin folks’ farms barks and screeches followed by The – Mary was Tiger’s person. I was there were always a number of Cat streaking for the only safe haven tolerated by Tiger only because and cats around the place that made – the top of Mother’s clothes line post only as long as Mary tolerated me. a decent living off of the rats, mice, in the back yard. and the other small wild animals, that Over the years there’s been a couple populated the area in and around Both would be running flat out of cats that hung out around our the barns, cribs, sheds and fields of tearing around the outside of the place here but they were “outside” a working farm or ranch. These cats house – stretching as far as possible cats and didn’t stay in the house, at did not want to be petted and were with each stride, grass flying up with least for long. impossible to catch. Anybody that every step – The Cat just barely out ever tried to catch one has a vivid of reach. The Cat would leap to understanding of the term “It’s like the very top of the big cedar post herding cats”. These cats were, in which was just barely out of reach of one sense, a part of the “working the jumping, snarling bird dog that livestock” along with the chickens, desperately wanted to kill him. turkeys, hogs, cattle and horses. Continues on Page 21 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 21 Houston Police Honor Guard Reunion

I had the pleasure of speaking to Jim Shirley had the vision to create a The Houston Police Honor Guard will have James (Jim) Shirley after reading the group of volunteer HPD officers into its first ever Honor Guard Reunion on article in last month’s edition of the the most prestigious honor guard in the Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Crockett Retired Badge concerning the origin state of Texas. The HPD Honor Guard Reunion. We will meet at the Crockett of the HPD flag. As one of the original had its beginning in October of 1972 Convention Center at 10:00 am. As Jim members, I remember when Jim was with seventeen original members. Shirley stated, “Be there and don’t be organizing the plan to design and late”. If you have any questions please make the HPD flag a reality. He asked me to relay the following feel free to contact me at 832-758-1308. information to all HPD honor guard members. Doug Hudson HPD Honor Guard (Retired) Newspaper Blast from the Past Approximately 1967 - Officer Says He Shot Assailant

An off-duty office in uniform working in a Bernard grabbed the officer’s tie and Editor’s Note: Officer Leon Griggs, lounge at 4914 Lockwood says he shot a tried to choke him, Griggs said. from Class #12, was shot and KILLED IN patron who resisted arrest and advanced THE LINE OF DUTY less than three years on him with his hand in his pocket. The officer broke away, he said, but after the above incident. On Saturday fired twice when Bernard advanced. afternoon, January 31, 1970, Officer Shot in the chest and hip, Leo Paul He said the doorman had warned him Griggs was working a supermarket extra Bernard, 25, of 4626 Caplin, was in critical that Bernard had a knife. job he likely thought was safer than a condition in Ben Taub Hospital today. nighttime job at a bar on Lockwood. Police found a knife near where A total of five hijackers, learned later Patrolman Leon Griggs, 40, an officer Bernard fell and another in his pocket. to be from two different groups, came 11 years, said he tried to arrest Bernard into the Sacco Brothers Food Market on outside the lounge Sunday night after a Blodgett. Officer Griggs was disarmed disturbance inside. and shot and killed.

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There are two cats, both “fixed and Hurley’s gregarious and Shaneyney’s All considered, well mannered de-clawed”, that let our daughter’s reclusive. Hurley can’t stand to be domesticated house cats provide a family stay at their house. The big bored. Need I say more? large measure of comfort and pleasure male is called “Hurley”, an absolutely for the people they adopt. stone gorgeous Bengal with dark gold My son’s family is owned by “Fred”, a and black spotted/marbled fur and solid white long haired cat that’s maybe But it’s those rare eerie times when you unusual sea green eyes. I’m told these a Persian or a British Longhair. You could catch them staring at you with those cats are one gene away from being almost think of him as “King Fred”. vacant eyes of a born killing machine, wild – whatever that means. [I’m of He’s adopted my granddaughter as looking at you just like a hungry lion or the opinion they all are.] The female his Prime Minister and together they leopard looks at an impala, that you is called “Shaneyney”, and is coal quietly rule Fred’s kingdom. You see know, you really know deep down, black. She was there first and never him when and where he wants to be that it truly is only a matter of size. lets Hurley forget it. These two provide seen. He’s quiet and regal as well as endless hours of entertainment with clandestine and surreptitious. Nobody Stay safe, warm and dry. See you at personalities and habits on opposite seems to know how old he is but I think the range. ends of the spectrum. he’s been around well over 10 years. 22 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition Like It Was

This old man enjoys this time of the I don’t know why they declined but it When my niece and I were doing another year. The holidays bring out the free might have been our costumes that turn around my tail feathers must have spirit of getting friends and family scared them off. My niece had on touch a female and her partner though together. The cooling weather a German bar maid costume and I another dancing couple were taking brings on a party atmosphere where went as a chicken with lots of feathers. liberties with his girlfriend and started fellowship can be enjoyed by all. a fight with that couple, who had One of these holidays that I have As we walked to the festival, we nothing to do with the touching. It was missed is Oktoberfest. This festival was noticed people giving us some short in durations as the security police started in 1800 in Munich, Bavaria, funny looks, but we had had enough intervened. My partner and I went back Germany as a horse racing contest. beer we really didn’t care. Security to the bar for more beer. The dates are from September 19th checked us for bombs and guns but till October 4. With such a large and they never found my gun in all those We left the beer garden too early as thirsty crowd, the Munich brewers feathers. We had a few more beers we still remembered were we had saw the potential to market all of their before the band really started playing parked my nieces’ car. I tried to get world famous beers. German people some good German songs. her to let me drive because she was love their beer and wine and a party trying to drive from the back seat. atmosphere. This became a very They finally got around to the chicken She said it was her car and she was profitable festival and has grown to dance song and my partner and I driving. I convinced her to drive from be the largest in the world with over took to the floor. Everyone moved the front seat but she still insisted on six million people attending it during so we could acquire the dance wearing my retirement badge just in 2014. The last one I had attended floor and the show was on. I didn’t case we were stopped... I saw several was fifty years ago. With my age, I know my niece had ever done pole cars go off the road into a ditch so I knew it was time to go again. I talked dancing and me in my feathers, we did what an old retired officer should my niece into going with me and we captivated the audience. I know it do, when they don’t want to be a would try to get other members of the was not my feathers that pleased the witness, I closed my eyes and went family to join us. crowd so much but when my partner to sleep. When I woke I was still alive jumped on top of one of the bar and at my nieces’ house. On October 10, 2015 I went to another tables and did a spinning leap to the Oktoberfest. I may go to another if dance floor the crowd went wild and The next day we both agreed we had the law suites leave me any money. the applause lasted forever. a great time and will do it again but First, we had a nice lunch with twelve we will use some different costumes members of our family. This was real It was such a huge success the band so we will not be recognized. nice and everyone had a great meal did the chicken dance again. This at Sam’s Boat House in Kemah. My time there were additional dancers. I do believe this was the most fun I niece and I told the others we were It became crowded as several of have had since retirement. My niece going to an Oktoberfest and they the dancers were like us with too is a great person and loves to party. could join us if they wanted to go. All much to drink. You’re all invited next year. declined so off we went. Henry Pressley January, 2016

This is Your Retired Badge Any member or family member of HPROA is allowed and encouraged to submit articles for publication in this newspaper. Opinions, events, war stories, family announcements... all are welcome and enjoyed by our members.

Submissions will only be edited as necessary to protect your HPROA from legal liabillity. The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 23 HPROA Benefits In June of 1994, during an annual get together of retired HPD IV. FAMILY ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE officers in Crockett, Texas the Houston Police Retired Officers • Current updates on members who are sick or shut-ins Association was born. It was born out of the need for retired • Provide medical equipment for members in need officers to have the same type of organized representation that • Participate in funeral visitations and arrangements active duty officers have. The HPROA was created to give retired • Present a brass memorial plaque to surviving spouse of officers an official organization to represent them regarding deceased member matters affecting their pensions and medical benefits. V. OTHER BENEFITS • Optional TMPA “Right to Carry” legal defense insurance The HPROA is an independent association of retired HPD officers • Website updates on local, state, or national events that effect and is not a part of any other association, union or organization. retired officers The HPROA is a separate entity that respects and will work with • “The Retired Badge” (the official newspaper of the HPROA other police groups to accomplish its goal. That goal being: • Active and involved Political Action Committee (PAC) to protect and if possible improve the pension and medical • Discounted Insurance Services benefits of retired HPD officers or their surviving spouses. • Members only directory • Email notification The HPROA is governed by a board of directors elected from within its membership and answers only to the membership of Do I qualify for membership? the association. Eligibility for membership, in the HPROA, is based on the requirement that an applicant is honorably retired from the Why should I join the HPROA? Houston Police Department, or is their surviving spouse, and qualifies to receive a pension benefit from HPOPS or the City of Membership Benefits Houston Municipal Employees Retirement System. The benefit I. ACTIVE REPRESENTATION IN AUSTIN can be a monthly retirement payment, a surviving spouse’s • Registered lobbyist working to protect existing pension monthly payment or the HPOPS member is currently enrolled in benefits the DROP program. II. ACTIVE REPRESENTATION AT CITY HALL • “Health Insurance How do I become a member? • City’s obligation to contribute to Houston Police Officers 1.) Applications may be submitted online at www.hpdretired. Pension System com by credit card only. III. SOCIAL EVENTS AND GATHERINGS 2.) Complete application form found on the next page and • Promoting fellowship among retirees by sponsoring reunions mail along with your membership fee. in the spring, summer and fall of each year, throughout the state 3.) Contact the HPROA Office at 713-802-2967 or toll free at • Providing a lunch, each year in August, at the annual HPROA 1-866-856-7252 and request an application by mail. election meeting 4.) Mail application form, found in the Retired Badge (official • Sponsoring the Annual Surviving Spouse Luncheon to honor publication of the HPROA.) the families of all HPD officers who have passed away 5.) Pick up an application at the HPROA monthly meeting • Sponsor Police Week Memorial Reception held the second Thursday of each month at the KC Hall 607 E. Whitney.

CALL (713) 802-2967 TO JOIN HPROA TODAY 24 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition

By Earl D. Musick

On July 12, 1991, someone came into Those would be the magic words Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) the offices of John Mecom Jr. and Rick needed to tear him away from Jimmy Sledge was the prosecutor in stole over 4 million dollars worth of his lieutenant’s desk and supervisory the federal case and Rick worked with recovered Spanish treasure from the duties. Taylor also claimed Swanson him providing current information on “1715 Spanish Flotilla”. Houston Police was offered him $2500 to play the Swanson. Eventually Swanson pled Officer Muse made the preliminary Mexican, who sold the coins to guilty to the federal charges and was investigation and the report was Swanson. Rick and Lynn spent almost awaiting sentencing. forwarded to Burglary and Theft for a month following up Taylor’s leads follow-up investigation. Lieutenant with none of the leads being much Under the sentencing guidelines Richard “Rick” Rekieta assigned the help on making another case on providing restitution to the banks would investigation to Len Shoemaker and Swanson. However, On November almost always insure a lighter sentence. they worked with private investigator 6, 1991, Rick and Lynn made a felony Swanson agreed to the restitution and Danny Lang Jr. theft by receiving case on Attorney pledged his inventory to the bank. The Tabor and they recovered about agreement allowed Swanson to sell During the investigation the Houston $70,000 worth of stolen property. the merchandise for the bank, with the Police Department had recovered proceeds going to the bank. rare Spanish gold coins valued at over Convinced that Swanson could $400,000, but was still missing almost deliver the remaining property, Unfortunately for the bank, on January 4 million dollars in Spanish treasure. Rick continued to put the heat 21, 1994, the Watch Shop was robbed The thief who stole the treasure was on Swanson. Rick learned Robert and the bank lost all their secured still unknown and the question of who Swanson and Alan Goldsmith were merchandise. Sergeant Mike Landry might have set up the heist was still being investigated by the Federal from the Major Offenders Division unanswered. These questions drove Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in a investigated this robbery and was the investigation to continue, just as million dollar check kiting scheme. convinced Swanson had set up the this story continues. robbery. Rick and AUSA Sledge also Rick called Special Agent Suzanne believed Swanson was trying to beat Rick, Len and Danny continued to Kelty, who was the agent in charge the bank. Instead of Swanson getting work out all clues that might lead to of the investigation and pestered probation, the federal judge sentenced the treasure, the thief who stole it or her weakly to get federal charges him to serve time in federal prison. Swanson. On October 10, 1991, Rick on Swanson. After weeks of calling, received a call from a Harris County Agent Kelty told Rick she was going At this time, Len had been transferred jail inmate named Robert Paul to work up the case for prosecution. out of the Burglary and Theft Division Taylor. He knew Rick from a previous Rick asks, “Is that a promise?” Agent to the Internal Affairs Division. He was investigation and wanted Rick’s help Kelty became upset and said, “If I say no longer available to help Rick follow on his three 20 year sentences. He I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it!” up leads. However, Danny Lang Jr. promised Rick he could make a case She was true to her word, a federal was still checking out any clue and on his attorney Marion Jackson Tabor, indictment was returned, which led every clue he could find. who was selling stolen property to to Swanson’s arrest. Still Swanson Robert Swanson. refused to cooperate. Continues on Page 25 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 25

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Sandra wanted all of this mess Sandra told investigators how Robert Robert told Pedro he only paid $34,000 behind her and she pled guilty to had closed the shop early on Saturday for the first batch and he would only the charge and received two years before they went to Disney World on pay $8000 for the additional batch. deferred adjudication on March 20, vacation. This was something he rarely She said Pedro paid Washington 1994. Much to Danny and Rick’s did and when he came home from $8000 and probably held out some of displeasure, the prosecutor did not the shop, he had two double row coin the coins for himself. make her cooperation a part of the boxes containing approximately 400 plea bargain. Danny and Rick kept in gold coins and a white canvas bag Upon returning from vacation Robert constant contact with Sandra and her with rings, necklaces, belt buckles and got a call from Dr. George Vogt telling friends learning she filed for divorce approximately 50 silver coins. Sandra him about the Mecom theft. He on April 28, 1995. said Robert was very excited and said, told Robert to be on the lookout for “You gotta see this!” It was the property a bunch of gold escudo coins and On March 13, 1996, Robert Swanson he bought from Washington for $34,000. Mecom was offering a large reward got out of prison and was living for their recovery. Sandra’s employee in some federal half-way house. Sandra said after looking at the Alvin Edward “Eddie” Martin already Sandra married a guy she described treasure, she told Robert he had to knew about the theft and she told as a “square computer nerd” and take it back. It looked like it came him about Robert and Pedro buying wanted to move on with her new from the Smithsonian. Robert told her the treasure. life. She complained to her friends they could do something with it when that Robert was stalking her and they returned from vacation. Sandra Sandra told investigators Robert making her life miserable. Robert called her cousin in Channelview and brought the bag of coins home from added the final insult by trying to told her they were being sued and the second batch and she hid them get custody of their daughter. asks her to get a safety deposit box to someplace in the house, but didn’t store some property in. All the coins remember where. Those were the coins Sandra approached Danny wanting to and jewelry were put in safety deposit Ricca found in the white canvas bag. make a deal for her help in recovering box 898, at the Texas Guaranty Bank the missing property. It had been on Highway 6. She said when Washington found almost five years since the treasure out how much the coins were worth, was stolen and Sandra’s cooperation Sandra said while they were on he was upset that Robert only paid was more than welcomed. After vacation, Washington came back to him $42,000. He started coming by Danny and Rick worked out some the shop wanting to sell more coins Robert’s shop wanting more money. details, Sandra cooperated 100% and jewelry from the same theft. She said Robert wanted to do and Officer Rick Babin was assigned Pedro Juan Martinez called Robert something to stop Washington from to help in the investigation. describing the items and asks how coming by wanting more money. much he should pay. Sandra told investigators it was Continues on Page 26 Kelvin Washington, aka “Rock”, who brought her husband the property from the Mecom theft. She said Washington told her husband in the summer of 1991, he was going to have a “big one” for him. This meant a big score of stolen property or some very valuable merchandise. Sandra knew Robert had done deals with Washington before and Robert started getting his money together for the deal. She said Robert paid Washington $34,000 cash for the first batch of the Mecom treasure. 26 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition

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On July 27, 1992, Washington was filed on in an unrelated case. His case was in the 208th District Court, under cause no. 639765, for felony theft. Sandra said Robert paid Coyne $5000 to represent Washington on that case. She believed he did this to assure Washington got convicted and sent to prison. The jury did find him guilty and sentenced him to 99 years in prison. Sandra said Robert and the lawyer laughed about the sentence. In 1996, Washington was still in prison and Rick pulled his criminal record.

Sandra said she separated from Robert in 1992 and got the coins and jewelry from the safe deposit boxes. She gave the coins and jewelry to Since Martin was in custody, they Martin explained that Rick and the her employee Eddie Martin, who could not let him go meet with police are in the parking lot and will was supposed to hide them for her Swanson without an officer being come in with a warrant and told on his property in Polk County. Eddie present. Martin said he was friends Swanson he would go to jail. Without told Sandra he buried the coins and with Officer Gene Hensley and asked protest or hesitation Swanson opened jewelry. The last time she had seen if he could go with him to talk with his top left desk drawer, took out a red the coins and jewelry was early 1992. Swanson. Rick contacted Gene at box and handed it to Martin. Martin The information Sandra provided was home and placed him on special looked in the box and saw the gold not recent enough or specific as to assignment to go with Martin to the coins and jewelry he had given to the stolen property’s location. Rick Watch Shop and talk with Swanson. Swanson. Martin and Officer Hensley would not be able to obtain a search then walked out of the store with the warrant, but the information did Martin was confident Swanson would box to the parking lot. Martin handed establish probable cause to believe hand over the property if they allowed the box to Rick. Martin committed the offense of theft him and Officer Hensley to talk with by receiving stolen property. Swanson. Rick contacted ADA Martin insisted they had all the coins Wilson, who approved the plan of and jewelry he had given Swanson. On June 28, 1996, Assistant District Officer Hensley and Martin trying that After working this case for almost Attorney Ted Wilson approved first approach. ADA Wilson suggested five years Rick could not resist calling degree theft charges for the arrest of they obtain a search warrant for the Swanson. “Robert, this is Rekieta, I Alvin Edward “Eddie” Martin Jr. and the Watch Shop in case Swanson did not told you I’d be back one day. Do I warrant was signed by a magistrate. surrender the property. ADA Wilson have it all? Swanson was not his usual Saturday morning Danny located drafted the warrant and it was signed cocky self. “Yes sir, you have it all.” he Martin’s pickup at his apartment and by a magistrate. replied. Rick finished the conversation contacted Rick to come out to the by saying, “Search your conscience location on his day off. Martin was Rick Rekeita, Rick Babin and Danny and your shelves, I want it all.” arrested and agreed to cooperate. Lang waited outside the watch shop, in case they had to execute Outside, everyone was congratulating Martin told them he was holding about the search warrant, while Martin and Martin, he was the “hero of the day”. a third of the stolen treasure and he Officer Hensley went inside. They Martin then directed them to a long had given Swanson the other two approached Swanson requesting to dirt road off of Highway 190 about a thirds. He said he saw the property at talk in his office. Martin said to Robert, mile from Livingston. The house was the Watch shop, at 6464 Westheimer, “I have been arrested and I am in the surrounded by woods and looked like just two days ago. Martin felt he could custody of Officer Hensley. I need the it was not habitable. get the property from Swanson if they coins.” Robert asks, “What coins?” would let him go talk with him. Continues on Page 27 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 27

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Martin unlocked the front door and inactivated an alarm system. He asks if he could use the rest room and then went inside without an escort.

Rick, Babin and Danny could hear him urinating in the toilet and waited outside the door. Martin finished and then sprang outside the door with has arms extended and both hands together like a shooting position toward Rick. Everyone yelled and Rick reached for his pistol. Lang was to the right of Rick and shoved Eddie sideways toward the wall. Eddie was laughing, he had a double hand-full of gold coins. At first it appeared to be a wasted trip With the name, Rick was able to since he was not completely truthful. locate Caroll who was doing time Within a second or two the tension He was willing to admit selling the in the LeBlanc Unit of the Texas and chaos was over. Someone had property to Swanson, but claimed Department of Criminal Justice. Rick yelled, “Eddie don’t do that shit, we only to know the thief by the name and Danny made plans to travel to almost killed you.” Eddie understood “Red”. He was not happy to learn of Beaumont, Texas to interview Carroll. his surprise was not welcomed and he the possibility that Swanson had set This trip was a total waste since Carroll apologized. He then took Rick outside him up with the lawyer. Washington would not make any admissions. Rick to an old double door safe in the verified all the information already was disappointed that Carroll would storage shed. After turning the knob learned in the investigation and not cooperate and he continued to on the safe, he took a shovel and pried claimed not to know where any other look for some evidence to verify what open the door. Inside the safe was a property could be located. Washington had told him about the freezer bag with coins from Mecom’s theft and Carroll. theft. With this recovery they almost After returning to Houston Rick talked had all of Mecom’s lost treasure. again with Washington by phone. He still did not give up “Red’s” identity. The valuable treasure was then taken Rick was starting to wonder if in fact to the Houston Police Property Room, there really was a person named where it was photographed and “Red” and he vigorously continued inventoried on video before tagging to pursue the answer to that question. it in the property room. Martin was booked into the Mykawa Jail. It had After another phone call to been a very long day, but a very Washington, Rick would get his answer. productive day. A treasure worth Rarely in an investigation is everything close to 4 million dollars had been learned from just one interview and recovered. Now, just two questions criminals don’t always tell the whole remained, who committed this theft truth. “Red” was actually Rodney and did someone set it up. Dale Carroll, something Washington knew from the very beginning. The first question could be answered Washington said Carroll committed by Kelvin Washington, who was the theft alone and had no outside in prison and had brought the help. It seems crooks never want to property to Swanson on two different give up everything they have during occasions. Rick and Danny made just one or two interviews. However, plans to interview Washington at the Washington found out, as did Swanson Robertson Unit in Abilene, Texas. and others, Rick is persistent and he will not give up. Continues on Page 28 28 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition

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On October 30, 1996, FBI Special Agent Carroll sold the treasure to other Geoff Binney contacted Rick about criminals and they all suffered the the Mecom case. Paul Arthur Bedford, consequences of the criminal a bank robber was caught after he justice system. robbed several banks. Bedford was trying to minimize his federal sentence The King’s treasure investigation was by helping authorities on major cases. extremely thorough and covered a time period of over five years. The Rick was familiar with Bedford from his complete story could not be told in days in the Robbery Division. Bedford this short format. A properly written was familiar with Carroll and knew all novel would most likely be a best about the Mecom theft case and he seller and Hollywood would make a knew Washington fencing the property hit movie about the treasure hunt. to Swanson. Carroll had bragged to Only a few of the Houston Police Bedford about committing the theft It was a case of a prolific and somewhat Officers involved in the investigation and he verified what Washington told skilled burglary getting lucky. were mentioned because of space Rick. Bedford verified Carroll was restraints, but anyone participating alone and just got lucky. An argument could be made that in this investigation should be very the “Curse of the Aztec Gold” is really proud. Congratulations to Lieutenant Some questions will almost always go not a myth. The Spaniards pillaged Rick Rekieta, his detail and to Captain unanswered. But based on the best the Aztec gold only to have a violent Danny Lang Jr. for an awesome available evidence developed in this hurricane, in July of 1715, take investigation and a job well done. five year investigation Rodney Dale away the king’s treasure. Mecom’s Carroll, aka “Red” committed the salvage crew recovered some of Mecom treasure theft alone and no the treasure from the ocean, only to one had set up the theft. have it stolen by Carroll.

HPD Retired Female Officers

On February 23, 2016 many retired Many of us had not seen or talked Margaret announced that she would HPD female officers got together for to each other for awhile so it be selling plates for $5.00 for those a luncheon at the HPOU building. I was a lot of fun and also a lot of that wished to buy. Many of us took believe more would have attended laughter. I did invite all the ladies her offer. A total of $125.00 was made but bad weather kept them away. to our HPROA meetings and the and all donated to the Surviving The luncheon was hosted by importance of attending. I hope Spouses Luncheon. We thank you Margaret Landa, retired HPD officer. we start seeing some new faces at Margaret for your generous donation. She has been hosting this event for our meetings. 6 years now and a fantastic job she I certainly am looking forward has done. This was my first year to Lunch consisted of fajitas and all to the next Retired HPD Female attend and very happy I finally was the trimmings and cake for dessert. Officers Reunion. able to attend. It was a very good choice. The cost per person was $12.00. There Again, thank you Margaret for your Keep in mind, this is a room full of was plenty of food leftover. donation to the Surviving Spouses only females. Luncheon and for all the hard work in putting the luncheon together.

Rosalie Potell The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition 29 Killed in the Line of Duty April May

Isaac Parsons May 24, 1914 William Murphy April 1, 1910 Maria Michelle Groves April 10, 1987 Louis R. Kuba May 17, 1967 Paul W. Whitlock April 17, 1928 Bruno D. Soboleski April 12, 1991 Kent Kincaid May 22, 1998 Jack Billy Beets April 30, 1955 Cuong H. (Tony) Trinh April 6, 1997 Troy A. Blando May 19, 1999 Charles R. Gougenheim Jr. April 30, 1955 Charles R. (Charlie) Clark April 3, 2003 Alberto Vasquez May 22, 2001 James F. Kilty April 8, 1976 Jose A. Zamarron April 18, 1981 Daryl (Wayne) Shirley April 28, 1982

New Members of HPROA February - March 2016

FEBRUARY: MARCH: Gayle Ash, Donald Curry, Michael T. Jackson, Joe W. Tim Dillon, Larry E. Doreck, William Ferguson, George A. Flores, Kunkel, Barry McDermott, Mario Robau, James Salazar, James Matuszewski, Jimmy P. Williams, Floyd W. Winkler, John and William C. Staney. (8) Yencha, and Jerome A. Moon. (9)

Associate member approved-Lela Sharp. Associate member approved-Garland Cole.

Family Assistance and Burial Fund Contacts Family Assistance Unit: Burial Fund:

Senior Police Officers Michael Newsome, 713-308-1237 and Bob 713-308-1226. Leave message for someone to contact you. Sampiere, 713-308-1240.

If unavailable, contact the HPD Command Center, 713-308-1500. 30 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition RETIRED OFFICERS ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE

ContinuesRFOREST from Page TURBERVILLEeti 29 • NELSONree FOEHNER • RONR HEADLEYoundup • DOUG BOSTOCK • RAY SMITH There is probably nothing more precious than the gift of friendship. Just take some time to contact your friends and let them know how much they mean to you... relive your memories, share in your joys and pass on a smile and hug. Your call, visit, and smile might be the best medicine that they receive that helps them make it through the day. Keep these retirees in your prayers and let us know when we have a retiree who is in need of our thoughts, prayers, and assistance.

FEBRUARY 11, 2016 MARCH 10, 2016

A.B. “Lightning” Lewis: (1-12-16 nf) Lift up your prayers for Sue and ERNEST BERTRAM: (2-15-16 nf) We Lewis’s daughter, Debbie, reports Forrest, as they struggle each day, visited with Ernie’s wife by phone today that A.B. was released from for her full and rapid recovery. today and she reports that Ernie rehab on 12-24-15 and is now at You could also give them a call fell 3 times a week ago and was home where she is taking care of and give them a boost. taken to Methodist Hospital. He him and doing so much better. 281-356-8800 was weak and diagnosed with He is now getting out of bed, pneumonia. Last Friday he was walking with his walker and has transferred to Tuscany Village on regained his will to live. Continue DEATHS DURING THE MONTH Miller Ranch Road in Pearland to pray for Alfred as he continues OF JANUARY 2016 which is a rehab center where in his recovery. they hope to get him back on his feet and home again in a week Donald McWilliams:(1-15-16 nf) LUCILLE SUCHINA or two. Wife Eleanor reports that Don (SURVIVING SPOUSE OF DECEASED was transferred to Huntsville MEMBER A.H. SUCHINA), Keep Earnest in your daily Healthcare Center, 2628 Milam JANUARY 9, 2016 prayers. The family requested no for rehab. He has periods of visitors until Wed or Thursday of normalcy but then has times of LOUIS F. ROY (RETIRED MEMBER), this week. confusion. They are changing JANUARY 18, 2016 some of his medications hoping UPDATE (2-19-16 nf) We visited with to clear up his confusion. If you JAMES A. THOMAS (RETIREE), Ernie’s son by phone last evening live in the Huntsville area, take JANUARY 18, 2016 and he reports that Earnest the time to visit Don and we will is suffering from pneumonia all continue our prayers for he TOMMY FORREST KEMP (RETIREE), and bladder cancer and the and Eleanor. JANUARY 19, 2016 outcome does not look good with blood clots in the bladder Sue Turbeville: (1-31-16 nf) After area. a recent fall arriving at her THE LOVE OF THE LORD doctor’s office, an X-ray days Earnest remains at the Tuscany later exposed a broken bone in MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU facility. Lift up your prayers for her ankle. She now wears a soft WITH ALL THE JOY AND PEACE IN Earnest for painless comfort and cast on that foot and is confined BELIEVING SO THAT YOU MAY ABOUND peaceful rest. to the bed, her wheelchair or her IN HOPE,,,Romans 15;13 (nrsv) lift chair. Forrest has answered the call and provides round the clock A PRAYER TO GOD IS A TRUE DIALOGUE care for Sue with some assistance BETWEEN FRIENDS…w. from family and friends.

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Donald McWilliams: (2-15-16 nf) The following FAC members, and LORENE STUCKEY (MOTHER OF We visited with Don by phone this spouse of the FAC Chairman had MEMBER LORENA JOHNSON AND evening and he is still recovering the following medical problems: MOTHER-IN-LAW OF DECEASED from an adverse reaction to Doug Bostock, Blood Clot on leg, MEMBER CHIEF B.K. JOHNSON) a morphine injection for back at home now. Nelson Foehner, FEBRUARY 20, 2016 pain administered at a Huntsville Blood Clot in his leg, outpatient hospital in early January.. He treatment continues. Sue ERNEST MIRELES (FATHER OF is now at the Huntsville Rehab Turbeville, admitted for severe RETIRED MEMBER RICHARD J. Center, 2628 Milam. He stated pain from the recently broken MIRELES) FEBRUARY 24, 2016 that he is feeling much better foot. Forrest Turbeville, show signs and with more therapy and of possible stroke, was admitted LAURA CLAMPITTE (WIFE OF treatments he should be able to but home now. The HPROA RETIRED MEMBER J. WELDON go home soon. Continue to keep website personnell all wish our CLAMPITTE) FEBRUARY 26, 2016 Don in your prayers. FAC members a speedy recovery DONNA GANN (WIFE OF RETIRED Sue Turbeville: (2-19-16 nf) Sue Ernest Godfrey:(3-4-16 nf) We MEMBER MICHAEL L. GANN) was released from Methodist visited with Ernie minutes ago by FEBRUARY 28, 2016 Willowbrook on Tuesday, 2-16-16, phone and he stated that he had and transported to Grace Care completed all of his therapies, Center at Northpointe, 11830 was at home getting around THE LOVE OF THE LORD Northpointe, south of Tomball with a walker and a cane and where she will undergo rehab successfully getting in and out of THERE IS NO GREATER JOY THAN for the broken bone in her ankle. their car. TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN ARE Forrest was involved in a minor WALKING IN THE TRUTH accident on 2-18-16 escaping He invites all to continue to pray – (3 john 1:4 – niv) injury. for him as he continues to work toward a full recovery. HE IS LIKE A FATHER TO US, TENDER Please keep Sue and Forrest AND SYMPATHETIC….THE LOVING continually in your daily prayers. KINDNESS OF THE LORD IS FROM DEATHS DURING THE MONTH EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING. Donna Gann: (2-26-16 nf) Roy OF FEBRUARY 2016 – (pslam 103:13, 17 – nlv) Slay reports that Donna, wife of member Michael Gann, was THEN JESUS TOOK THE CHILDREN released from Hermann Hospital, JAMES K. CAMPBELL IN HIS ARMS, PUT HIS HANDS ON Woodlands and transferred to (RETIRED MEMBER) THEM, AND BLESSED THEM. a hospice facility adjacent to FEBRUARY 6, 2016 Health Care South on I-45. Donna CALL TO ME AND I WILL ANSWER was in remission some months GEORGE L. MACHAC YOU AND TELL YOU GREAT AND ago in her fight with cancer for (RETIRED MEMBER) UNSEARCHABLE THINGS YOU DO several years but it has returned FEBRUARY 12, 2016 NOT KNOW, jeremiah 33;3 aggressively to the point where her doctors felt further treatment RAY L. COLLINS (RETIRED MEMBER) THE GOD WHO MADE YOUR was useless. FEBRUARY 16, 2016 CHILDREN WILL HEAR YOUR PETITIONS. HE HAS PROMISED TO Please lift up your prayers for JOE DENNIS OAKES (RETIREE) DO SO, AFTER ALL. AFTER ALL HE Donna that her time would be (LATE NOTICE) DECEMBER 2 2015 LOVES THEM peaceful and pain free. 32 The Retired Badge April - May 2016 Edition

WE REMEMBER IN MEMORIUM WITH PRIDE APRIL MAY 2, 2006 Paul S. Nix 1, 2003 Margaret McDonald 2, 2006 John C. Hall 2, 1987 John M. LeVrier 2, 2009 Robert G. Jeske 2, 2011 Edwin B Wade 2, 2008 Donald “David” Baker 3, 2001 Earl B. Goodrum 3, 2000 “Ed” J. Christianson, Jr. 3, 2003 Vincent Grizzaffi, Sr. 3, 2000 Eddie Pavlock 3, 2002 Guy D. “Skip” Todd 3, 2009 Horace G. Givens Jr. 4, 2008 William A. Young Jr. 4, 2002 Robert R. Caswell 5, 2002 John Trousdale MEASURING FINANCIAL 5, 1993 B.G. “Glen” Noster 7, 2010 Edward L. Jordan 5, 2008 Walter E. Yargo 8, 2005 Johnny G. Rocha 6, 2010 James W. Brown 8, 2006 Glen Carnes 6, 2010 Daniel B. Doetterl 8, 2013 Willard L. Walden STRENGTH 6, 2005 George A. Bourque 10, 2008 Betty Lemoine There are several factors that measure successful financial strength 7, 1993 E.E. (Eddie) Crowson 11, 2015 James Thomason 7, 1988 D. Criscione 13, 2001 Collier G. Wright and, Houston Police FCU has all of them. With over $611 million in 7, 2006 Bobby Jackson 13, 2003 James P. Paulk assets and 25,000 member strong, we are a major financial institu- 7, 2007 Jerry L. Pratt 14, 2011 Austin Coleman 10, 1985 E.A. Maughmer 15, 2007 Gary N. Box tion offering one of the most attractive service packages available. 10, 2009 Curtis M. Simmons 16, 2004 Joe Dugger 11, 2011 Willie T. Johnson 17, 2013 Fred Bankston 11, 2007 Hazel Tucker 17, 2007 Max Allen Wright Sr. Here are some of the awards we received in 2015: 12, 1991 Hamlin L. Ellisor 18, 1989 E.R.(Dog) Dennis 13, 2005 James Barrett Woodruff 18, 2003 Maurine Dietz, 13, 2009 Gene S. Cox 18, 2012 Robert L. Olson • Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions Award 13, 2007 Harold Jordan 18, 2010 Victor G. Gutierrez -Deposits Online, LLC 13, 2004 Joseph Frank Martino 19, 1998 Charles J. Lofland 14, 1995 R.B. Mize 19, 2007 Edward L. Horelica 14, 2014 Raymond A. Helton 20, 2002 R.F. Swearingen • Largest Houston-Area Credit Union Ranked by Total Assets as of 15, 1990 Herman A. (John) Zoch 20, 2004 Doris Ernest June 30, 2015 15, 2003 Leroy Mouser 20, 2014 Joe R. Williams Jr. 16, 2004 Homer E. McCoy 21, 2005 Douglas E. Estes -Houston Business Journal 17, 2002 Mary Aleta Felchak 22, 2002 Floyd Cobler 17, 2000 Faustino M. Perez 22, 2003 John J. Pineda 18, 2009 Lawrence E. Webber 22, 2007 Edward Horelica • Top 10 Local Bank and Credit Union Savings Rates Ranked by 19, 2000 T.H. Rollins 22, 2007 Leroy Rocha Primary Share Savings Account Rate 19, 2011 Oscar I. (Big O) Smith 22, 2006 Ray G. Gartman 19, 2011 Michael Chavez 22, 2006 Ray G. Gartman -GOBankingRates 19, 2012 Billy D. Fain 23, 2010 Harold E. Stephens 20, 1992 Walter L. Burkham 24, 2015 Charlie Walter Paul 20, 1984 R.B. Edwards 26, 2015 Joe W. Lorentz Jr. Our success is due to our member support and our philosophy of 20, 2009 Thomas A. Bell 26, 2009 Charles P. Anderson “people helping people”. Thank you, our members, for making us 21, 1996 John W. Lisano III 27, 2011 Kenneth W. Ginn 21, 1998 James D. (Pops) Ellis 27, 2008 Paul H. Mauk one of the strongest financial institutions in the area. 22, 2003 David J. (D.J.) Horn 28, 2009 William K. Ford 22, 2008 Richard (Rick) Massey 29, 1995 DeWitt Nickerson 23, 2001 Margie D. Duty 29, 2005 Patricia L. Fawkes Check to see if you or a family member is eligible for 23, 2010 Howard M. McNutt 30, 2009 William E. Hamby 24, 2009 Lloyd M. Adams 30, 2009 Ray L. Cantwell membership at hpfcu.org and join today! 25, 2007 Ronald W. Cherrington 31, 1984 Annette Piazza 26, 2007 Glen D. Cheek 31, 1997 J.L. Kendrick 27, 2001 Nathaniel Melder 31, 2004 Leo Michna 27, 2009 Willis D. Goodrich 31, 2005 Orville Walker 27, 2009 Robert G. Blaylock 31, 2011 Luther W. Cook Jr. 27, 2009 Jack Roberts 31, 2010 Dennis N. Richards 29, 2002 Thomas J. Yanchak Main Office • 1600 Memorial Drive • Houston, TX 77007 29, 2013 Ned Newman Travis Office • 1200 Travis Street • 20th Floor • Houston, TX 77002 29, 2008 Robert Bartosh Willowbrook Office • 17314 State Highway 249 • Suite 107 • Houston, TX 77064 30, 1987 M.H. Singleton 713.986.0200 • 800.927.8707 30, 2009 Larry Allen 30, 2002 Ruperto Hernandez Federally insured by NCUA.