PRSRT STD HOUSTON POLICE RETIRED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION US POSTAGE PAID P.O. BOX 130787, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77219 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 XIX, NO. 6 B December 2020 - January 2021 In Memory of Sergeants Harold Preston and Sean Rios Dear God, Please Lord, Let it Stop!

12/7/2019 - Sergeant Christopher Charles Lewis Brewster; 5/2/2020 - Officer Jason Michael Knox; 10/20/2020 - Sergeant Harold L. Preston; 11/9/2020 - Sergeant Sean Rios.

Four of HPD’s finest lost their lives IN THE LINE OF DUTY in just over eleven months.

A short recap follows. Sergeant Brewster is shot and killed in the East End of Houston. Suspect was taken in custody. Officer Knox killed in a police helicopter crash near Greenspoint. Sergeant Preston was shot and killed near the Astrodome. Suspect taken into custody and charged. Now, Sergeant Rios is shot and killed on the North Side. Suspect arrested the following day and charged.

Sergeant Preston, a forty-one year He is survived by his fiancé and a The suspect, a twenty-four-old HPD veteran preparing to retire soon, twenty-three-year-old daughter as documented gang member, Robert was shot and killed during a domestic well as his elderly parents whom he Solis, was arrested the following day disturbance call on October 20 , was caring for. The suspect, Elmer and charged with several offenses. The 2020. The suspect was also shot but Manzano, was arrested and charged investigation continues as a person of survived his wounds. Officer Courtney with Capital Murder of a Police Officer. interest is being sought to determine his Wallace, a three-year HPD veteran, involvement in the offense. was shot in the arm but survived. The Sergeant Rios, assigned to the Airport suspect’s fourteen year old son was Division (Hobby) was enroute to work THE MEMORY OF 1982 LINGERS ON also wounded by the gunfire. He will on Monday, November 9, 2020, when This brings to mind the terrible year of 1982 survive. Sergeant Preston joined HPD he encountered what was probably for HPD. Officer Winston J. Rawlins and by way of Academy Class #86 on a road-rage incident on the North Officer William A. DeLeon were struck August 25, 1979. With forty-one years Freeway. He attempted to quell the and killed on their police motorcycles of service, he was planning to retire disturbance and was shot and killed. in separate incidents on the same day, soon but was still working the streets as March 29, 1982. a Patrol Supervisor. Continues on Page 5 2 The Retired Badge October - November 2020 Edition

FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANTHONY KIVELA

ALMOST ALL OF US ARE BEING AUDITED! Others have told me that they have sent it in via certified or registered USPS mail The word “audit” can be distressing with return-receipt. Even so, some of our or alarming when used in almost any retirees who have their USPS return receipts context, but in this discussion, it needn’t have received second letters from the be. Inconvenient? Yes, that is probably COH requesting identical information. My a proper term based on what the City advice is to just try to have a good attitude of Houston (COH) is asking our retired and send in what they are requesting in a members to provide. timely manner in order to prevent insurance cancellations for dependents. Once more: But first, a little historical information. The Yes, it is an inconvenience, just don’t let HPROA advised its members some time something small like this ruin your retirement ago in a Retired Badge article that the experience. The COH has stressed that if COH spent considerable money on a someone has been audited once, they can consultant’s report that recommended be audited a second time. that the COH audit active and retired officers to verify dependents who are CHANGE IS COMING TO THE HPROA! being covered on insurance programs. We can assert that your HPROA makes The audit started with grandchildren, and frequent positive changes to assist its Anthony Kivela, Executive Director documentation had to be tendered that members on a continuing basis. And, validated the relationship. We encouraged since change occurs so often, the Board of MEDICARE CHOICES our members to respond with what was Directors and I need to know what we can requested in order to avoid insurance do to improve your HPROA. We encourage By the time that this article hits your cancellation for the dependent(s). And it you to use the suggestion submission link on email in-box or postal mailbox, the was determined to be a cost-saving move the website to let us know about any needs COH should have completed the for the COH, in that dependents were that you have that are not being fulfilled or Open Enrollment for Medicare. Most discovered who weren’t actual qualified any resources that we can add as a benefit of you are aware that the COH went dependents at all; and therefore, ineligible to membership. from five offered vendors to only two, for COH insurance. Kelsey and Aetna. Moreover, and to Coming in the future will be resources on the disappointment of many retirees, Since the COH discovered a way to what age it is best for a retiree to draw they discontinued United Health- save money, the audit exponentially SSA. Is it 63? 67? 70? The best answer Care’s Supplement Plan F and G. expanded to include other dependents is that it varies with everyone and there over a multi-year period of time…children, are multiple factors that come into play I am in Kelsey, simply because it seems stepchildren, court-ordered dependents, on your making a proper decision. We to work out best for my personal spouses, and the like. That’s where the are planning to provide a resource that circumstances and I really like my inconvenience for us recently manifested addresses that very issue. What follows is physician. I found her by asking the itself. Our retirees are being asked to one recently added video resource that employees at my clinic who they provide documented proof of marriage, you can immediately access, and even use for their personal physician. The whether they have been married for 50 more videos are being planned. response was 100% for the physician days or for 50 years. that I navigated my coverage to, Recently, Henry Chavez, Mike Gee, and and that process might work out Our recommendation is the same as it Bruce Lamore prepared a video on good for you as well. Kelsey has been was with the earlier audit. Grin and bear veterans’ benefits. It’s amazing what is expanded to servicing 13 counties in it because we can think of no way to available to veterans, whether or not you Texas, which are listed on the COH HR avoid the audit. If you are formally asked are disabled, or with how long it has been website. But we realize that Kelsey to provide proof of marriage, simply dig it since you served in the Armed Forces. The isn’t the right fit for every retiree. up and send it in. There is a portal on the veterans’ benefits video is high-lighted COH HR website that allows you to take a on our website – check it out if you are a picture of the certificate, and then submit veteran, and thank you for your service. it that way. Continues on Page 5 The Retired Badge October - November 2020 Edition 3

A Message from Bob Barnard, President HPROA

As most of you know Richard Nixon took Changing your address is another pain, China under his wing many years ago utility companies, finding service people when they had no industries or military etc. Maybe now you get the picture, do to speak of. His goal was to help take not move. on Russia if we got into a war. That did not occur, and we built them into the Covid-19 has dominated our lives this year. powerhouse they are today. It started slow, built up momentum until we all had to stay at home, then we got Their military might is as good as ours some relief, and now it is threatening to with the exception of their air force, shut us down again. The board and I have at which we are far superior to date. been talking about having a membership However, I have read a couple of meeting in December, but I am afraid that articles on our US Space Force project. might not occur due to the rising number I have learned that whoever controls of new cases filling hospitals. I want all of space will have the ability to be the our members to know that the board has ultimate super force over the world. been meeting monthly, and discussing Our current administration has been various programs that will benefit all our working on this project for some time, members. For the last several months we but again so has China. They know, have been discussing our health benefits. Bob Barnard, President just like we do, that whoever controls Anthony Kivela, our Executive Director, space will be able to dominate other has spent many hours on the phone, Thanks to all of our great members, countries. I know our country has going to city hall, and personally meeting your PAC fund is alive and well. a lot of ties with China, and it is my with the city’s human resource folks. I The PAC Committee, comprised of hope if we should have a change in went with him on occasion, and noted Anthony Kivela, Bill Elkin, Steve Rayne, administration, we will not let them his professional approach, informing and I met last month, and discussed get ahead of us. The space force the people who matter, about all of our the direction we should take read is interesting if you should want needs. He was then selected by HR to sit regarding the 2021 Legislature that to look it up. with the decision makers, and have input, starts this January. After studying all due to the fact they appreciated his of the incumbents and challengers, Now I have advice for all of us who research and dedication. I am pleased we issued 92 checks to make sure are over 70 years of age. Do not move to say that because of tireless work by the HPROA stays in front of every from your home, even if you have all Anthony, your board, all the City of politician that can help us. Our PAC the help in the world. This comes from Houston active employees, as well as the works closely with HPOU so we can real life experience as I just moved to retirees will have a better insurance plan present a united front regarding Montgomery from Houston. I bought with a small reduction in what we have to our pension issues. We don’t know a house in April Sound before selling pay thru 2023. whether to expect any major issues mine, and that was about three months at the legislature this year regarding ago. We had movers who packed us, As a side note I can let you know that our pensions, but we are aware that labeled boxes and did a good job. It association is growing. In a little over the most of the negative legislation will took all day to load up and we got last 15 months we have added about 150 be directed at the police defunding every box, and piece of furniture in at new members. Since the first of the year issues: brutality and deadly force. 11PM. The garage was full of boxes, we have placed a link on the web, and as well as the house, along with our a notation in the Retired Badge which As I am writing this message, our nation furniture. I have moved many times in states “Donate to HPROA”. We have recently went through a presidential the past and don’t remember feeling received an average of $1000 dollars election unlike any previous election like passing out. Now prior to the move per month this year, mainly from family’s process in our lifetime, and I hope all we had been remodeling the new wanting to help our organization, as well of our members voted. This election is house for about one month, going as friends of the deceased. critical to our country, and to the rest back and forth to the old house daily of the world. to get what we did not have room for in two moving vans. Continues on Page 5 4 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition For Members and Their Families

What would happen to 7 out of 10 – your retirement savings More than half of Americans after the age of 65 are if you needed long term likely to need long term care services. ¹ care??? Long Term Care Pays – For out of pocket expenses you incur for care at home, For more information, in the Community, and in a long care facility such as an call: Assisted Living or Nursing Home, up to the Maximum Daily Garland Cole 512.327.3456 Amount you select. Benefit increase options are available M.D. Beale 713.419.7455 to help meet future costs by keeping up with inflation.

¹T. Thomson et al, Long *Term Care Perceptions, Experiences, and Attitudes among Americans 40 or Older (The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, April 2013) 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.

CALL (713) 802-2967 TO JOIN HPROA TODAY

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 of Director Personal Injury President Executive Director Bruce Evans Past President Bob Barnard Anthony Kivela Steve Rayne Probate & Wills Henry Chavez 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Office Secretary Estate Planning Matthew Potell Medwin Beale Jim St. John Cathy Buckles 1533 W. Alabama, Suite Treasurer Secretary Shelly Scheibe Retired Badge Editor Ed Aldridge Sue Gaines Nelson Zoch 100, Houston, TX 77006 Steven Toth Parliamentarian Sergeant-At-Arms Webmaster 832-654-0718 Bill Elkin Robert L. Crane Fred Walschburger Mike Gee NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION Nelson Zoch The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 5

Preston & Rios Continued...

B & T Fugitive Detective Daryl W. (Wayne) Shirley was shot The same words, Dear God, Please, Lord, Let it Stop, were and killed a month later on April 28, 1982, while attempting echoed thirty-eight years ago.. to arrest a Felony Fugitive. K-9 Officer James D. Harris Of course, who could forget the historical date of August was shot and killed during a traffic stop on July 16, 1982. 23, 1917, when five HPD Officers were KILLED IN THE LINE Narcotics Officer Kathleen Schaefer was shot and killed OF DUTY during the Camp Logan riot. during a drug bust on August 18, 1982. Much more will be provided in the future and in much If that was not bad enough, in the midst of all of these more detail regarding the most recent deaths of Sergeants tragedies, on May 2, 1982, Officer Charles Robert Coates Preston and Rios after it becomes available. So far now, II was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic. He was this December 2020-January 2021 issue of the Retired seriously injured and passed away on February 23, 1983. Badge will be dedicated to these two fine HPD Supervisors who stepped up when needed and lost their lives IN THE 1982 - Six Officers received fatal injuries in a span of less LINE OF DUTY. than five months. Nelson Zoch

Executive Director Kivela Continued...

Nevertheless, even though you are hopefully locked into a Nevertheless, some retirees due to the amount of their income Medicare plan by now, it’s good to keep certain COH Medicare might fall under IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment benefits in mind for the future. Amounts) which causes higher Medicare premiums, as well as payment for Part D. To check how close you are now, or how • If you are a “Gym-Rat”, or you would like to be, all three COH close you might be when income is increased by RMD’s, you programs will offer no-cost gym memberships by including can Google “SSA IRMAA” and look at the SSA official tables. Silver-Sneakers coverage. You can Google that program if you Just don’t solely rely on what a best friend’s advice is, research need additional details. your options.

• All of the COH Medicare programs allow year-round transfer If you have additional questions, contact COH HR. between programs. For example, if a retiree is on Kelsey, but has My promise to the HPROA Board of Directors when accepting a cancer diagnosis, he/she might want to be treated at M.D. this position was to be as available as possible to all of our Anderson. If you contact COH HR by the 15th of ANY month, members. If you hear rumors, need information, or have positive you can effectively switch from Kelsey to Aetna, or vice versa, -or- negative feedback…please feel free to contact me as with the effective date being the 1st of the upcoming month. follows: • On my cell phone - it is my only phone number and the number • If you hear that all Advantage programs are the same, don’t is in our HPROA membership and HPOPS directories, or believe it. Compare apples-to-apples. You can go to the • Email at [email protected] or, official Medicare website to search for an Advantage Program • FaceBook or LinkedIn under my name Anthony Kivela, Twitter and see that Kelsey has multiple programs, most with different @AnthonyKivela, or annual out-of-pocket costs. The old saying that the “Devil is in • FaceBook at the “Retired Houston Police Officers” closed and the Details” is so true if you decide to shop non-COH Medicare vetted group (send me an invite to join if you’re not a member). programs. God Bless, thank you for your service, and stay healthy and safe. • The COH programs offer Part D prescription coverage as an inclusion at no additional cost.

President Barnard Continued...

Our members are including in the death notices that in If you have a need for assistance of any nature, please lieu of flowers, please donate to the HPROA. let us know because we want to help our members, and their families. In closing please stay safe, wear your mask, and pray for the USA Bob Barnard 6 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition

This interesting article by Daryl ran in the last issue but was partially cut off and was not completed. Here it is in its entirety. Heroes Walk Among Us This person also has responsibility for He said, “I made a promise that I would By Daryl G. Lott sounding emergency sirens for civil never be cold again.” I asked him if he defense purposes. was from Minnesota or some place like Heroes walk among us. And I mean that and he said, “No, nothing that bad!” real heroes-not criminals who die The front half of the room has the radio We laughed. Then he settled back in while resisting arrest. The dictionary dispatchers that track all police units his chair (City issue-nothing fancy) and definition of hero is the one I use so in every part of the city. The back part told me how he came to make such a that we are clear on what a hero is. of this facility houses the “call takers.” promise. “You see, Lieutenant,” Eddie “Hero: a person who is admired or They are generally ladies that take in began, “I was in the Marine Corps. I was idealized for courage, outstanding all phone calls and determine what assigned to the Tenth Corps, 1st Marine achievements, or noble qualities.” I to do with them. Normally, they take Division in the winter of 1950.” This rang a think it is important to define terms all information down and forward bell with me as I was a student of history. before we can engage in a mutual it to the various mike positions for The First Marine Division was part of a experience. a patrol officer to go to the scene. combined unit that consisted of Army The phone room is divided into two units as well as parts of the Navy’s Seventh In the late 1980’s I was assigned to halves: “A side” and “B side”. They are Fleet. In the winter of 1950 the Marine unit the Emergency Communications in two halves because there are two that PFC Eddie Pavlock was assigned to Division as the day shift commander. main telephone trunk lines that come was routing the North Korean Army. The soldiers and marines were pushing the I had several very good sergeants into the police department. One who worked under me as well as North Koreans all the way to the Yalu comes down Memorial Drive from an outstanding group of civilian River. Everyone was thinking that the the west and the other comes across and police officer dispatchers war was coming to an end and that our the Capitol Street Bridge from the who executed their duties in an people would be home by Christmas. But east. The idea is that if one line goes outstanding manner. Indeed, I made in a dazzling failure of military intelligence, down (think traffic or construction lifelong friendships with some very our forces were totally surprised when good people. Shortly after my arrival accidents), we will still have half the 120,000 Communist Chinese troops came I was meeting individually with my telephone lines working. There is a across the Yalu River and engaged Tenth sergeants to try and get my “feet on sergeant that mans this phone room Corps. Most of our officers and NCO’s the ground.” As I was looking over and he monitors the call takers and were battled hardened veterans of World their information I noticed that one advises everyone when one side has War Two and, thank God, they rallied and sergeant’s date of employment and calls waiting. The idea is to try and began a strategic withdrawal under an my date of birth were the same. In other balance the load so calls aren’t lost. overwhelming enemy attack. “We fought words, he began his employment as Sergeant Eddie Pavlock was that for about three weeks as we retreated, an HPD officer on the day that I was sergeant. He would shout out “A side” but it was so cold,” said Eddie. “My hands born. I resolved to observe him and or “B side” when the lines were out of and feet were getting frost bitten, but we help him in any way that I could. balance. He was also in charge of the kept fighting for our lives.” “How cold was TTY telephone which is a device that is it, Eddie?,” I asked. “I don’t know, but If you don’t know how Emergency used by the deaf. everything was frozen. The water in our Communications is set up, I’ll give you canteens, the morphine in the lancets, a very brief tour. In the front of the Each day I watched him faithfully carry the radiators in the trucks. Our food was room there is the watch commander out his duties. I noticed that Sergeant frozen, we couldn’t feel nothin’ no more,” position that has a sergeant and an Pavlock always wore his winter coat said Eddie. “Day after day it was like being assistant that run the mike positions inside. Admittedly, this room was kept in Hell. It seemed like it would never end. and news media phone lines (think cooler because of all the electronics A lot of good men were dying. We killed traffic reporters finding out where involved and all the ladies wore a lot of Chinese and General MacArthur accidents are). There is another sweaters, but I was curious why he finally got help to us, but it was too late for position in front that takes in arrest wore his winter coat. So in an effort to a lot of guys.” warrants and emergency messages get to know him better I sat with him to be delivered to people (think of a while. I asked him about his coat to death in family notifications that have see if there was something I could do been confirmed officially). to make him more comfortable. Continues on Page 7 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 7 From the Desk of Jim Hudson

I told a friend of mine that I’m tired of We used to say if the brass would As I said in another article, join the watching the news with all the riots keep their nose out of our business, Houston Police Retired Officers and against all the policemen in we could hire good people. They’re Association as soon as you can. We the United States. First of al,l I would always changing the rules as to have a fight on our hands. Pray for like to say I’m a proud honorably what a good policeman should be. each and every policeman in the retired Houston policeman. I am not When I was in recruiting, I knew who United States. They are all brothers an honorably retired stormtrooper I would ride with and who I wouldn’t. and sisters in blue and we have to as Nancy Pelosi referred to us. That They left it up to us to decide the stick together. When one falls, did statement gets under my skin. I was applicants credibility. the others pick him up? Thanks for a very good policeman and as you listening to me. There are a thousand know we don’t like rotten apples I worry today about the status of our of you out there that have never been and I don’t know any policeman pension. I know we’re in good shape members or have been members and that would condone what the money-wise but we don’t know dropped for some reason. This is not officer in Minneapolis did. what the mayor and the police chief the time to worry who’s in charge. We have up their sleeve. The Democrats all have one mission-save our pension Sure, we have policeman that change words up from unfunded for us and our wives and husbands. shouldn’t be policeman. We have to reallocating funds which means ways of tapping them out of the the same thing as defunding. If we department. You can stop this at lose policeman it will hurt the retired Jim Hudson the beginning of an application at officers in that less people will be the department. contributing to the pension.

Heroes continued...

I was fascinated by his story. I asked They are men and women who rise He served as an Officer in Radio Patrol him, “Eddie, where, exactly, were you to the occasion and reflect the best at Central and was later promoted to in Korea?” He responded with a kind of our hearts. They are people who Sergeant and assigned to Northeast of absent minded reflection, “A place are admired or idealized for courage, Patrol prior to transferring to the called Chosin Reservoir.” I heard of it. outstanding achievements, or noble Dispatcher’s Division. He retired on It was a place where heroes lived and qualities. We lost Eddie a few years February 25, 1988, with thirty-two died. Yes, I heard of it. I got a car and back, but I’ll never forget him. A simple years of service. He passed away went across the Capital Street Bridge man, really, who never wanted to be on April 3, 2000 and I and my brother to the main branch of the Houston cold again. It’s people like Eddie that Leroy attended his service as Eddie Public Library to do a bit of research form a bond in my heart that prohibits had been a classmate and friend of (Google had not been invented yet). me from not standing when my flag our brother Herman. The correct response to my question is raised. People like Eddie are bright about how cold was it during the points of light in a dark world that Retired Lieutenant Daryl G. Lott weeks long battle was Zero degrees. sorely needs noble heroes. As for me joined HPD by way of Academy There were 18,000 casualties, with and my house, we will stand in honor class #68 in 1975. He worked in Point 8000 frostbite cases, including Eddie. of our country and the greatness of Control, Southeast Patrol, Homicide, Sergeant Eddie Pavlock did not look her heroes that a loving God has put Dispatchers, North Command, and like a genuine American war hero to in my life to inspire me to fulfill His will. Clear Lake Patrol. He was part of an me - but he was. As it turned out, he Yes, my friends, heroes, real heroes HPD Police family as his Dad, Bobbie became one of those people that walk among us. G. Lott (now deceased) was in Class when you meet them and find out a #8 and his brother, Bobby D. Lott, was bit of their story, you file them away. In Editor’s note about Eddie and Daryl: in Class #82 and is now retired also. my case, I filed Eddie away in that file Sergeant Eddie Pavlock joined HPD that is bigger than you might realize. by way of Academy Class #13, Thanks, Daryl, for those memories That file is labeled “Heroes”. graduating on February 17, 1956. about Eddie. 8 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition HELFMAN FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS

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HPROA New Members

OCTOBER 2020 NOVEMBER 2020 James Baker, Barry Balthrop, Amy Barnette, Gregory David Abercia, Mario Barrera, Harold Childers, Alfonso Brown, Robert Carr, Betty Doss, Eric Fagan, Luis Gonzalez, Giraldo, David Gott, Cindy Humphrey, Phillip Jackson, Michelle Jimenez, Rachelle Justice, Stephen Liddle, Kathleen Jaynes, Scott Laird, Albert Mihalco, Jerry Ruben Lopez, Nicholas Matson, Patti Matson (pending Montgomery, Mark Scales, Robert Tellez, William Thrailkill, payment), Francisco Ortiz, David Pali, Cory Riggs, Larry and Jeff Vershave, Tidwell, and Rickey Thomas. Associate member approved-Dale Bond, sponsored by Associate member proposed-Dale Bond, sponsored by Ron Headley. Ron Headley Associate member proposed-John Lodge, sponsored by Brad Piel. 10 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 11 HPROA Event Calender: December 2020 & January 2021

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS, ANY SCHEDULED EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION. HPROA MEETINGS FOR THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS WERE CANCELLED. UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME ABOUT THE OCTOBER MEETING.

Thursday, December 3, 2020 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY 2021 NEW YEAR TO ALL! HPOU General Membership Meeting Thursday, January 7, 2021 Thursday, December 10, 2020 HPOU General Membership Meeting. HPOPS Board Meeting (See Below) Thursday, January 7, 2021 NOTE FROM HPOPS: HPOPS COMMITTEE MEETINGS ARE HPOPS Board Meeting. (See above) HELD THE TUESDAY MORNING PRIOR TO THE THURSDAY BOARD MEETING AND ARE OPEN TO MEMBERS. THE Thursday, January 14, 2021 HPOPS WEBSITE SHOULD BE CHECKED TO VERIFY EXACT 9:00am HPROA Board Meeting and General TIMES AND SCHEDULING. Membership Meeting is uncertain at this writing on 11/17/2020. Thursday, December 10, 2020 8:15am HPROA Board Meeting (Still on) Business meeting cancelled at this writing on 11/17/2020.

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 12 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition The Shotgun Corner

Do I make myself clear?” The only answer, By M. D. Beale, Jr. of course, was “Yes, Sir.”

I just finished perusing my hunting log. It still warms my heart to know he trusted It runs from 1987. The last entry was in me enough to risk the danger of the river, 2017 but entries after 2010 are few and for it is still a real danger, [the last victim far between. I knew personally was Larry Kendricks, HPD Ret. some years back] as well as risk I had a ton of fun over all the years with the vengeance of Mother if anything did the kids, grandkids, family, and many happen to me. friends even if it’s blatantly apparent I’m a mediocre to average hunter. It wasn’t an idle concern either, because my Mother would shoot you if she deemed The end result of all of that started me it necessary. Dad worked evenings at thinking back to all of the rest of my Hughes Tool Company and one night she hunting experiences not recorded, put a drunk on the move from our front going back to earliest memories of me porch when he tried to break in while trying to keep up with my Dad and shouting and cussing about what he was You always had to be circumspect when uncles across wide fields with short five- going to do to us when he got in - thinking dealing with them if you didn’t want to year-old legs. he was home. He wouldn’t listen to her get hurt, especially water moccasins. I so she used a Walther P38 war trophy my learned that lot of people really [and He always took me [and later my uncle gave us to put a 9mm round through I mean REALLY] don’t like snakes – any brother too] with him hunting if at all the front door just over his head and two snake. possible, even to the point of defying more out the open window at him while my Mother’s wishes and concerns on he was running across the bar ditch and One version of a war story I heard many one occasion, a squirrel hunt and fishing back out on to Highway 3. I remember years ago – an incident I had no personal trip on the Guadalupe River. looking at the hole in the door one last involvement in, nor have any recollection time the day we moved from Genoa to or direct knowledge of – was when some The Guadalupe River has claimed Friendswood. That bullet hole has always detectives thought it would be fun to more than its fair share of lives. One been a comfort to me. put a life like rubber snake in the middle such event happened when Bertha, desk drawer of a certain lieutenant’s desk my Mother’s first cousin, took her grade The boat trip adventure held a life lesson who had a strong aversion to snakes. school class swimming in the river and I’ve never forgotten. Risky behavior Each day when he came to work it was one of the children ended up drowning. should always be moderated with the his habit to take his .45 Colt automatic most cautionary preparations possible from his holster and put it in the middle The plan Dad and our cousins had was and executed in the safest and most desk drawer. On the morning in question, to use a boat to run the trotlines and propitious manner. when he was about to place the pistol droplines in the river for catfish and to in the drawer and saw the snake, he shoot squirrels at the same time. No Growing up in Friendswood from the late emptied the magazine into the desk and five-year-old boy could possibly pass up 1940’s was the best of both the rural and drawer…. which also emptied the office. such an adventure. Mother and Dad the urban worlds. The small Quaker town Somebody didn’t quite think that one all had words about it, but Dad backed was hidden far enough off the main roads the way through – or then again – maybe my going with him. Mother was not “a to be in the middle of oil and rice fields plus they did. happy camper”. all of the fruit orchards, but close enough to drive into Houston or Galveston on No matter the venue, one should always be When we got to the boat, he sat me on Friday and Saturday nights, or shopping mindful whenever dealing with anything the middle seat and told me “Set your when you wanted. having to do with snakes, whether of the ass down on that seat and don’t move crawling or two-legged variety. unless I tell you. Whatever you do, do As a kid running the oil field and country NOT fall out of this boat. If anything roads lead to a lot of adventures over Enough of my aimless and nostalgic happens to you, your Mother will never the years. Many had to do with stinging musings and ramblings. speak to me again. insects and snakes. Continues on Page 15 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 13 14 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition The Current History of Academy Class #40

On May 3, 1969, forty-three Joe was shot in the back but Robbie Phelps, a Juvenile Officer, cadets from Academy Class #40 miraculously survived. This writer 23, 1992; Donald L. Sander, 21, graduated and became Houston was able to take action and shot 1991; Donald R. Schmidt, an SPO Police Officers. two suspects. Joe continued to in Patrol, 25, 1994; E. Kenneth It is believed that there were three serve in Radio Patrol and also in the Syphrett, 20, 1989; Allen J. Vana, females in this class-Ruby L. Allums, Recruiting Division. a veteran Patrol Sergeant, 36, Carolyn A. Heard, and E. Robinett. 2005; and Ronny L. Webb, an He later resigned to enter the private SPO, 20, 1989. Traffic Enforcement Officer David polygraph business and later served Huerta was SHOT AND KILLED IN a number of years with the Harris A special note on Dan A. THE LINE OF DUTY on September 19, County Sheriff’s Office from where McAnulty, a Homicide and D.A. 1973, at the young age of twenty- he retired. Special Crimes Detective. He seven. More details of his tragic served twenty years with HPD and death are recorded in the book The following served at least their another twenty years with the FALLEN HEROES OF THE BAYOU CITY. twenty years with HPD and have Harris County District Attorney’s David was a Viet Nam veteran of since passed away. They are, Officer. He has the unusual the United States Army. He left a along with their years of service distinction of being involved in wife, a young daughter, his parents, and year of death: Ruby L. Allums, at least three high-profile Murder and one brother. In his short HPD a Juvenile Officer, 20, 2014; James cases which resulted in books career, he had also served in the W. Brown, a Sergeant at Mounted, being written about he and his Narcotics Division. 26, 2010; Jimmy R. Davis, a Robbery partner’s successful exploits-The Detective, 36, 2005, passed Cop Who Wouldn’t Quit (with An unusually large number of this away while still on active duty; Johnny Bonds), Out There In The class left HPD well before twenty Walter Henson, a Senior Accident Darkness (with Earl Musick), and years of service. J.H. Gough and Investigator, 35, 1018; Thomas All His Enemies (written by Nelson J.A. McMahon left in 1970 after M. Ladd, a Veteran Top-Notch Zoch). an incident which left a veteran Homicide Detective, 35, 2020; Don Officer unnecessarily leaving the A. Page, a Traffic SPO, 40 years and The last man standing from this Department also. Others from 10 months, 2018; Larry W. Paramore, class was Don Page followed this class leaving were Johnny L. an SPO in Patrol, 26, 1999; Dennis closely by Robert Jennings, Waltmon, J.M. Bell, Wayne Rose, N. Richards, an Assistant Chief, 35, both with over forty years of Carolyn Heard-Reames, Joseph 2010; and Michael J. Svoboda, an service. Jimmy R. Davis followed R. Pyle, C.E. Cheatham, C.D. SPO, 20, 2019. with thirty-six years AND was still Dearing, C. Avila, D.R. Redding, working at the time of his death. F.A.D. Smith, R.K. Day, J.A. Those who retired and are hopefully Biehunka, and D.R. Camden. enjoying their golden years are: May our GOOD LORD continue Joseph A. Andrews, a Lieutenant to bless all of these Officers and Ronnie S. Hemby was shot and killed in the Narcotics Divsions, 20, 1989; their families. in an off-duty incident in 1974. Ronald J. Andrus, an SPO, 30, 1999; Johnnie R. Bollom, a B&T It should by noted that one of the Detective, 37, 2006; Robert S. Davis Nelson Zoch above, Joseph R. Pyle, was SHOT 23, 1992; Phil W. Frank, 21, 1990; IN THE LINE OF DUTY less than two Ernesto Gonzalez, a Sergeant, 20, months after leaving the Academy. 1989; Robert A. Jennings, a Patrol Joe was riding with this writer as his Sergeant, 40, 2009: Earl Jones, 26, training partner in late June, 1969, 1995; Lawrence W. Keasling, 20, when a passenger in a vehicle 1989; Douglas E. Martinson, an SPO which we had stopped in the Third in CID, 21, 1990; Dan A. McAnulty, Ward for a minor traffic violation a Homicide, IAD, and D.A. Major came out shooting. Crimes Detective, 20, 1969; The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 15 Hello Retirees and Friends

On October 17, 2020 we had our The Fredericksburg Reunion would not The Silent Auction: Thank you Steve and Fredericksburg Reunion. We were have been possible without the help of all Vickie Rayne for taking care of all our blessed with fantastic weather and had volunteers: On Thursday, Matt and I had members with their good finds. Thanks to all a total of 101 attendees. Covid 19 kept help from E.J. & Delores Smith and Rene & the ladies who helped with the Bid Sheets: many members from attending and we Araceli Palomo to help with the set up of Sue Gaines, Barbara Cotten, Araceli understood. tables and chairs at the Pavilion. On Friday Palomo and Cathy Buckles. they returned and helped in decorating Things were different this year. As the tables and setting up the Silent Auction We had background music as well as a you walked up to the Pavilion, your tables and coffee pot, water etc. Again, photographer, thanks to Mike Gee. Hope temperature was checked by one of our they returned on Saturday morning to all members have had a chance to view HPROA members,Rene Palomo. Everyone help us make sure we had everything in the photographs on our HPROA.com wore masks and those that did not have order for our members. E. J. Smith took website. All done by Mike Gee. Thank one, was given one. We had sanitizers care of coffee throughout the Reunion. You again, Mike! scattered around the frequented areas. Rene Palomo made sure everyone had Tables were distanced and only four their temperature taken. Matthew Potell Last but not least, at the end of the chairs were set up in each. was being a host as well as making sure Reunion, it was announced that we things were going smoothly, making sure needed help in taking down the tables The food was catered by Boondocks. food was ready and on time and took and chairs and putting them up. A BIG Again, things were a little different here care of the Door prize giveaways. THANK YOU, to all that stayed and helped, as well. Everyone was served in “To Go for it took only 30 minutes. Unbelievable!! Containers”. Each container had fried Thank You Jimmy Williams and John Thank You everyone! catfish, french fries, hush puppies, beans Sweat for helping us take things we could and cole slaw. Dessert was banana not fit in our vehicle to Fredericksburg. We are hoping everyone truly enjoyed pudding. Tables were called up one by We could not have managed without themselves, for we all needed a change of one by E. J. Smith, to get their food. This Jimmy’s vehicle. A Big thanks also for scenery. did not take long. We all practiced social helping Friday with the set up. distancing and heard no complaints. Please mark your calendars for next years Thanks to Richard and Cathy Buckles for Fredericksburg Reunion: October 16, 2021. We had a small Silent Auction that only signing in all guests and making sure they consisted of six tables. Steve and Vickie all had a Drawing ticket. At this time we do not know what 2021 will Rayne did a wonderful job in taking care look like as far as a Houston Reunion. Make of it. A total of $992.00 was brought in. At serving lunch, Thank You to the helpers sure you check the website for information. We would like to “Thank everyone who that made up the to go plates : Sue donated items” and “To all who bought Gaines, Barbara Cotten, Marita Anderson, Stay Healthy & May All Have A Blessed the items”. Thank you again. All proceeds Connie Garza and Bruce Evans. Christmas and Happy New Year! go to HPROA. Matthew and Rosalie Potell Entertainment Committee

Shotgun Corner Continued...

Thanksgiving is once again being But I really hope every single one of My sincerest hope is that everyone ignored, as well as the history and intent us gives a sincere Thank You to the has a safe and very Merry Christmas of the holiday, in favor of all the other Lord who created us and our nation and Happy New Year. May you “news” and crass commercialism of and has blessed us so very richly and get the new gun, rod, or whatever Christmas – as usual. I’ll not deliver my sustains us by His Power. Thanksgiving sporting equipment your heart usual diatribe on the subject. should be our most important desires for Christmas and I hope to National Holiday. see you soon at the HPROA meetings and at the range or in the field. 16 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition Birthdays & Anniversaries DEC JAN 2, 1934 Jesse Baker 3, 1954 D.G. Scott 5 Dorothy Niemeier 6, 1949 Carmen Cantu Lott 11 Pat Williams 9 Marie Fish 13, 1929 Bobby Gene Lott 9, 1937 Willie Joe Kovar 15, 1942 Fred C. Sparks 16, 1937 La Jean Baker 15, 1946 George Powers 16, 1947 Harry “Wo” Womack 20, 1934 Morris Shofner 18 Carolyn Foster 21 James R. Walker 19 Mary Nichols 21, 1954 Rick Walker 25, 1947 Steve Rayne 24, 1977 Rebecca and Iffy Flores 28 Jim Ashby 18 May Walker 29, 1977 Carey and Yvonne Ledet 23, 1946 Sue and Forrest Turbeville 31 Ken DeFoor 26 Margie Frank 28, 1937 Earl Jones 29 Dorothy and Jim Ashby 31,1937 Don Cotton 31 Joe Breshears EDITOR’S NOTE: Information on birthdays and anniversaries is only printed at the request of the members involved. The requestor is totally responsible for the accuracy of said information. The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 17

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The HPROA volunteers are truly the heart Ron was very close to Nelson Foehner Jim eventually took on the responsibility of our organization. Without those who and took up a lot of slack on the day- to creating the website, monitoring it 24/7 participate and make this association to-day activities of the FAC when Nelson and even doing so when he was out of work as well as it does, well, we would became ill. Thanks to Ron for all of your town or out of the country. He paid for be nowhere. Like our former long-time diligent service. extra internet service to accomplish that President, Steve Rayne, said at the end of mission while he was out traveling with his his President’s column, “Come volunteer As many of you are aware, Forrest wife Dorothy. and have some fun while doing it”. Turbeville is over ninety-two years of age. He has decided to cut back on his While Jim was the name up-front, it was Recently, several of our long-time participation with the FAC. On that same Dorothy who was there by his side and volunteers have chosen to give up day, Forrest was presented a plaque in supporting him throughout. She was their work and move on to another recognition of his many, many years of his also behind the scenes with organizing part of their lives. On October 8, 2020, dedication and leadership as Chairman and running the Super Bowl pot. When at our Board meeting, we honored of the FAC. Forrest was also named at this Jim gave up his Webmaster and Board several of these individuals. It would meeting and honored with the new title, positions on August 13, 2020, he continued have been much more appropriate Chairman Emeritus, in recognition of the working closely with Mike Gee in the to commend these volunteers in front highest level of dedicated service. transition of the new Webmaster. of an open membership meeting, but you know the drill, COVID has made us On Thursday, November 12, 2020, also The HPROA thanks all of the above all change our plans. at the HPROA Board Meeting, Jim and members for their valuable talents and Dorothy Ashby were presented a tribute service to our organization. FAC Chairman Henry Chavez and folder, plaque and gift to honor both volunteer extraordinaire Barbara Cotton of them for Jim’s dedication to be the honored Ron Headley by presenting him Webmaster of the HPROA website. Jim Nelson Zoch a plaque for his many years of faithful was in on the ground floor of HPROA. and dedicated service to the FAC. Ron He was elected to the Board in 2005 came on board under Forrest Turbeville and began working on a website prior and Nelson Foehner and also served on to that when it was decided to even the HPROA Board. have a website. HPD Humor in Uniform

Grandma’s Boys: As I pulled out of the parking lo,t I saw Patrol units arrived and the two bad a Chevy El Camino sideswipe a car and guys were captured and carried off Around 1982, I was working in the Cargo run the red light. I followed the violator by ambulance. Theft Detail, a part of the Special Thefts and ran his plate which came back to Division. Probably the most fun job I had another vehicle. I requested a patrol Both had been recently released from in my 35 years with HPD. One morning unit to stop the vehicle. Before a patrol prison. We also later learned that they I received a call from Lieutenant Tom vehicle arrived the suspects produced had committed a robbery the previous Koby who said I was on his list of possible firearms, waving them out the windows. day and had exchanged gunfire with a candidates to come to Internal Affairs. I I did not “chase” the suspects as I was deputy which explained the .45 caliber told Tom that I didn’t want to come to IAD in an unmarked car and wearing a suit. bullet holes in their vehicle. I was carrying and asked him how many candidates I continued to “follow” the vehicle until a 9MM. I know you are wondering where (actually I was thinking victims) were on they almost hit another vehicle and their is the humor in this saga…so continue the list. He said “One”. car stalled. The driver immediately came reading.... After the suspects were out shooting and I was able to hit him hauled off I was standing in the blocked I begrudgingly reported to Internal Affairs with return fire. He went down but took off street crime scene. a short time later as ordered. On my off on foot. The passenger side suspect second day in IAD I left the office alone in fired a few rounds before I hit him and he my unmarked car to get lunch. fled on foot. Continues on Page 24 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 19

Me becoming a police officer happened Before starting the academy most of my At HPD every day was a new adventure by shear accident. Growing up I could contacts with police officers involved and I never wanted to take off. The never figure out what I wanted to be getting speeding tickets in my fast car. comradery on evening shift at the North when I grew up. After getting my high However, I had no idea what being a Shepard Substation was phenomenal. Two school diploma, I enrolled in college with policeman was really like. of the North Shepard police officers, Officer a major in engineering, which was heavy Earl B. Goodrum and Officer Weldon W. in math courses. It didn’t take long to Growing up, one of my neighbors was Markert, placed high on the detective realize my mistake and I ended up my first Officer Meider N. German. His son Jimmy promotional exam and were scheduled year on scholastic probation. and I hung out together, but I did not to be promoted. This was the first time I interact with Officer German very much. In had ever thought about the promotional My father worked at Hughes Tool Company high school I worked at Claytons Grocery process and being a detective. and their pay was above average, so Store on Yale and Sergeant Walter H. when I was eighteen years old, I started Rankin and Officer Henry J. Timme worked An officer became eligible to take the working as a machinist making a lot of an extra job there. Although I knew them sergeant and detective exams after two money. I was single and bought a nice from working at Claytons, I never talked years of service as a patrolman I didn’t car with a lot of horsepower and it was with them about what it was like being an want to be a sergeant, because they had fast. Because of the money working at HPD police officer. too many administrative duties. However, Hughes Tool being a machinist seemed investigations really held my interest and like the perfect fit. But I hated the routine In late 1966, I started the application Weldon Markert ended up going to the monotony of assemble-line work. Most of process for HPD and was accepted. My Robbery Division, which was supervised all I, missed dealing with people. first day in Academy Class No. 34 was by Lieutenant Chester Massey. Chester’s December 27, 1966. Listening to the son David Massey was in my academy Some friends of mine were looking instructors assured me I had finally found class and Chester always made a point into a career with the Houston Police out what I wanted to be when I grew up, to talk with me when I came into the Department (HPD) and I felt anything had I wanted to be a Houston police officer. Robbery Division with a prisoner. Chester to be a better than working in a machine I also wanted to work in Radio Patrol was like a mentor and I had tremendous shop. I remember Harry Caldwell telling because I believed it offered the most respect for him. our class how citizens were fascinated action and excitement. As my friend with police work. He then said, “If you Officer Mike McCoy said at his retirement, The promotional exam consisted of 100 work at Hughes Tool what do you have to “Being a Houston police officer is like multiple choice questions taken from talk about? Today I screwed a nut.” Me having a front row seat to the “Greatest usually four or five books which were and Joe Don Shockley worked at Hughes Show on Earth”. Mike was correct. announced each year. Tool before going to the academy and I wondered if he said that because of us. Continues on Page 27 20 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition The Texas Water Safari

As the canoe drifted close to the By Jeannine Maughmer Miller shoreline, both men appeared to be unconscious. Lynn came to and tried Excerpted from the upcoming book to get his bearings. He attempted to The Texas Water Safari by Jeannine crawl out of the canoe but fell out into Maughmer Miller and reprinted with the shallow water. With great difficulty author’s permission. he pulled the canoe to shore, anchoring her bottom into the sand. He grabbed The setting sun bounced its rays off the Jimmy by the life jacket and wrestled him aluminum canoe marked with the number from the canoe onto the beach. Both #102. Houston Police Department men lay there with the saltwater slapping motorcycle officer, Lynn Maughmer sat in at their lifeless bodies. Lynn struggled to the stern trying to keep the watercraft off get to his feet, trying to drag the #102 up the shoreline with his broken and crudely the shoreline, a few feet at a time. He mended paddle. Exhaustion had taken stumbled and fell repeatedly, gaining little hold of his body with a vengeance and he ground. Jimmy finally rolled over on his was losing ground quickly. HPD Homicide stomach with great effort and attempted Detective, Jimmy Jones sat in the center to get to his feet, but he collapsed. He of the #102 rowing backwards. Thirty-five crawled a few feet and collapsed again. mile an hour winds kept them pushed His eyes staring, mouth agape, he fell, toward the beach in Aransas Pass, Texas. rolled onto his back, and lay unconscious The two men tried desperately to keep on the beach. His lips were parched the canoe in deeper water, but the forces and peeling, the tide water bounced of nature were stronger than they were his lifeless arms up and down while his by this point. life jacket kept his head afloat in the six inches of shore water, he had landed in. Both men were in their early thirties and dressed in light blue police shirts Lynn sat in the water, his left tattooed “Hey, are you guys ok?” Stan pointed to with suspenders threaded through the arm draped over the canoe, trying to Jimmy. “Is he still alive?” Neither Jimmy shoulder epaulets. They wore denim keep it from being jerked out into the nor Lynn could answer. pants, canvas deck shoes and baseball ocean. With his head hanging he threw caps embroidered with the number #102 up, splashed saltwater into his sunburned “Come on guys, it’s only around on the front. Haggard and dirty, Jimmy’s face, grimaced in pain, wretched and the corner.” Bob lied, knowing they pants were torn at the knees and Lynn’s threw up again. Tattooed in the crook were about 800 yards from their final left shirt sleeve hung from his shoulder. of each of Lynn’s arms, inside the elbow, destination. “Come on. You can do this.” Heavy, wet, Kapok life jackets weighed were hinges. On one bicep a hula He encouraged. “It’s just a little further. their necks down and scruffy beards girl stood, on the other bicep Popeye Come on, get up!” adorned their sunburned faces. the Sailor Man stared out through one opened eye. Lynn had anchor chain Lynn looked toward the voice but As they continued to struggle against tattoos around each wrist and on his left couldn’t move. “Come on guys. Don’t the wind to row and paddle, a dolphin foot was a pig and his right foot a hen. you want to finish this thing?” Slanten paralleled them some ten feet away. At Having served in the Navy during World repeated. Lynn stared through confused, one point it bumped the canoe, nearly War II, the superstition or was that pigs blank eyes and began to hallucinate. capsizing them. If that happened, they and chickens can swim or float. both knew it would all be over as they Hailed as the most unique, dangerous, did not have the strength to upright the “Coppers! Hey coppers.” Lynn heard and toughest boating event in the world, canoe and get it and themselves to shore. a voice. “Are you guys ok?” He turned the first annual Texas Water Safari started But the dolphin persisted in bumping their toward the noise. Houston Chronicle on April 29, 1963, with 58 boats and 120 canoe as if it were trying to push them to newspaper sports reporters, Stan participants. Eleven days later only two shore. Suddenly a six-foot wave pitched Slanten and Bob Brister, stood up the boats and four men were still in the running. the #102 straight up and then slammed it embankment. Brister snapped pictures And one of the teams was missing. down. Jimmy slumped over, passed out, quickly, one after the other. in total exhaustion. Continues on Page 22 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 21

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TX Water Safari Continued...

One January evening in 1963, Lynn asked “We can work all that out.” Lynn mused. The last leg of the trip consisted of crossing Jimmy if he wanted to be his partner in “Are you in or not?” Haynes Bay, Inter-coastal Canal, San a canoe race sometime in April to which Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay and Corpus Jimmy agreed. As Jimmy lit up another Oh, he was in. Jimmy, never one to back Bay. cigarette Lynn advised him that he might down from a challenge, was able to want to cut back on smoking. “Why?” get Lone Star Beer Distributors to sponsor Only 13 boats made the first day across Jimmy wondered. “It’s just a little old them with $400 and Lynn obtained a the bay from Austwell. Upon reaching canoe race.” canoe from someone at Wings Archery the open seas racers faced 32-mile an Range. Jimmy found an arc welder at hour winds. Five-foot waves pummeled “You’ll want to be in shape.” Lynn advised. Converse Oil and Gas Company and the man and boat as reefs tore rudders and welder agreed to weld the rowing seat paddles, and masts broke under the A few weeks later while Jimmy was working and tracks into the canoe for them. They pressure. Eleven boats didn’t make the an extra job as security at the University ravaged the Army Surplus stores for their second day of the open bay crossings. of Houston Book store, Lynn drove up on Kapok life jackets, lanterns, camouflage his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Taking a covers, bags and paddles. On May 9th, only two boats remained brown envelop out of the side saddle bag in the safari. Jimmy and my father, and he walked into the store and handed it to Since vaccines were a requirement of the their friends, Fred Hurd and Sam Hare, Jimmy. Jimmy crushed out his cigarette race, Lynn went to the City of Houston also from Houston. Fred and Sam made in the ashtray and opened the envelope nurse who gave him two Typhoid vials it to the final check point in Ingelside first, and began to read. and syringes. “Do these things make you but their official time was 35 hours behind sick.” Jimmy asked when Lynn handed my father and Jimmy’s. And they were “Texas Water Safari.” Jimmy read. “Five him his syringe. missing and thought to have capsized as hundred miles down two rivers, across no one knew where they were. five bays in 12 days!” His eyes widened “No, you big baby.” Lynn replied. “I had and his voice went up an octave. “This is to take these when I was in the Navy.” But reporters Stan Slanten and Bob the little canoe race you want me to go You’ll be fine. Jimmy’s wife, Rosemary, Brister had found them. As my father sat on with you?” gave him his shot and he didn’t have any hallucinating on the beach with Jimmy reactions to it at all. Lynn, on the other comatose nearby, Brister’s parting shot “I never told you how long it was. You hand, became very sick. was, “Well Fred Hurd said to tell you that just assumed it was a weekend.” Lynn if you were such a big damn baby, you said as he pretended to thumb through Participants of this race would travel shouldn’t have started this race in the first a nearby book. from Spring Lake to the San Marcos and place.” Guadalupe rivers. They would portage “Are you nuts?” Jimmy paused and some 50 log jams, 9 dams, and a 2-mile With that my dad garnered all the shook his head, still looking through the stretch of land. Vessels needed to be light strength he could muster, threw Jimmy in papers. “You S,O,B,” Jimmy accused. enough to be carried over portages, yet the canoe and headed across the bay. “You registered us before you even asked heavy enough to withstand the battering With an oar lock and paddle broken but me about all this?” of crossing five open bays. Contestants crudely mended, they hoisted the sail but would battle snakes, mosquitoes, low the mast broke, nearly overturning them. “If it’s too tough for you, Jimbo, I’m sure water bridges, black wasps, waterfalls, I can find someone else to go with me.” low lying branches and rapids not to Back at the finish line Fred looked out Lynn goaded. mention exhaustion, blisters and many over the bay and saw a small dot. He other physical injuries. started waving his arms and yelling, Continuing to read Jimmy said, “Twelve “Over here! Hey, over here! You’re going days...you can’t re-supply... you take Out of the 58 boats that started the race, to wrong way!” He tried to warn the #102 everything with you.” Jimmy shook his only 19 made it into Austwell, Texas. but they couldn’t hear him. He turned to head knowing that if you capsized and Participants were held up there by the the high school band and yelled “Play lost everything, you lived off the land, you United States Coast Guard for a few days something.” As the music began to waft improvised, or you quit. until all canoes were accounted for. The across the bay, my father and Jimmy USCG wanted the contestants to start the turned their canoe toward the music. “We don’t even have a canoe.” Jimmy realized. bay portion of the race at the same time, Lynn was silent as Jimmy continued. “I’ll have making rescue easier. to take two weeks off and who’s going to pay for this?” Jimmy wondered out loud. Continues on Page 23 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 23 Information for Retirees Phase Down, Social Security Information, and Firearms Qualifications Guidelines, and How to Donate to the HPROA

PHASE DOWN INFORMATION: Per the Meet & Confer Agreement, Remember to send in your paperwork approx. two retirees on Phase Down may be eligible to use their accumulated weeks before your birthday month. You will then later be time to secure active city insurance rates for up to four years contacted by Range personnel. Retirees can call 832- if their accrued time allows. After a maximum of four years, 394-2500 with any additional questions. Due to COVID, the retiree must move to retiree insurance rates, even if they the qualification lines may be closed, so do call. are able to remain on Phase Down. The City does not send out reminders; thus, at least one and a half months prior to the SOCIAL SECURITY WEP & GPO INFORMATION: In a recent time your active insurance expires, contact the COH-HR (*) to edition of the Retired Badge, there is a very long and complete the necessary paperwork for moving your deductions detailed article explaining the WINDFALL ELIMINATION from your Phase Down check to a HPOPS deduction. Failure to PROVISION (WEP) and the GOVERNMENT PENSION OFFSET do this can result in you losing your Health, Vision, Life, and/or (GPO), and what retirees can do to assist in getting these Dental coverage. Retirees still on active insurance rates who are terrible measures repealed. Without repeating everything completely ending their Phase Down period should do likewise. therein, if you didn’t read the article, we encourage you to visit the HPROA website, scroll down the menu bar on Also, if a retiree opts out of active medical insurance during the left side, and access the link to the Archived 2019 Phase-Down, it may not be possible to opt-in at a later date. June-July Edition of the Retired Badge (see the article on Verify your personal situation and your proper course of action page 22). in writing with COH Human Resources (*). HOW TO DONATE TO THE HPROA: *see insert in this paper titled: “Insurance Contact We have received many donations, some in memory of fallen Information” brothers or sisters, some specifically to help fund the Family Assistance Committee, while others were simply for the HPROA FIREARMS QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES to use where needed. We realize that members have worked Firearms qualifications procedures seem to change frequently, hard and sacrificed for their money. Our goal is to useany usually due to COVID issues. The beat advice is to check the donation for the betterment of our members and we humbly website for the current guidelines. thank each of you for your generosity. The list of donors can be found on the website under the “Board Meeting Minutes” link and the link to donate can be found on our website. Thank you!

TX Water Safari Continued...

One reporter asked Fred, “Why did you do that? You Jimmy, Fred and my father, are the charter members of could have had first place.” Fred answered in his humble the Houston Canoe Club, which is still in existence today. way, “I’m not going in without my friends.” My father died from stomach cancer in 1968 at the age of 42. Jimmy retired from the police department and moved Jimmy and my father dragged the #102 across the finish to Bastrop, TX where he became a deputy sheriff. He died line 11 minutes before the deadline. in 2002. Fred Hurd died in 2013 and it is unknown what happened to Sam Hare. They went on to enter the Texas Water Safari in 1964 with Fred Hurd and Archie Clark and were the first four-man The Texas Water Safari is still an annual event although it is team to finish and they took fourth place. They entered now 250 miles and 100 hours long. the 1965 race with Fred Hurd’s son, Kenny, and were the first three-man team to finish and took fourth place. 24 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition Killed in the Line of Duty December January

December 12, 1901 Herman Youngst January 21, 1925 Pete Corrales December 12, 1901 John C. James January 25, 1927 Perry Page Jones December 17, 1929 C.F. Thomas January 12, 1954 Smith A. “Buster” Kent December 03, 1930 J.D. Landry January 21, 1967 Louis Lyndon Sander December 01, 1936 James T. Gambill January 31, 1970 Leon Griggs December 10, 1971 Claude Ronnie Beck January 31, 1971 Robert Wayne Lee December 09, 1989 J.C. Boswell January 09, 1973 Antonio Guzman Jr. December 24, 1995 Dawn S. Erickson January 30, 1975 Johnny T. Bamsch December 07, 2008 Tim Abernethy January 28, 1976 George Garza Rojas December 07, 2019 Christopher Charles January 06, 1994 Michael Paul Roman Lewis Brewster January 31, 1994 Guy Patrick Gaddis January 10, 2001 Dennis Holmes

HPD Humor Continued...

A frail looking very elderly woman shuffled up to me and pulled On my third day in IAD, the day after the shooting, I was sitting on my sleeve. She asked in a croaky voice, “Did you shoot those at my desk reading a case when I noticed a large figure boys?” My first thought is, oh my God, this is their grandma!!! looming over the front of my desk. I looked up to find Captain I reluctantly replied that I had indeed shot them. She then Sam Nuchia staring down at me. I expected he was going to asked, “Did you kill ‘em?” I timidly answered that I had not. To commend me on my actions the previous day as I had worked which she loudly proclaimed, “You should have killed the sons a with Sam in Robbery and knew he appreciated good hard bitches, they’ve been causing trouble around here for twenty police work. But no!!! Sam in a loud voice said, “Nice try Lyons, god damned years.” I simply replied that I would try to do better but you’re not getting out of IAD that easy. I returned to Cargo next time as she hobbled off to the curb. Theft 15 months later.

Steve Lyons Retired HPD Lieutenant

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 December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 25

WE REMEMBER IN MEMORIUM WITH PRIDE

DECEMBER JANUARY

1, 2001 Ronald R. Acton 19, 2002 Richard J. Weimmer 2, 1987 Charles C. Correll 19, 2004 Louise Moerbe 1, 2006 Jerry W. Ellis 19, 2016 Elmer C. Tyler 2, 2003 Willie M. Johnson 19, 2012 John M. Adams 1, 2010 Antonio S. Garza 19, 2019 Gizelle I. Solorio 2, 2010 Paul Bradley Santerre 19, 2017 Floyd Stokes Brewton 1, 2014 William Allen Perdue 20, 2000 James E. Gunn 2, 2017 Norbert L. LeBlanc 19, 2017 George R. Neal 1, 2016 William Jean Watt 20, 2015 Roy A. Skorupinski 3, 1994 Billy D. Fariss 19, 2020 James E. Klein 2, 2008 Daniel L. Moorman 21, 2001 Harry Brien 3, 2009 Raymond Kelnar 20, 2002 Bobbie Rae Gordy 3, 2011 Paul Logan Hastings Jr. 21, 2017 Delvin Kendrick 3, 2020 Aubrey W. Sanford 20, 2010 James M. Smith 3, 2012 Willie Ray Harrison 21, 2017 Donald E. Saathoff 4, 2001 Bruce C. Williams 21, 2008 Thomas A. Light Jr. 4, 1985 Eddie E. Tessier 21, 2019 Joseph Scerbo 4, 2008 Pedro “Pete” Jalomo 21, 2013 Arnold P. Smith 4, 2004 Roy A. Drude 22, 1983 George P. Wondrak III 4, 2010 Hardy E. Massey 22, 2001 Glen Ray Goodnight 5, 2005 Phil Graveline 22, 2004 Mary Ann Moore 4, 2017 James A. Jenkins 22, 2001 Clyde O. Buckner 5, 2015 Robert F. Dowdy 23, 1998 Earl Leon Williams 5, 1998 Bobby W. Edwards 22, 2017 Jerry T. Carr 6, 2005 J.R. Smith 23, 2001 Billy Wayne Laha 5, 2002 Paul W. Bonds 22, 2018 Sherwood Bradshaw 6. 2014 Jesse Foroi Jr. 23, 2004 Mary Ann Moore 5, 2002 George A. Olin 23, 2006 Patricia Ann Dickel 6, 2015 John T. Gallemore 23, 2005 Bobby L. Jancik 6, 2002 Glenn Earl Abbitt 24, 2009 Jimmie C. Robbins 7, 2003 Wayne C. Williams 24, 2001 Reba L. Binford 6, 2012 Nicolette S. Bozeman 25, 2001 Oscar H. McKissack 7, 2018 Lila Berner 24, 2002 Charles “Don” O’dell 6, 2013 Henry Wayne Kersten 26, 1993 Charles R. Holmes 7, 2019 Christopher Charles 24, 2018 Billy Joe Todd 7, 2002 Iris C. Gilbert 26, 2004 Truman D. Sheffield Lewis Brewster (LOD) 24, 2018 James W. Douglass Jr. 7, 2005 Clarence I. Darrow 26, 2006 Howard G. Parrott 8, 2008 Timothy Abernethy 25, 1989 Chief Herman B. Short 7, 2008 Joe H. Sullins 26, 2020 Robert H. Thomas (LOD) 25, 2004 Norman C. Pool Jr. 8, 2003 David Smith 27, 1993 Roy Graves 9, 1999 James D. Evans 25, 2010 John G. Chapman 8, 2011 Lambert L. Mokwa 27, 2003 Norman A. Miller 9, 2005 A.L. Swearingen 27, 2005 Leroy N. Zoch 9, 2003 Vance Tompkins 27, 2010 Joel Garza 10, 2013 Richard A. Puckett 27, 2012 Justine Neal 9, 2005 E.C. Rogers 28, 2005 Ralph Wood Jr. 11, 2003 Donald G. Easterling 27, 2014 James E. Moore 10, 2014 Joseph M. Schultea 28, 2009 Charles O. Ford 12, 1991 Paul Hensley 27, 2015 Charles F. Squyres 10, 2013 James R. Harrison 28, 2011 Irwin H. Gaman 12, 2002 James H. Jones 28, 1998 Irvin E. McComas 11, 2010 Drayton M. Fults 28, 2011 Bobby F. Adams 12, 2003 Norman V. Marriott 28, 1989 Herman B. Short 11, 2017 John H. Eaton 29, 2003 Dana A. Wagner 12, 2011 Edker J. Mikeal 29, 2007 Thomas J. Buchanan 11, 2020 Robert H. Warkentin 29, 2011 Richard L. Lineberger 13, 2010 Jay W. McFarlane 30, 2002 Alice Lopez Ontiveros 12, 2020 David N. Martinez 30, 2007 Douglas Larry Smith 13, 2017 Steven W. Authier 31, 2001 Walter Forrest Nall 13, 2002 George D. Shelton 30, 2020 Curtis R. Brown 14, 1998 R.A. Jackson 31, 2003 James M. Bullard 13, 2010 Bennie Jordy 31, 2011 Sidney Anderson Jr. 14, 2003 Joyce M. Yanchak 31, 2006 Billy M. Ledsinger 13, 2010 Edmund J. Brossman 31, 2017 Kenneth Montgomery 14, 2015 Marilynn Bolton 31, 2017 Paul K. McKeehan 14, 1998 Tim A. Furlow 15, 1995 O.V. Fulbright 31, 2018 Thomas E. Baker 15, 2001 Fred E. Langhorne 15, 2002 Robert J. Hadaway 15, 2014 Sanford A. Price 16, 2001 Martin “Luke” Fowler 15, 2020 Salvadore Anthony 16, 2007 Jack Pharries Gambino Sr. 16, 2010 Robert L. Curl Jr. 16, 2002 Kevin D. Skelton 16, 2018 Carl Wayne Williams 16, 2019 Elayne Mahrer 17, 2009 George Frankovich Jr. 16, 2020 Edgar Lee Willis 17, 2015 David Galindo 17, 2012 Robert Kussy 18, 2003 Fay Kostakis Weimmer 18, 2016 Louis F. Roy 18, 2019 Michael L. Gann 18, 2019 Orris D. Patrick 19, 2001 Michael J. Bellipanni 19, 1993 W.W. Stephenson 26 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition Houston Police Retired Officers Association Membership ApplicationWE REMEMBER Form P.O. Box 130787, Houston, TX 77219 Phone/Fax (713) 802-2967 or 1-866-856-7252 PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE CORRECT FORM FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Name*: ______Employee Number*: ______

Spouse’s Name: ______Your HPD Class Number*: ______

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Gender: [__] Male [__] Female Please give us your credit card information for payment, Referred by: ______or print form and send payment to the address shown at top of form. Marital Status: [__] Married [__] Single [__] Widowed NOTE: MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE SUBMITTED TO If you are a widow and have remarried, please give THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON THE SECOND THURSDAY OF full name of deceased spouse: EACH MONTH.

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Suggested membership is $100, ($75 yearly dues and a voluntary Credit Card Information (All Fields Required) contribution of $25 or more can be made to the PAC (Political Action Committee fund), for a total of $100 or more. Yearly Card Type: ______membership will be renewable annually and a reminder will be mailed to you prior to that date each year. Cardholders First Name:______

Add $40 for the TMPA Legal Defense Fund for those who want to Cardholders Last Name: ______carry TMPA provided insurance for firearms coverage. Credit Card Number: ______Members are required to be receiving a retirement benefit from the Houston Police Officers Pension System, City of Houston, “(for Exp. Date: ______prior City Marshalls, Airport and Park Police Officers)” or presently enrolled in HPD D.R.O.P and hereby apply for membership in Security code: ______the HOUSTON POLICE RETIRED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (HPROA). Billing Street Address: ______

Please fill in amounts: Billing City: ______

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TMPA Legal Defense Fund [__] Yes [__] No Billing Country: ______If YES $40 fee $______If you do not receive a reply from the HPROA Office within Total Amount $______10 days, please contact us (713) 802-2967 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 27 Houston Police Memories Continued...

On the test, you received a point for each My partner at the time was Sam Nuchia Robbery Captain B. K. Johnson had me correct answer with a possible score of and we both were bruised, and our partnered with Detective Howard White one hundred. Added to this score was uniforms were torn from the fight. and some of the detectives started the average of your last two efficiency Everyone, including Inspector Vahldiek, kidding me about being Howard’s ratings with a possible score of thirty. You said we should have shot the SOBs. After partner. However, I knew Howard was received one seniority points for each his comment, Inspector Vahddiek walked a worker and I was glad have him as year of service, which was added to your off to his office and I hoped he was joking. my partner. Howard and I had several total score. Ten points were the maximum adventures while we were partners, but number of seniority points, no matter how On July 24, 1972, I reported to Chief those are other stories. long you were on the department. After Herman Short’s office to receive my all the points were added, Civil Service detective badge and assignment. Being a detective was the best job I determined where you ranked on the Officer Frank E. Yorek and Sergeant Lester ever had. It was full of excitement and promotional list. Younger officers were at L. Wunsche were also being promoted. adventures. As a detective, I was able to a real disadvantage because of having The chief’s secretary told us the chief was work with some outstanding investigators. less than ten points and their efficiency running late because he was checking Before promotion, I worked the day ratings were usually lower than more on Detective John Orlando, who had tack detail with Officer Ben Norman, experienced officers. just been shot. When she told us this, I a legendary cop. Ben had taken the imagined a worse scenario of John being detective exam and would make On March 6, 1972, Civil Service posted in a possible gun battle with a robbery detective sometime after my promotion. the books for the April 18,1972 detective suspect. Ben loved being a detective and I would exam. I bought the books and started hear many stories about his adventures. studying. Over 200 police officers took the promotional exam, and my final ranking In 1983, Chief Lee P. Brown changed was number six. It would only be a matter the rank of detectives and made all of time before I would be promoted to detectives sergeants. Detective Bill detective. Elsbury said being a sergeant did not sit well with Ben. When they brought Ben his When the promotional list is posted, sergeant’s badge they said, “Well Ben it other police officers would usually make now looks like you are a sergeant.” Ben comments about your placement. got mad and threw the badge in the trash Sergeant Bobbie W. Edwards stopped to can. After he walked out of the room. Bill congratulate me on my placement on took the sergeant badge out of the trash the detective test and asked me if I was can and hid the badge in his desk, where taking the sergeant’s exam. I told Sergeant Our promotion ceremony consisted of it stayed for several years. On the streets Edwards Civil Service Commission told me Chief Short telling us our badges were on the law breakers feared Ben, but they I was not eligible. He looked puzzled and his desk and we picked them up. Luckily, also had a lot of respect for him. Like I asked if I had been on the department he did take a picture with us before we said Ben is an HPD legend. for two years. I answered yes and told reported to our assignments. After the him Civil Service Commission said I was promotion I went to the Robbery office An old television show about New York not eligible because my parents were and found out what had happened to police detectives was called “The Naked married. Not sure if he thought my joke Detective Orlando. I learned that my City”. The narrator would say, “There was funny, but I did. Sergeant Edwards classmate Officer George Knight had are eight million stories in the naked was a good supervisor, and he took good arrested a robbery suspect and George city” and HPD could say the same thing care of his troops. took the suspect and the automatic about Houston. The police were able to pistol to the robbery office, The gun was witness some of those eight million stories. When Inspector Otto Vahldiek saw me loaded and when Detective Howard W. Captain Caldwell was correct when he in the hall he said, “I saw you did well White attempted to unload the weapon, said citizens found police work interesting. on the detective exam. When you get it discharged striking the floor and then Just look back at all the TV shows, books promoted, I am assigning you to the hitting Detective Orlando in the leg. and movies about police work. Juvenile Division.” His statement referred Luckily, John was not seriously injured, but to an earlier arrest of two tush hogs. Both Howard took a lot of kidding from other suspects were armed and were arrested officers because of the incident. after a very brutal fight.

Continues on Page 31 28 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition A Deer Story If I recall correctly, it was back in 1973 or This organization procured prime hunting Can you imagine that? Disappointed, we ‘74 when a group of co-workers and I had leases for a fairly hefty price, even at all had a few cervezas and then headed a deer lease out of Brackettville, Texas. that time. So with pen in hand, he back to the good old US of A. Not a great lease, but we filled a few tags commenced to listing the dues structure and a good time was had by all. by drawing numbers and diagrams all Forrest Turbeville was a World War II U.S. over the starched white tablecloth as Navy Corpsman. It’s been said that God It was customary, before driving back we were all getting the ol’ stink-eye from made Corpsmen so that Marines would to Houston, to cross the border at Del our ever-attentive waiter. After blowing have someone to look up to. I know for a Rio and have a wild game dinner at the sunshine up our collective backsides fact that I and everyone else that knows Los Alpes Motel. Now this place is not for another hour or so, he bellowed out, Forrest looks up to him. your local Motel 6. It was an excellent “Well, boys, it’s time to saddle up and go restaurant with white tablecloths and first- see the infamous ‘Donkey Show.’” We We all salute you “Doc” Turbeville and class service.. After finishing our culinary all then got up and after leaving a very congratulate you on your new well- delight of froglegs and quail, we glanced generous “propina,” the now happy deserved title: Chairman Emeritur of the over and lo and behold, we see Forrest waiter thanked us and said “Vay Con Family Assistance Committee. Turbeville strutting over to our table like Dios,” as we departed and headed out a bull in a China shop. We didn’t know on our nighttime frolic. Semper Fi and God bless you, my good Forrest and his group very well, however, friend. we all worked out of Central and saw him We then got a taxi and left for the red- around Juvenile numerous times. All of light district where, upon our arrival, Roger Dickson a sudden, in his best East Texas drawl, he we got out and then I saw something blurts out, “Y’all are a bunch of Houston I’ll never forget as long as I live. Forrest P.S. At the next meeting, ask the Reverend laws, ain’t ya?” He sat down at our table and his camouflaged cohorts pulled up Turbeville, and it’s questionable if he’s and started in with his sales pitch about behind us in his personal Jeep, which actually ordained, about his ministerial the American Sportsman Club. was festooned with the private parts of duties tat he performed in Fifth Ward. darn near every buck deer of Val Verde Just mention the wedding ceremony on County. Well, we then strolled into the DeChavmes Street. local den of iniquity and were informed that the burro was sick. Anyway, looking forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting. The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 29

RETIRED OFFICERS ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE

RHENRY CHAVEZeti • BARBARAr COTTONee • TIM DILLON R • PAT oundupKAINER • MATTIE PROVOST • 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.

SEPTEMBER 2020

MONTY MONTGOMERY: (9-22-20 blc) Norman Graham, M.D., Father of He then had to return to the hospital for Monty said he is doing okay and looking Retired Sgt. Norman Graham, 4 days with a UTI and pneumonia but has forward to when we can have meetings Non-Member since been released with home health. again. He stated that his wife, Leah, is September 3, 2020 Please keep Judy and Fred in your prayers having seizures almost every day and for a speedy recovery. other health problems. Martin D. Shofner, Retired Detective, Member Lisa Kennedy: (10-18-20 blc) UPDATE: HAROLD (LEE) LAWRENCE: (9-28-20 blc) September 14, 2020 I received information that Lisa has Lee has improved greatly from his stroke decided to decline further treatments as and anticipates being released from Thelma A. Smith, Mother of Retired her present chemo is not working. She will the hospital soon. Lee wants to give his Officer Darrell Smith, Member be going home next week under Hospice profuse thanks for everyone’s prayers September 16, 2020 care. Please continue to pray for Lisa, and concerns. Chuck and their family for peace and Benjamin C. Williams, Sergeant, comfort. (DECEASED: OCTOBER 24, 2020) ARTHUR PRICE: (9-28-20 blc) Arthur is now in Active September 17, 2020 Memory Care at The Delaney at Parkway John Pohlman: (10-11-20 blc) Per Anthony Lake, 21700 Bellaire, Richmond, Tx Russel J. Pete, Retired Lieutenant, Kivela and M.D. Beale, John Pohlman is Non-Member in the hospital in ICU. Beale reports that ANDREA MONTGOMERY: (9-30-20 blc) September 23, 2020 John’s wife told him he has a collapsed Andrea Montgomery, daughter of lung and the other lung is not working Chaplain Monty Montgomery, was well. Please keep John and his family in admitted to the hospital on Saturday, OCTOBER 2020 your prayers. (DECEASED: 10-12-20) September 26, 2020 with a collapsed lung. She may have to have surgery to Matt Raney: (10-11-20 blc) Retired Officer correct the problem. Ron Cunningham: (10-29-20 blc) I spoke and HPROA Member Jim Montero is with Ron Cunningham today and he is asking for prayers for his son Matt. He is EQUIPMENT scheduled to have a Atrial Fibrillation also the brother of Retired Sergeants and On Friday, September 25, 2020 Barbara Ablation on Wednesday, November HPROA Members Shelley Scheibe and picked up and took to storage a step 4, 2020. His wife, Patti, had surgery a Janice Raney Hawke. Matt is currently in ramp along with 2 threshold ramps, a few months ago on her foot and is still the hospital with Stage 4 Cancer. We ask cane and hospital bed grab bar from recovering. Please keep Ron and Patti in this in God’s name Amen. Jim’s phone Jean Douglass, widow of J. W. Douglass your prayers for his successful procedure number is 281-252-8426. Shelley’s number and their speedy recoveries. is 713-376-0986. (DECEASED: OCTOBER 21, 2020) DEATHS DURING THE MONTH Fred Eichholtz: (10-26-20 blc) Pat Kainer OF SEPTEMBER 2020 talked with Fred Eichholtz’s wife, Judy, Robert (Bobby) Alaniz: (10-8-20 blc) who reported that he was in the hospital UPDATE: Bobby has been moved to a Donnie Bird, Brother of Retired Lieutenant last month for an endoscopy and became Long Term Acute Care Facility to continue Ronnie Bird, Member asymptomatic COVID but didn’t have to his recovery from COVID-19. September 1, 2020 be treated. They both tested negative a few weeks ago. Continues on Page 30 30 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition

Continues from Page 29

He has improved but still has a very Retired Sergeant John G. Pohlman, J. B. Haney, Sr. (-11-4-20 blc) Barbara long way to go. Prayers are greatly Member, October 12, 2020 took a transport chair to James. He has appreciated from the Alaniz family. neuropathy in his feet and was recently Sergeant Harold Preston, Active, Killed in diagnosed with CHF. J.B. said he would Shawn (Buck) Hogan: (10-6-20 blc) Buck the line of Duty love to hear from old friends, partners and was attempting to paint a room in his October 20, 2020 co-workers. Give him a call at 832-215- house when he fell off his ladder and 8770 and keep him in your daily prayers. broke a bone in his right foot. We wish him Retired Police Officer Ernie Mireles, a speedy and successful recovery. If you Member EQUIPMENT would like to give him a call, he can be March 29, 2020 November 2, 2020 Henry and Tim picked reached at 832-444-1684. up equipment from Sandy Lundy (widow Mr. Matt Raney, Son of Retired Officer of Sgt. Wayne Lundy), who graciously MEMORIAL PLAQUE PRESENTATIONS Bonnie Montero (deceased) and Retired donated a hospital bed, 2 hospital bed HPROA Board Member Medwin D. Beale, Officer Jim Montero, Brother of Retired mattresses, a hospital bed air mattress, Jr., along with Executive Director Anthony Sergeants Janice Raney Hawke and and a few miscellaneous items. They Kivela, presented a Memorial Plaque Shelley Scheibe, Brother-in-law of Retired also picked up equipment from retiree to John’s wife, Lenora, at Our Lady of Lieutenant Gary Scheibe and Officer Charles Baise and his wife Wanda. They Guadalupe Church, Houston, Texas on J.D. Hawke, Members also graciously donated an electric October 23, 2020. Mattie Provost, along October 21, 2020 scooter, lift, transport chair. with Executive Director Anthony Kivela, presented a Memorial Plaque to Ernie’s Lisa Kennedy, wife of Retired Officer November 2, 2020 Henry and Tim loaned wife, Christine, at St. Edith Stein Catholic Charles (Chuck) Kennedy, Member the electric scooter to Bobby Haynes. Church, Katy, Texas on October 28, 2020. October 24, 2020 November 4, 2020 Barbara loaned retiree EQUIPMENT Retired Senior Police Officer Richard V. J.B. Haney, Sr a transport chair. Henry Chavez and Mike Gee picked up Coleman, Non-Member a lift chair, walker and toilet seat from October 27, 2020 November 16, 2020 Barbara took 2 potty Forrest Turbeville on October 5, 2020 and chairs and 1 shower chair to storage that donated the items to Tomball Emergency had been donated by Retired Officer Assistance Ministry (TEAM) due to the worn NOVEMBER 2020 Kyle Evans and his wife JoAnn. condition of the items. They replaced the recliner with a good one. MEMORIAL PLAQUE PRESENTATIONS Pat Kainer, along with HPROA Board Henry Chavez loaned Mike Gee two Ernest and Dee Leal (11-17-20 blc) Member Nelson Zoch, presented a ramps for his mother-in-law (curb ramp UPDATE: Dee informed me today that her Memorial Plaque to Susan Schinke, widow and door threshold) on October 5, 2020. husband, Active Officer Ernest Leal, is still of Jim Pierce, at Gipson Funeral Home, in the hospital with COVID 19. She is still in Lufkin, Texas on November 7, 2020. Barbara Cotten loaned Sue Gaines a quarantine. Please continue to keep Dee potty chair and knee scooter for her and Ernest in your prayers. Mattie Provost presented a Memorial niece on October 8, 2020. Plaque to Linda Smith, widow of Gene Bobbie Foster (11-12-20 blc) I just received Smith, at Forest Park East Cemetery, DEATHS word from Member Hank Laird that Bobbie Webster, Texas on November 12, 2020. Retired Senior Police Officer Jerry Flores, Foster fell yesterday. I spoke with Sharon Non-Member Dornak, his daughter, and she said he Tim Dillon presented a Memorial Plaque October 1, 2020 fell, hitting his head and also breaking his to Cheryl Miksch, youngest daughter of hip. He is at Memorial Herman Hospital in Tommy Lero, at Forest Park Westheimer, Mrs. Nicolasa Becerra Mireles, Stepmother the Woodlands and is scheduled to have Houston, Texas on November 13, 2020. to Retired Officers Richard surgery today. Sharon can be reached October 3, 2020 at 281-356-2330. Lift Bobbie up in prayer Barbara Cotten mailed a written for a successful surgery and speedy presentation to Dan Cook, friend of Robert J. Mireles, Sebastian D. Mireles and Ernest recovery. Rambie, Houston, Texas on November 18, M. Mireles, Members 2020.

Continues on Page 31 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition 31

Continues from Page 30

Pat Kainer presented a Memorial Plaque Retired Officer Thomas Lero, Member Retired Officer Daniel Furstenfeld, to Irma Alaniz, widow of Robert Alaniz, November 6, 2020 Member at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Houston, November 12, 2020 Texas on November 20, 2020. Retired Officer Gene A. Smith, Member November 7, 2020 Retired Officer Richard G. Pederson, Non- DEATHS Member Lieutenant Tuan H. Nguyen, Active Retired Officer Robert M. Rambie, November 14, 2020 October 31, 2020 Member November 9, 2020 Retired Officer Robert W. Linder, Non- Retired Sergeant James A. Pierce, Member Member Sergeant Sean S. Rios, Active November 15, 2020 November 2, 2020 November 9, 2020 Retired Officer Larry W. Bryant, Non- Retired Officer Robert (Bobby) Alaniz, Sergeant Thomas E. Young, Active Member Member November 11, 2020 November 18, 2020 November 6, 2020 Retired Officer Raymond D. Perry, Non- Retired Officer Albert R. Westfall, Non- Member Member November 12, 2020 November 19,2020

PLEASE KEEP ALL OF OUR SICK AND SHUT-INS IN YOUR DAILY PRAYERS

Don’t forget that our committee has medical equipment available for use. We have hospital beds, wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, shower chairs, potty chairs, crutches, and walking canes. If you have information about a retiree or family member that has a need for any of this equipment, PLEASE notify a member of the Retired Officers Assistance Committee. Family Assistance and Burial Fund Contacts HPROA Family Assistance Committee: Family Assistance Unit:

Henry Chavez, Chairman 281-687-8962 Senior Police Officers Jennifer Smesny, 713-308-1237, Jorge R. [email protected] Lucero, 713-308-1240, and Rochon Hall, 713-308-1239. Barbara Cotton 281-723-9205 [email protected] If unavailable, contact the HPD Command Center, Tim Dillon 2 8 1 - 8 3 1 - 6 7 7 1 713-308-1500. [email protected] Pat Kainer 281-642-6645 [email protected] Burial Fund: Mattie Provost 281-389-3122 m a t t i e . p r o v o s t @ s o t h b y s h o m e s . c o m 832-969-9099. Leave message for someone to contact you. Ray Smith 281-731-1588 [email protected]

Houston Police Memories Continued...

Detectives Howard White, Sam Nuchia, Their legacy is documented in several Hope you enjoyed my reminiscing about Jerry Carpenter and Dan McAnulty were books and it is my belief that HPD had my memories of being a Houston police my partners when I was a detective. and has some of the best investigators on detective. “With honor we served, with These “fantastic four” detectives worked the planet. pride we remember” (HPROA moto). on some of Houston’s most famous cases. 32 The Retired Badge December 2020 - January 2021 Edition ANNUAL MEETING

The Retired Badge is an official publication of Preparing for the ongoing pandemic 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 items of interest from HPROA members are welcomed and encouraged. Planning has begun for our for in-person gatherings— 83rd annual meeting on will be enforced to adhere Commercial advertisements in The Retired Tuesday, February 9, 2021. to the Centers for Disease Badge are paid for by the contributors and The annual meeting will be Control and Prevention’s do not in any manner imply an endorsement, hosted from our Memorial (CDC) guidelines and state warrant, or guarantee by the HPROA. branch at 1600 Memorial and local regulations. Drive, Houston, TX 77007 Editorial Policy: starting at 7:00pm. We’ll Our focus is to preserve the The Retired Badge is published in by the take a look back at our 2020 health and safety of our Houston Police Retired Officer’s Association. achievements and prepare members and employees Materials submitted for publication are subject for the coming years with the and reduce any risks possible. election of officers. As our planning continues, to review by the board and to editing. All we’ll communicate additional photographs will be refunded if they have a self The unprecedented public details leading up to the addressed, stamped envelope included. The health concern resulting annual meeting’s date. Please Retired Badge is published in February, April, from the coronavirus visit our website regularly June, August, October, and December by the (COVID-19) pandemic has at HPCU.coop for all annual Houston Police Retired Officer’s Association. caused us to re-evaluate meeting updates and Materials submitted for publication are subject how we approach this year’s announcements. If you have to review by the board and to editing. All annual meeting. Therefore, any questions or concerns, photographs will be refunded if they have a food and prizes will not be please give us a call at self addressed, stamped envelope included. provided. Additionally, safety 713.986.0200. measures—including limits Editorial content may be mailed to P.O. Box 130787, Houston, Texas 77219.

Deadlines are the 18th of the odd-numbered month and should be forwarded and received by the Editor on that date. 713.986.0200 • 800.927.8707 • HPCU.coop