Texas’ Largest Police Union The Publication of the Houston Police Officers’ Union www.HPOU.org Vol. XXXXI No. 6 June 2015
Officer Richard Martin 1967-2015
NON-PROFIT ORG. Houston Police Officers’ Union U.S. Postage 1600 State Street PAID Houston, Texas Houston, Texas 77007 Permit No. 7227 Richard Martin ...... Pg 16-18 Police Week Photos ...... Pg 33 Police Week Honorees ...... Pg 42-50
Non-profit Statement: Badge & Gun is published monthly at no subscription charge. Send Correspondence and Address Changes (include mailing label) To: BADGE & GUN 1600 State Street Houston, TX 77007. Telephone: 713-237-0282.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 1 6/2/15 1:35 AM HPOU Board of Directors Executive Board
Ray Hunt Doug Griffith Joseph Gamaldi Will Reiser President 1st Vice-President 2nd Vice-President Secretary [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Board Members
Kawanski Nichols Gary Hicks Jeff Wagner Robert Breiding David Riggs Terry Wolfe Don Egdorf Bubba Caldwell Director 1 Director 2 Director 3 Director 4 Director 5 Director 6 Director 7 Director 8 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Joseph Castaneda Rebecca Dallas Rosalinda Ybanez Timothy Whitaker Luis Menedez-Sierra Robert Sandoval Stephen Augustine Tom Hayes Director 9 Director 10 Director 11 Director 12 Director 13 Director 14 Director 15 Director 16 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Bill Booth Terry Seagler John Yencha Colton Peverill Director 17 Director 18 Director 19 Director 20 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Mark Clark Executive Director Randy Upton Tim Butler Joslyn Johnson Cole Lester Nancy Jones [email protected] Sergeant at Arms Treasurer Parliamentarian Assistant Secretary 2nd Assistant Secretary [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 2 6/2/15 1:37 AM Editorial BADGE& GUN Martin’s Death Again Voice of the Houston Police Officers’ Union Published monthly at no subscription charge Reminds Citizens How by the:
Houston Police Officers’ Union 1600 State Street, Houston, TX 77007 Dangerous Policing Is Ph: 832-200-3400 • Toll free: 1-800-846-1167 IT’S STILL VERY SAD TO SAY THAT IT TAKES the line-of-duty death of a brave police officer to Fax: 832-200-3470 remind citizens that officers put their lives on the line for them every day and every night. E-mail: [email protected] Website address: www.HPOU.org Through the sadness and tears in the wake of the death of Officer Richard Martin – the 113th Legal Department: 832-200-3420 officer to offer the ultimate sacrifice for Houstonians – we can take solace in the fact that honest, Legal Dept Fax: 832-200-3426 law-abiding citizens are reawakened when reminded of these all-too-routine sacrifices. Martin’s Insurance: 832-200-3410 death comes after nearly four years since Officer Kevin Will’s death on a freeway when struck by Badge & Gun is the official publication of the a speeding motorist. Houston Police Officers’ Union. Badge & Gun is published monthly under the supervision of its Martin chose HPD as his second career after serving as a supervisor in a warehouse for 20 years Board of Directors. However, opinions expressed and deciding that he always wanted to become a police officer and he was going to give it a try. He by individual Board members or any other writer soon got the reputation for working hard, remaining gracious in his interactions with others and in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire Board of Directors. Editorial actually being chosen as a field training officer after just several years of experience on patrol. submissions are welcomed and encouraged. All submissions must be received by the 7th of Houstonians turned out by the hundreds for Martin’s memorial service. According to Assistant the month. Chief Charlie Vasquez’ first-person account of the HPD procession to Norman, Oklahoma, where Martin was permanently laid to rest in a nearby cemetery, the special process included police ADVERTISEMENT IN THE BADGE & GUN DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, escorts along most of the route. The meaningful gestures by policing agencies from Conroe to A WARRANTY OR A GUARANTEE BY Norman got the attention of grateful citizens who doffed their hats and voiced their prayers for law THE UNION. enforcement officers.
It’s sad that we had to lose the life of one of our own to once again emphasize the importance of POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the job and the dedication and bravery necessary to perform it. Badge & Gun 1600 State Street Police Chief Charles “Chuck” McClelland knows situations like this better than most and he put it Houston, TX 77007 wisely when he told the news media: “Police officers across the nation are catching so much grief Fax: 832-200-3470 and criticism right now and nobody tells them that they’re doing a good job. People like Officer Martin going out here every single day and night and risking their life.”
McClelland said he wanted the community to be more vocal than the critics and hopes that through this tragedy his officers get the recognition they deserve. No one underscores this better than one-time HPD chaplain and current Bishop Floyd Lewis, who continues to describe police officers as “soldiers in the war against domestic terrorists.”
We’ll say it one more time and keep on saying it: It’s dangerous out there every time a shift starts. It would be nice if it didn’t take another incident like the one that took the life of Richard Martin for taxpayers to realize just how dangerous it gets on a regular basis.
Important Numbers
ATO: 713-223-4ATO Badge & Gun: 832-200-3400 HPOU Offices: 832-200-3400 1-800-846-1167 Insurance Fax: 832-200-3470 Legal Services: 832-200-3420 Legal Fax: 832-200-3426 email: [email protected] www.hpou.org
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 4 6/2/15 1:37 AM Thanks to all who assisted in giving Richard Martin the funeral and The President’s Message burial he deserved. The list includes Geo. Lewis Funeral Home, the pastor and staff of Grace Community Church, HPD Honor Guard, Lt. HPD Loses One Corby Wilk and the staff at Employee Services, Air Support, Solos, Mounted Patrol, Assistant Chief Charlie Vazquez, Chief Charles A. of its Own, Officer McClelland, Jr. and all who assisted. Officer Richard Martin is the 113th HPD Officer killed in the line of Richard Martin, duty since 1860. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. at the End of Legislative Session Ends The 84th legislative session ended on June 1, but due to deadlines, Police Week this article was written prior to the session ending. Ray Hunt Many HPD and HPOU members traveled to Washington, D.C. for We have been actively monitoring nearly 300 pieces of legislation Police Week. HPD had been blessed for another year without an in the Texas House and Senate. The most notable efforts have been officer being killed in the line of duty. The last officer HPD lost was made to prevent the forces who want to convert law enforcement Kevin Scott Will, struck and killed by a drunk driver on May 29, 2011. pensions to defined contribution plans/401’s.
That all changed in the early morning hours of May 18 at Kirkwood The charge to attack law enforcement pensions this session and St. Mary’s in west Houston. was led by newly elected Senator Paul Bettencourt, (R) Houston, and Representative Jim Murphy, (R) Houston. Both legislators, if Officers were pursuing an evading suspect north on Kirkwood allowed to do so, would have devastated past, current and future near the Katy Freeway. Four-year Westside Officer Richard Martin Houston police officers’ pensions. was deploying spike strips when the suspect, a wanted felon, drove toward the officer, striking him and killing him instantly. The We are extremely appreciative to Representative Dan Flynn, (R) suspect continued to flee before being stopped in North Houston, Van Zandt, who chairs the House Pensions Committee, for his where he shot himself in the head. willingness to not be swayed by the pleadings of those who have shown their true colors as it relates to support for working law I pray none of you ever have to witness a tragedy like that accident. enforcement officers. Officers who witnessed the tragedy were obviously distraught at the scene, but continued to do what Houston police officers always do, Additionally, our success in thwarting those who want to their job. I recall one of the jurors in the Kevin Will case stating how radically change our pension benefit happened due to the loyal amazed he and his fellow jurors were that comrades can continue support and hard work of every other House member in the Houston to do the job they are sworn to do when one of their own has just delegation. On the Senate side, we received key help from Lt. been killed. Gov. Dan Patrick, (R), Senator John Whitmire, (D), Senator Joan Huffman, (R), Senator Rodney Ellis, (D), Senator Sylvia Garcia, (D), and Senator Larry Taylor, (R), Friendswood, to prevent any move As the body of Officer Martin was loaded by the medical attacking our pension. examiner, Assistant Chief John Chen brought all officers on the scene to attention and all saluted this hero. He was then transported by police escort. Stopping Other Issues Other legislative issues to advance legislation that would impose We thank Police Chief Charles McClelland and many of the civilian review boards in Houston or enable unsustained or command staff for making the scene and comforting the unfounded complaints against HPD officers to become public officers. Thanks also go out to District Attorney Devon Anderson for were stopped. making the scene and stating that she would pursue capital murder charges against the suspect if he survived. Mayor Parker contacted Efforts to prevent public employee groups (police, fire and us immediately to offer her condolences and pledge any resources EMS were excluded) from utilizing payroll deduction for dues, needed by the family. insurance benefits or charitable giving was stopped. This issue was part of a nationwide effort by ultra-conservative organizations and The suspect died a few days later. Congressman Ted Poe delivered corporate interests, all private sector interests. Their mission, a moving tribute to Officer Martin in the U.S. Capitol. As for the while unsuccessful this session, is to further cripple unions and suspect, Poe stated, “the killer died, thus avoiding the hangman.” other employee organizations who are politically active.
A funeral with full honors was held at Grace Community Church Additionally, from our perspective, there is no doubt the on May 22. The body of Officer Martin was transported by police anti-pension forces also are involved in this effort. Killing labor escort to Oklahoma for burial. Assistant Chief Charlie Vazquez organizations would create an easier path for those who want to accompanied the body and praised law enforcement across the control the political agenda and redirect resources ($$$) to issues state of Texas and Oklahoma for their assistance along the route. that more directly benefit them. (Assistant Chief Vazquez has a full account of the accolades in this edition.) There were some good bills too. HB2037, by Geren, (R), Fort Worth, enables the spouses of slain police officers and firefighters to Please keep the children and family of Officer Richard Martin and maintain workers compensation benefits they earned even if they all the officers at the Westside station in your thoughts and prayers. Continues on Page 7 Page 5 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 5 6/2/15 1:37 AM AN ‘AMIGO’ DEAL FOR YOUR SPORTS COLLECTIBLES! Tom Kennedy is a long-time Houston sports memorabilia dealer who doesn’t believe in HPD Officers paying retail. Here are some examples:
ITEM PRICE ‘AMIGO’ PRICE Signed Duke Snider Ball $100 $75 Signed Biggio Ball 199 $165 Signed Bagwell Ball $149 $115 Signed Stan “The Man” Musial Ball $199 $135 Signed Yogi Berra Ball $95 $75
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Tom Kennedy’s Collectibles (Since 1972) at Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas 9950 Hempstead Road (The Old Penney Location in Northwest Mall)
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 6 6/2/15 1:37 AM Continues from Page 5 Our executive director, Mark Clark, has been at the Capitol daily remarry. Also, HB1278 by Hughes, (R) Mineola, increases the line since the session began. Mark and I have spent significant amounts of duty death benefits for police and firefighters from $250,000 to of time and effort in Austin to protect the rights and benefits of $500,000. our members as well as other law enforcement organizations. These past five months have underscored the HPOU’s ability to impact Finally, one lingering issue is legislation that appears to be going legislation and articulate the needs of working police officers. In to Gov. Abbott to become law that will enable citizens with CSL’s particular, I have heard from several legislators that while they may to openly carry handguns. While the issue certainly invokes disagree with our position on certain issues, they laud our ability to different positions within the law enforcement community, the fact is advance our side of an argument. the bill was amended on the Senate floor to include a provision that is terribly problematic for law enforcement officers. Feel free to verify this from your local state rep or senator.
Senator Don Huffines, (R), Dallas successfully amended the bill to Despite the serious law enforcement issue associated with HB910 prevent law enforcement officers from inquiring if a person had a by Phillips, (R), Sherman, (Open Carry), we have had a very good concealed carry permit if they observed the person carrying a pistol. session. Our efforts in Austin would not be possible without a strong and supportive membership that understands the impact of politics Yes, you read that correctly! As written, if you see someone standing in our day-to-day lives. outside of a check-cashing business or day care with a pistol grip partially visible and not violating any law, you have no right to ask if We also thank our partners in the fight, including TMPA, Dallas Police the person has a state license to carry the pistol. Association, DPSOA, Harris County District Attorneys and others who attended the weekly strategy meetings. There are numerous real world scenarios that I could cite regarding the danger of the legislature stripping us of the ability to simply see No July Meeting if the person is legally carrying a pistol or not. As a reminder, there is no monthly meeting for the HPOU in July. The Unfortunately, under the provisions of the Open Carry Bill, HB 910, it next monthly meeting will be Aug. 6. We wish each of you a happy and seems those days are dangerously close to being over. We continue safe Fourth of July. to fight this fight even as this article is being written. (A full recap of the session will be in the next Badge and Gun after the session is officially over.) Uniformed Officers make Positive Impression in Church Visitation By TOM KENNEDY “We are reaching out to the community to show that we’re concerned The congregation at the Church of Bethel’s Family in Southwest about officers and citizens getting killed,” he said. “We believe Houston undertook a truly unique experience on April 26 when about 20 people have the right to peacefully protest but we’re not going to let it visitors wearing Houston blue showed up for fellowship and worship. (protest activity) break down like it did in Baltimore.”
Eric Fagan, HPOU member and current president of the African Bethel is a Christian congregation of 10,000 active members. Many American Police Officers League (AAPOL) said the men and women of these members greeted Chief Dirden and the officers warmly and in HPD uniforms were present to emphasize that they are dedicated spent time talking to them after Pastor August’s sermon. to a peaceful community that stresses law-abiding citizenship and public demonstrations. Fagan said the emphasis was living Christian principles taught by Jesus Christ, saying “we all feel the same way.”
Pastor Walter August Jr. called on Fagan to speak along with HPOU “We got a great reaction,” he said. “They (congregants) were President Ray Hunt and HPD Executive Assistant Chief Michael thanking me and Ray and said they appreciate officers in uniform Dirden. Each speaker stressed the difference in Houston policing coming to church. They couldn’t believe it.” compared to that of the more racially troubled American cities. Fagan said that the officers “came from all over” and not just the Fagan said he stressed the reasons why HPOU and AAPOL “came Southwest side. “We, AAPOL and the HPOU, invited anybody and together because of all the turmoil in the country,” especially the everybody to come and there was about 20 who showed up from negative perception of police officers. assignments all over the city.”
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 8 6/2/15 1:37 AM Operation Lone Star The Red Lion Project and the Warrior Weekend Experience By JIM CONLEY Those who arrived at IAH received a tremendous greeting as On Jan. 19, 2012, while on a combat mission, a CH53D helicopter they rode down the escalator to Terminal C Baggage Claim. They assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, the Red Lions, were met by a cheering crowd of hundreds in addition to Honor crashed. Six Marines were lost, including Corporal Joey Logan, son Guards Representing HPD, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Precinct 4 of retired HPD officers Tom and Debi Logan. Constable, Texas Department of Public Safety, Transportation Safety Administration, as well as the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy.
They were met by military personnel from all branches, HPD officers of all ranks, and members of the Houston Police Officers Union and the Houston Police Retired Officers Association, Moms of Military Service, Patriot Guard Riders and Operation Lone Star-Texans Supporting Our Troops.
There were smiles, tears, hugs and kisses as the Wounded Heroes worked their way through Baggage Claim to the waiting buses on the opposite side of the building. This was our fifth year at this event. We were posted near the exit, providing cold water, handshakes, and a “Welcome to Texas!” greeting.
Jim Conley speaks at the Red Lion Project, held May 9 in Willis. The 1st Annual Catfish Fundraiser, a benefit to raise funds for the Red Lion Project, was held May 9 in Willis. The Red Lion Project is a planned retreat for Wounded Heroes and their families, which is currently under construction on 164 acres in Mineral County in Joey’s beloved Montana.
Six cabins will be built with each one being named for one of “The Fallen Six.” Those six: Corporal Joey Logan, Captain Daniel B. Bartle, Captain Nathan R. McHone, Master Sergeant Travis Riddick, Corporal Kevin Reinhard and Corporal Jesse W. Stites. Tom and Debi hope to have the retreat up and running next year. Checks of Support In an effort to support Tom and Debi’s dream of honoring Joey and the other members of “The Fallen Six” with the construction of The Red Lion Project, Operation Lone Star-Texans Supporting Our Troops presented them a check. A check was also presented by the Lone Operation Lone Star’s Jim Conley presents Alamo medal to Warrior guest. Star Chapter of the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, of which many members are active and retired HPD. The smiles on these young Heroes’ faces were priceless. These men and women were in various stages of recovery but each offered a For more information on The Red Lion Project go to handshake and a humble “Thank you.” My son, an HPD officer and www.RedLionUSMCProject.com or The Red Lion Project, 502 West a veteran of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, was Montgomery #342, Willis, Texas, 77378. excited to see how, as our unofficial motto says, Texas takes care of its Heroes. May 15 marked the beginning of Warrior Weekend IX, a weekend of fishing and fun for Wounded Heroes. Approximately 500 Heroes It was over too quickly as our Heroes boarded the buses which would were flown to Houston from military facilities all over the country. An take them to Port O’Connor and Matagorda Bay for a day of fishing additional 400 were bused to Port O’Connor from Fort Hood and Fort and barbeque. Sam Houston on Saturday morning. Continues on Page 13 Page 9 Badge & Gun • June 2015
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 10 6/2/15 1:37 AM Constitution Amendment would set up 3rd HPOU Vice Presidency for Sergeant HPOU will ask its membership to vote on a constitutional change said, “a sergeant could never be president of HPOU.” in October that would establish a third vice president position for sergeants only. Hayes said the proposed change would be on the ballot in the Union’s regular October election cycle. This year the membership will vote The provision, if approved, would stipulate that the HPOU 3rd vice for a president, a secretary and board members in odd-numbered president would not be in the line of succession for the Union board positions. presidency, Board Member Tom Hayes said. “In other words,” Hayes Fredericksen and Barnes named Investigators of Month The Union presented its Investigator of the Month honors to two officers in the Special Victims Division in the May general membership meeting.
Lt. Jacinda Gunter presented the honor and recapped the case successfully processed by Senior Police Officers Kimberly Fredericksen and John Barnes.
Lt. Gunter gave the following account:
Fredericksen, who works as a crime analyst in the Adult Sex Crimes Unit, identified a serial rapist targeting elderly and/or disabled women, and advised Barnes, the investigating officer.
The complainant was a 66-year-old woman who is wheelchair-bound with only one leg. She stated that a suspect came through the back door while she was in the living room and made the complainant wheel herself to the bedroom where he sexually assaulted her. Lt. Jacinda Gunter is pictured with Officers Kimberly Fredericksen and John Barnes after presenting them with the HPOU Investigators of the Month honors at the May general membership meeting. GARY HICKS PHOTO. After sexually assaulting her, he took her TV, DVD player, some jewelry and her Hydrocodone pills. As he was leaving he told her that Officer Fredericksen then advised Officer Barnes of the similarities in if she told anyone about this he would come back for her. the cases. Barnes got with the crime lab to have the suspect from the 2013 case compared to his current case and the DNA was a match. Officer Fredericksen was already aware of two other sexual assault He also compared the evidence to the HCSO case, obtained a pocket cases that she felt may be related. One case was under investigation warrant, then coordinated with Harris County officers to arrest by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. the suspect.
The other was an unsolved HPD Sexual Assault from 2013 in which The suspect was subsequently identified by the victims and was a suspect’s DNA had already been collected. She realized that charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault and Burglary of a Habitation distinctive markings on the suspect’s face matched the Harris with Intent to Commit Sexual Assault. County case and contacted the HCSO investigator to obtain more information. Following his arrest, the investigation continues into two unsolved cases that may have been committed by the same suspect. DON’T GET CAUGHT without an ad in the BADGE& Call Celest at (832) 541-1463 GUN
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 12 6/2/15 1:37 AM Continues from Page 9 As our Warriors finished their meal of barbecue brisket and links, A “Job Well Done” to those who made this event possible, with a we began introducing ourselves to them and presenting them special thanks to Northeast Division Captain Greg Fremin, IAH with Operation Lone Star-Texans Supporting Our Troops “Alamo” Airport Division Captain Glen Yorek, the officers assigned to IAH challenge coins. As previously described, they are given ONLY to Airport Division, who always exhibit pride and professionalism during Wounded Heroes or parents/spouses of military personnel killed in this event, and all the HPD and IAH civilian personnel who made this action and cannot be purchased at any price; the Lone Star on the morning so memorable for our Wounded Heroes. coin is a reminder that Texas takes care of its Heroes; the Alamo is a reminder that as Texans remember the Alamo we will always Lures and Catches remember these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for us; and the purpose of the Col. William Barrett Travis quote, “I At 0445 Saturday morning I left Spring to pick up VP Judy Pierce shall never surrender or retreat,” is to motivate them to never give and Secretary/Treasurer Sandy Alexander for our journey to Port up, to never quit when the days are dark. O’Connor. We arrived at the staging area at Froggie’s Bait Dock at 0840 and the buses of Wounded Heroes arrived shortly afterwards. This is the most emotionally draining, yet most fulfilling part of our They were greeted by music, cheerleaders and a cheering crowd. As day. We began by searching for a young man we’ve seen and greeted they exited the buses we gave each a pack of three fishing lures. It each year we’ve participated in this event. He has lost both legs amazes me how something so simple could put such a big smile on a and is in a wheelchair, but each time we see him he’s smiling and young Hero’s face. They were also given t-shirts and snacks by other encouraging others to have fun. organizations similar to ours. The Smiles! The bay was packed with fishing boats of every size and description. We were told that 400 boat captains had volunteered We located him near the opposite end of the huge tent where their time and equipment to make this happen. Each boat picked up dinner was being served. He recognized us when we approached him anywhere from two to five Wounded Heroes and set out for Matagorda and broke out in a smile when we gave him an Operation Lone Star Bay. Everything they needed was provided by the boat captains. t-shirt. We had given him a challenge coin on a previous visit. He “beep beep beeped” and said he didn’t want to run over anyone while backing away from the table for pictures. He proudly put on his t-shirt and smiled for the camera, then we exchanged handshakes and hugs and promised to see each other next year.
We next approached a female Warrior who sat with her cane leaning against the table. I introduced Judy, Sandy and myself, told her about Operation Lone Star, then handed her the coin. The more I talked, the more teary-eyed she became. When I finished she looked me in the eye and said, “You’re giving this to me?” Then she gave me one of those hugs I’ll never forget.
We gave the “Alamo” coins to many Wounded Heroes that evening and so many are unforgettable. Two were in wheelchairs with their service dogs at their sides. When I completed my short speech with “never give up, never quit,” one said, “Sir, I’ve been thinking about that lately.” The other said, “Thank you, Sir. I needed this.”
The two most memorable young Heroes were standing outside the tent. One was alone, leaning on his cane and obviously in pain. He Warrior guests display their prize catches had a blank look in his eyes when I began talking to him. A female The Heroes began returning at 1400. It was exciting to watch them Warrior, also with a cane, stepped outside and asked if he was ok. He step on the dock and place their catch into a bucket carried by replied that he was and she stepped back into the tent. members of the local high school football team. They returned with fish less than a foot long, some four feet or longer, sharks, stingrays, As I got into my description of the coin he began listening more every type of sea creature imaginable. The Heroes received cheers intently. Within moments his focus was entirely on the coin. I looked and whistles as they made their way to the weigh-in area. Later that up from the coin and saw a smile slowly forming. When I was through evening, awards would be given in several categories for the fish they brought in. After a short while everyone was bused back to he had a big smile, reached out to shake my hand and said, “Thank their respective hotels so they could clean up for the barbeque and you, Sir.” As we walked away he was looking at the coin, still smiling. awards ceremony. The other Wounded Hero was standing several yards away, also We drove the short distance to the Port O’Connor Community Center leaning on his cane while talking to several buddies. We noticed that which was headquarters for the Warrior Weekend event and where his entire body was shaking uncontrollably. I introduced the three of the barbeque dinner would be served. A huge sand sculpture had us and got the same uncomprehending look as before. He leaned in been erected to honor these men and women as well as those killed closer to hear me and began trembling even more. We were being or missing in action. quite concerned when suddenly he appeared to calm, and was focusing all of his attention on the coin and what I was saying. At approximately 1800 dinner was served. There were over 1,000 people in attendance, including the warriors and their families and And… he smiled. “Thank you, Sir.” Then gave me a strong hug. He organizers, supporters, and volunteers. The serving line was long looked at Judy and Sandy and said, “I’d like to hug you ladies, too.” but went quickly. The Wounded Heroes had front of the line privileges. Continues on Page 21 Page 13 Badge & Gun • June 2015
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 14 6/2/15 1:37 AM Bishop Lewis’ Police Support Effort gets exciting ‘Thumbs Up’ Endorsement from President Bush By TOM KENNEDY firefighters and emergency first responders Obama and the former presidents. “We Floyd E. Lewis, Sr., presiding bishop of the and pass out flyers extolling the goals of haven’t heard from them yet,” the bishop said Houston’s International Church Fellowship, his group. but stated his belief that they would follow was ecstatic about getting a significant “thumbs President Bush’s lead. up” endorsement from former President “We intend to do this by working through existing organizations to formulate commu- He emphasized that the effort will stress George H. W. Bush for the ongoing crusade nity cells made up of citizens and police “the impossible job police have got to do” to support police officers doing a positive, officers of all diversities,” Bishop Lewis and seeks to put an end to “denigrating and life-risking job for their community. explained. “People from diverse experiences ostracizing” law enforcement as if “all police end diverse cultural backgrounds will seek are bad.” He pointed to the sacrifices made Bishop Lewis is leading the charge in the to understand each other’s experiences and on a regular basis by officers such as HPD crusade proclaiming that “Criminals will work together to develop solutions.” Officer Richard Martin, killed in the line of are domestic terrorists, police officers duty on May 18. are domestic soldiers.” Lewis and the Lewis said the effort took an excited turn leadership of his support group often voice toward success with the support of Hunt and Anthony Madry, publicist for the Thumbs the need to speak up for police officers the HPOU. He went to the Union office hoping Up CHIPS program, said he is finding to get an appointment with Hunt but instead positive reception from Houston communities amid the current critical air surrounding law was warmly greeted on the spot. “I explained to better understand the job of police officers enforcement officials throughout the nation. to him what we needed to do to get the and support the efforts to generate a law- project going and he said he would do abiding atmosphere everywhere. everything to help,” the bishop explained. Here is a list of the goals of CHIPS. Hunt was among Lewis’s group that met with Lewis and Madry said the group will: President Bush, who promised to participate • Work through existing organizations to in the Westheimer/Post Oak flyer distribution formulate community cells, made up of “thumbs up” plan and also said he would enlist citizens and officers who are committed to similar support from other former presidents improving community relations. as well as President Barack Obama. • Meet with Ministers Against Crime “create cells” Bishop Lewis said President Bush treat- • Meet with Ministers’ Association ed him, Hunt and the others in their party “create cells” “like we were Bush’s kids.” He said he and • Meet with Civic Groups “create cells” Bush had never met although he • Meet with the 100 Club “create cells” attended a Bush community leader meeting • Address existing Town Hall meetings back during a presidential campaign. He said • Attend Police Sub Station meetings the president knew him by reputation and was • Organize police and citizen retirees who very gracious. would commit to addressing citizens through PTO meetings, Church group “He treated me like I was his son,” Lewis meeting, Homeowner Association recalled. “He took us into his office. I told him meetings, Medical Professions meetings, that there was no need of me going over the Student Council meetings on elementary, problem between police and the community. middle, high school and college campuses. I said we were here to share the solutions • Distribute “Thumbs Up” fliers that illustrate with him.” a “Thumbs Up” signal to police officers Here is the official “thumbs up” for police officers Lewis capsules his group’s goals with a Citizens who are part of the “cells” we photo taken in a meeting between Bishop Floyd CHIPS acronym: Community Helping to Lewis and former President George H. W. Bush in create, will educate citizens on which Bush vowed to support Lewis’ efforts to seek Inspire Police Services. defining what is meant by “Police are greater appreciation for the jobs law enforcement Domestic Soldiers” and what is meant by the officers perform. Part of the message distribution process term “Domestic Terrorists” would be a poster depicting influential He attributed his most recent success to leaders such as George H. W. Bush with a Citizens who are part of the cells will “two miracles” – an unexpected meeting thumbs up for police and extending an olive encourage other Citizens to give a “Thumbs with HPOU President Ray Hunt and the branch with the other hand to symbolize the Up” to police officers as they patrol our subsequent face-to-face meeting with desire for peace and support of police instead communities, demonstrating support for former President Bush in his Memorial of threats of violence and conflict. the officers area office. “We want to put this poster in every Walmart, We will place 4 x 8 foot “Thumbs Up” That meeting resulted in getting the elder CVS, Walgreen’s and other businesses – banners in visible areas throughout President Bush’s commitment to participate anywhere we can put it. The police will take metropolitan communities. in a plan Bishop has for former presidents them to pastors in their community.” of the United States to appear at Houston’s “Though this is not a small endeavor, it is a busiest intersection, Westheimer at Post Oak, Bush’s chief of staff, Jean Becker, told Bishop most necessary one,” Bishop Lewis said. “ to give the “thumbs up” to police officers, she would send his information packet to This project is applicable world-wide.” Page 15 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 15 6/2/15 1:37 AM Officer Richard Martin was identified as a true hero by his family and colleagues after fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer in a midlife career change and apparently loving every minute of his four-year HPD stint By TOM KENNEDY Community Church on the Gulf Freeway – this one truly strummed Tears that flowed much like the historic May rains of Houston the heart strings of HPD blue bloods. intensified as the son and daughter of Officer Richard Martin took turns speaking before the blue-laden crowd of mourners at Martin’s memorial service.
“Dad, I love you so much,” 11-year-old Little League baseball star Tyler Martin said in a letter to his father and hero.
“I will miss you for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to see you again. You were a great father. We all love you so much. I was not ready for this and I will really miss you. I will pray for you every day. A True Hero “I will make good grades and work hard for you. I will be a good kid and adult. I will follow my dreams and play hard in Major League Baseball and follow in your footsteps as a police officer.
Mayor Annise Parker and Police Chief Charles McClelland salute Officer Richard Martin after the 21-gun salute at the end of his memorial service on May 22. GARY HICKS PHOTO Tyler Martin plays catcher for the Hawks of Katy Little League baseball and he sometimes pitches. He had the moral support of his team members seated behind him and his family. Similarly, Richard Martin’s fellow classmates from Academy Class No. 209 also were seated nearby.
The family of Officer Martin sits reverently just as the memorial service began. GARY HICKS PHOTO “I love you for everything you’ve ever done for me. You were a great dad and a hero to a lot of people. You will always be remembered. You were my hero.
“Thanks for being there for me all the time. I can’t stop thinking about HPD officers stand guard at Officer Martin’s casket before his memorial service began. GARY HICKS PHOTO you and I love you so much. Tyler stood by HPD Chaplain Monty Montgomery as the chaplain read “Love, Tyler. the young man’s heartfelt words, which drew a standing ovation from the crowd at the May 22 ceremony.
“PS Remember, you’re my hero.” Only a minute or two before Martin’s 22-year-old daughter, Cynthia, provoked a few gentle laughs as she recounted her fondest Of all the moving tributes to Martin – each of which drew on the memories of her dad. She also spoke through a flow of tears. deepest emotions of the thousands of mourners who packed Grace Continues on Page 17 Page 16 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 16 6/2/15 1:37 AM Continues from Page 16 She said her dad’s earliest memory of her entailed the doctor’s use Taking Martin Home of forceps in the delivery room. Initially she had bruises and marks about the head, prompting her proud papa to remark, “Don’t worry. Her head’s going to get back to normal.” Vasquez: ‘The Line of “I hope it did,” Martin’s daughter told the mourners. Blue and Red Flashing Lights Stretched as far as the Eye Could See’ (Editor’s Note: Chief Charlie Vazquez was in charge of the HPD detail tasked with taking Officer Richard Martin to his final resting place in his home state of Oklahoma. Here is the chief’s first-person account of this grave assignment.) By C.A. “Charlie” Vazquez, Assistant Chief, HPD Two hearses (one was a backup in case the other became disabled ),three marked HPD Tahoes, and four solo units were lined up at the Geo. H. Lewis & Son funeral home on Bering preparing to take Officer Richard Martin home to Wanette, Oklahoma.
A middle-aged woman out getting her exercise stopped to talk to one of the officers involved in the preparation of the trip. “Is that the officer who was killed in the line of duty the other day?” she asked.
Police Chief Charles McClelland presents the flag that draped Officer Martin’s When told that it was and the officers were escorting him home casket to the Martin family. GARY HICKS PHOTO to Oklahoma, her eyes watered up. She bowed her head, made a She said he was so sensitive to her needs that he got braces on sign of the cross and said a short prayer. “Please, have a safe trip,” his teeth the same time she did as an early teenager. She briefly she implored. described father-daughter challenges such as who could keep a salted ice cube in his/her mouth the longest or who could eat the Little did the officers know, this would not be the last sign of support most jalapenos, the winner earning the privilege of renting an extra they would encounter on this assignment. movie at the video store. Reverence along the Way “He was my Superman,” Cynthia said. “I never really thought this would happen. It still seems so fake, this whole week has The roar of the solos signaled that we were underway. Assistant been unreal.” Chief Charlie Vazquez, Honor Guard members Sgt. Jim Armstrong, Senior Police Officer Gene Sealy, Senior Police Officer Ronnie Blake The details of Martin’s line-of-duty death are all too familiar and will and Officer Enrique Carbajal, Westside Division members Sergeant be permanently engraved in HPD history. He was the 113th officer to Darrin Chippi, Officer Phillip Hoss, Officer Angela Mulato and provide the ultimate sacrifice since 1860. Martin’s demise was the Vehicular Crimes Division Officer Cody Jarboe were honored to be first sustained by the department since the May 29, 2011 death of heading north as part of the escort. Officer Kevin Will. The able staff of Geo. H. Lewis and Sons also expressed its honor to be able to assist in this endeavor. The nearly four years represented HPD’s longest period of time without a line-of-duty death since World War II. The Solos performed their solemn duty to escort the procession out of Houston. With a firm salute, they signaled that that duty ended as The 47-year-old Martin was struck and killed by a gun-wielding our group reached just south of Conroe. robbery suspect and bail jumper as he was fleeing Houston police on the west side through the Memorial area. The officer was putting For a video of the escort to Oklahoma story, down spike strips to stop the man’s stolen vehicle. The suspect went go to https://youtu.be/Uv5C6x6OXPs out of his way to strike Martin, killing him instantly at 2:30 a.m. May 18 at the intersection of Kirkwood and St. Mary’s. A short time later The procession stopped for gas in Madisonville. Several citizens took the suspect stopped his stolen vehicle and shot himself. He later died note of the HPD-marked shops which obviously were way out of their in a hospital. Had he lived he would have been charged with capital jurisdiction. The citizens inquired who the procession was for. Was it murder. a fallen soldier? Was it a famous person? A Mid-life Decision When they were advised that a fallen comrade taking his final journey home to Oklahoma, they unconditionally expressed their sympathies. Police Chief Charles “Chuck” McClelland told the news media that The sincerity of their condolences could be seen in their eyes. the case represented “the perfect location to deploy the spike strips.” He reminded reporters that HPD has only used the sometimes The procession was refueled and lined up to continue the journey. As controversial tool in only 47 of the 3,600 police chases in the past we exited the parking lot, men were observed removing their hats five years. and women clutched their children tightly to display respect. Continues on Page 18 Continues on Page 23 Page 17 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 17 6/2/15 1:37 AM Continues from Richard Martin on Page 17 warehouse where he worked before coming to HPD. “He was a great Martin’s son and daughter were not the only emotional speakers at guy,” she said, “funny and loved people. He talked about that ever the service. The Mormon bishop and pastor who knew the officer since he came to Houston, he wanted to be a policeman and then for many years had trouble and so did Mayor Annise Park, Chaplain finally just got to a point and said ‘you know, I’m not getting any Montgomery and Officer Xavier Flores, who stood with five other younger if I’m gonna do it, I’ve gotta do it’ so he went applied, got Westside Patrol officers who had served with Martin. accepted, said guys, I’m gonna make it happen.”
Flores continued to choke back tears as he described Martin as “a hero.”
Martin’s memorial service drew hundreds of HPD officers as well as hundreds of officers from numerous police agencies from throughout Southeast Texas and Fellow officers who acted as pall bearers prepare to load the casket carrying the the rest of the state. GARY HICKS PHOTO officer into the horse-drawn carriage. GARY HICKS PHOTO In a presentation marked by unsuccessful efforts to fight back tears, Walter said Martin visited his friends at the office just three weeks police officer Xavier Flores, a colleague of Martin’s at the Westside before his death, telling everyone how happy he was, saying, “He was Patrol Division, called the fallen officer a “hero.” His pauses to just absolutely thrilled. He said it was what he was meant to do.” control himself had no bearing on the mourners’ ability to hear what he was saying: that Officer Martin was a role model, a team leader, a It wasn’t long after his graduation from the academy that he man of sterling core values. successfully applied to become a field training officer, a job only a very few officers with so little experience get tabbed to do. And Flores paused and said, “We will never forget you and your unmistakable breakfast of two scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and When she spoke at the service, Mayor Annise Parker was obviously soft brown fries.” feeling the emotions of the moment when she alluded to the fact that Officer Martin “was one of ours.” Since she became mayor in 2010, two officers have lost their lives in the line of duty, Officer Eydemen Mani in 2010 and Officer Will in 2011. Both perished in automobile-related accidents, as did Martin. ‘One of Ours’ “Richard was a brother officer in the Houston Police Department, but he served a great and wonderful city. He swore an oath to protect and serve all of us in this great state of Texas,” the mayor said. “It is never easy to say goodbye. It is never easy to handle the grief, the pain, the memories. This one is a little tough for Chief McClelland and me because Richard was one of ours.’
Parker meant that he was the first to die in the line of duty after being recruited on the Parker/McClelland watch.
Parker also had encouraging words for Cynthia when she said, “There are a whole lot of folks cheering for you. Remember the The horse-drawn carriage which carried Officer Martin’s body from the strength and ability he had to tackle challenges” in making a mid-life memorial service. GARY HICKS PHOTO career change. Martin was older than most if not all of his colleagues on patrol at Westside. He joined HPD at age 43 and had served about four years “I bet you saw him running and doing pushups to compete with up until the time of his death. Before that he had another career as younger cadets,” she said. “I hope that when times are tough you can manager of a warehouse for about two decades. He left the job as feel that strength.” a hard-working and well-respected supervisor in order to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer. Chaplain Montgomery has often expressed himself at general membership meetings of the Houston Police Officers Union that he One former coworker, Stephanie Walter, told a reporter that Martin was well known and loved at S. P. Richards, the office supply Continues on Page 21 Page 18 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 18 6/2/15 1:37 AM HPOU Honors Three as Patrol Officers of the Month for Helping Save the Life of HCC Officer at Walmart The night of April 27 there was a stabbing at a Walmart involving off-duty Houston Community College officer April Pikes, who was working an extra job.
A suspect approached Pikes and began stabbing her with a knife a total of 14 times before bystanders were able to subdue this suspect.
HPD Patrol Officer Britney Cerritos heard about the event on the radio and responded immediately to find Officer Pikes bleeding out. Cerritos got her HPD-issued tourniquet and applied it to the injured officer’s arm to stop the bleeding.
HPD Officer Nathan Moore, a military medic, arrived and verified that the tourniquet was correctly utilized and further tightened it down to completely stop the bleeding from the officer’s arm.
Officer Patrick Morrissey assisted in the car of Officer Pikes by placing Patrol Officers Brittany Cerritos, Nathan Moore and Patrick Morrissey are pictured here with HPOU President Ray Hunt in the presentation of the May a chest seal on her wounds, preventing additional loss of blood. Patrol Officers of the Month honors. GARY HICKS PHOTO. It is very likely that the quick actions from these three officers techniques to save the victim of this attack. Good job to our prevented excessive and possibly fatal blood loss, HPOU President hard-working police officers! Thank you for serving our community Ray Hunt said in recapping the scenario. and for keeping us safe every day.”
“I was only doing my job,” Officer Cerritos said. “Everyone at the The HPOU named Officers Brittany Cerritos, Nathan Moore and scene did great work.” Patrick Morrissey as the Union’s Patrol Officers of the Month at the May general membership meeting. A citizen comment posted on the Internet stated, “I am proud of HPD for offering the tourniquet training that saved this officer’s life, and Hunt said, “Congratulations to all of you and thanks to all officers and I am especially proud of the experienced officers who used these citizens on that scene for your great service!”
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 20 6/2/15 1:37 AM David Dedo Named to Replace Wolfe on HPOU Board HPOU President Ray Hunt has appointed Officer David Dedo as the new board member to replace the retiring Terry Wolfe in Position 6. The appointment was effective immediately.
Dedo, a native of Joliet, Illinois, who grew up in Custer Park, Illinois before serving eight years in the U. S. Army (infantry). He was “a professionally paid union firefighter” in Fayetteville, North Carolina, while completing his business degree from Campbell University in Buies Creek in the same state.
His wife was from Houston and “I resigned from being a firefighter so she didn’t have to be away from home,” Dedo explained. He worked for Schlumberger in San Antonio as a designer of cement systems for oil and natural gas wells before coming to Houston in 2009 to join HPD Academy Class No. 205.
In his years with the department he has been assigned to Northeast Patrol, the Northeast Divisional Gang Unit and, currently, to cadet training at the Academy.
In his spare time he enjoys various outdoor activities with his wife and daughter. He has been an HPOU member “since Day 1” and responded to the call to replace Wolfe.
HPOU President Ray Hunt and Board Member Bubba Caldwell swear in new HPOU Board Member David Dedo. GARY HICKS PHOTO.
Continues from Page 13 the crew to sing “Silent Night” with them. There wasn’t a dry eye to And he did. He was showing the coin to his buddies and smiling when be found. we walked away. Bless the Troops! Spending time with these brave men and women takes me back to Christmas 1967, when I was a 19-year-old Signalman aboard USS Then the show was over. And everything sucked again. Ranger in the Tonkin Gulf, off the coast of North Vietnam. The Bob Hope Show arrived to perform for us and sailors brought aboard But… or two hours we smiled. from other 7th Fleet ships also serving on Yankee Station. The day before they had been in Chu Lai, South Vietnam where my brother That’s what makes what we do so fulfilling. These young men and had seen the show. women we visit in the VA Hospital, San Antonio Military Medical Center, The Warrior and Family Support Center, and the ones we Obviously the troops in-country had a much more difficult time, meet at Warriors Weekend are injured in ways most of us can’t imag- but when you’re thousands of miles away from home, especially at ine. Some will never fully recover. Christmas, homesick is homesick. Or as we said back in the day, it sucked. But… for two minutes we made them smile.
Bob Hope, Raquel Welch, Miss World and the rest of the cast took As I wrote in a previous article, it’s the smiles. We’ll never forget us home for two hours. We laughed, we enjoyed the music, we got the smiles. a break from air ops, general quarters, and 8-on 8-off watches. At the end of the show the entire cast took the stage and encouraged God Bless Our Troops and God Bless America.
Continues from Richard Martin from Page 18 finished sixth in his class. “He was a good and faithful police officer. continuously prays that the period of time without a line of duty death Our joy is that we knew Richard as one of our men in blue.” in HPD will become a longer and longer period of time. Both he and Mayor Parker have openly expressed hope that the number of fallen He faced the Martin family, which included his father and said, “We heroes of the Bayou City would stop at 112. are family. We will always be with you as family.”
Montgomery said at the service that Martin had been an exemplary officer after joining the department as a second chosen career and
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 22 6/2/15 1:37 AM Continues from Vasquez on Page 17 It needs to be noted at this time that Oklahoma was experiencing Crossing the south Dallas County line, the procession was met severe weather with its typical springtime torrential rains. More rain by two Dallas County Sherriff’s Office patrol cars. They took up was forecast overnight. As predicted, heavy rainfall happened. It was positions in the front and rear. With their lights flashing, the procession reported that the road to the cemetery was impassable. OHP flew continued north and picking up two more DCSO vehicles along over the cemetery with their Air Support unit and verified the roads the way. It wasn’t long before the Dallas Police Department also were impassable. Additionally, the funeral home stated that even if joined in. the roads became passable, the ground was too saturated to bury Officer Martin. Despite the inclement weather, the north side of Dallas became a sight to behold. Entrance ramps were blocked by various With the assistance of the Air Force Honor Guard, OHP Honor Guard agencies. After the procession passed, the car or motorcycle and the HPD Honor Guard, a dignified ceremony was performed at previously blocking the ramp joined the procession. the Primrose Funeral Home. But the problem of not being able to bury Officer Martin remained. There were too many agencies to count: Lewisville PD, Carrollton PD, Corinth PD, Denton PD, Cooke County SO, University of North Norman Police Lt. Chad Vincent had one final, overwhelming trick Texas PD, Irving PD, Grapevine PD, Highland Village PD, Sanger PD, up his sleeve. He understood that the procession had to return to Gainesville PD. And on and on. Houston. He also understood that Officer Martin deserved the dignity of having a watch over his casket until such time that he was interred. If an agency wasn’t blocking a ramp and joining the procession, its members were standing on the overpass rendering salutes Thus Lt. Vincent promised that NPD would maintain a watch over and displaying American and Texas flags. Members of local fire Officer Martin until he was interred and would call Assistant Chief departments stood side by side with the police officers. Citizens Vazquez when the assignment was complete. along the way also joined in. Undying Devotion The procession grew in number from three marked HPD units to more than 50 units from various agencies in the Dallas area. The line The procession profusely thanked the members of NPD and OHP. of blue and red flashing lights stretched as far as the eye could see. They said their goodbyes to Officer Martin and headed back to Houston. Oklahoma: Amazing Grace Just north of Dallas, the procession stopped at a restaurant to get Approaching the Red River, the procession began dwindling in something to eat and rest a little bit since had been a long and number until it was back to its original incarnation of three marked stressful day. Nearing the end of their meal, the 11 members of the HPD units and two hearses. Then we crossed the Texas/Oklahoma procession asked the server for their respective bills. They were state line. advised that their bill was already taken care of. The server explained that an anonymous person saw them the day before heading north The distinctive black Dodge Chargers of the Oklahoma Highway with Officer Martin. Patrol (OHP) greeted us at mile marker one with those ever-familiar red and blue flashing lights. Local Oklahoma agencies either joined The server told our group that the anonymous person was so taken the escort through their jurisdiction or paid their respects while by the sight of the lengthy procession the day before that he felt standing on an overpass. compelled to pay their bill today.
The procession was making better time than expected and was The HPD officers who had the honor of this assignment were close to an hour ahead of schedule. Nevertheless, entering the overwhelmed by the reverence, compassion and generosity they destination city of Norman, the procession was greeted by the Norman encountered along the way. From the generosity of Geo. H. Lewis Police Department. NPD assisted OHP with the escort. Additionally, Funeral Home to the solidarity shown by other police and fire every major intersection between the city limits and the Primrose agencies to the kindness of complete strangers, everyone who played Funeral Home was staffed by NPD officers blocking traffic and a part agreed that it was one of the most rewarding assignments they rendering salutes. have ever participated in as Houston police officers.
Norman Police Lt. Callaghan greeted our procession at the funeral And they pray they never experience such kindness again under home. Two OHP troopers also were present. The troopers stood on similar circumstances. either side of the doorway and rendered smart salutes as Officer Martin was carried from the hearse into the funeral home.
A bagpiper nearby played “Amazing Grace.”
Lt. Callaghan advised the members of the procession that NPD would be honored to stand watch over Officer Martin during the night so they could rest after the long drive from Houston. The officers from the Westside Division advised that they would not leave their comrade’s side and they would take turns standing watch.
It was decided that both NPD and HPD would stand watch together. The OHP offered their Honor Guard to perform a 21-gun salute for the service the following day – with their revolvers no less! Page 23 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 23 6/2/15 1:37 AM Dear Mr. Mitchell, HPOU, I am writing to say thank you for being my calf scramble donor from Thank you for the plant you sent to my father’s service. Your Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2015. I appreciate your generosity thoughtfulness is certainly appreciated. and for the opportunity to raise a calf. Without the donation from the Lt. Richard L. Anderson Jr. Texas Police Trust, I would not have had the opportunity to participate. Family – Julie, Emily and Michelle
I thought I would tell you a little about me. I am the older of two HPOU, children to a single mom. I am a sophomore in high school. I will Thank you for your prayers and for all your kind words of love and be taking Vet Med classes next year, which will allow me to take the encouragement. Thank you so much for the plant. state test for licensed Veterinary Medical Assistant. I plan to work as The Family of Hortencia Sanchez a Veterinary Assistant while I take criminal justice classes to become an Animal Cruelty investigator. Dear Houston Police Officers Association, I am writing to thank you for the generous scholarship. I am We have started searching and have decided on a Shorthorn heifer or very happy and appreciate being selected as a recipient of your a Shorthorn Plus heifer. scholarship. I plan on attending Texas State University in the fall and I hope to gain a degree in public relations. Thank you again for your Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. generosity and support. Mykala Rodriguez Sincerely, Deer Park FFA Member Sarah Juenke HPOU, HPOU, Thank you for the beautiful plant. The family of Richard Anderson Thank you for awarding me with the HPOU Scholarship. I appreciate appreciates your expression of sympathy. your courage in me to achieve at the next level of my education. Your Francine Anderson scholarship money will be put to the good use helping me make the Richard Anderson Jr. world a better place and achieving my college degree. David Anderson Tyler Gamble Karen Anderson HPOU Board Members, HPOU, Thank you for the arrangement sent to the services. We appreciate Thank you so much for the pole ivy that was sent for Donnie’s funeral. your thoughts and support during this difficult time. Thank you, Your thoughtfulness and kindness are sincerely appreciated. Belinda Null and Dana Hitzman The Vondra Family Houston Police Officers Union, HPOU, We the Hall and Williams family would like to extend our appreciation Perhaps you sent a lovely card, and thanks for the kindness and sympathy expressed during the loss Or sat quietly in a chair; of mother and wife. Words cannot express how grateful we are for Perhaps you sent beautiful flowers, your support during this difficult time. If so, we saw them there. Perhaps you sent or spoke kind words Thank you for the beautiful plant and your thoughtfulness. As any friend could say; Sincerely, Perhaps you were not there at all The Hall-Williams Family Just thought of us that day. Chris Hall Whatever you did to console the heart, We thank you so much, whatever the part. HPOU, Love, Thank you so much for the plant and gift. It is great to know that The Hollins Family HPOU takes care of their family during a time of sadness. The Polka Family HPOU, Thank you so much for the beautiful arrangement you sent for Paden To my brothers in blue at HPOU, and for your care and kindness as we grieve. Thank you so much for the plant in memory of my dad. It is Love, something we will keep for a very long time to remember my dad. I truly Barney and Kelly Drozd appreciated the thought. Patrick Dougherty HPOU, The Family of Robert Dougherty The peace lily you sent to my husband’s funeral is thriving beautifully. I deeply appreciate the thoughtful gesture. Sincerely, Elizabeth Watson Page 24 Badge & Gun • June 2015
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 26 6/2/15 1:38 AM Building A Bridge Between Police and Teens Author’s note: I am alive and thriving today because two officers M.A. Dirdan opened the ceremonies by telling the students that the took an interest in me when I was 14 years old. Paying back what officers came to listen to them. Chief Dirdan challenged the teens to Larry Hancock and Leo Paul Miller did for me is the reason I support use “their bright young minds to make a difference.” officers and have volunteered to write for the Badge & Gun for the past 20 years. Officers are, and will always be, my heroes. Please know that as an officer, you have the power to make a difference in a young person’s life. By BARBARA A. SCHWARTZ The Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy held their second annual conference on April 17th hosted by the University of Houston at Clear Lake (UHCL).
The TAPS Academy involves an 11-week program designed to bring at risk teens and police officers together through a curriculum that includes: bullying, staying out of gangs, sexting, dating violence, safe driving, and much more.
Retired Assistant Chief Brian Lumpkin works with students who accepted his challenge to set up TAPS Clubs. Students proceeded to break out sessions which included: Police Interaction/Conflict Resolution taught by HPD’s Treva Mott and Denito Berry. Jan Arceneaux from HPD’s Public Information Office (PIO) and Medwin Wallace from HPD’s Special Victims Unit taught sessions on Dating and Domestic Violence. Anthony Valle from HPD’s PIO office taught Bullying, Richard Buitron from HPD’s Clear Lake Crime Prevention Unit taught Safe Driving, and Lewis Jackson of the Galveston PD taught Career Planning.
Students raised poignant questions--asking why unarmed people had been shot and why people were shot in the back. Officers addressed HPD Executive Assistant Chief M.A. Dirden welcomes students to the Teen and Police Conference. these issues and explained the realities of armed encounters. TAPS academies grew from a collaboration between UHCL Dr. Lumpkin and Prof. Penn led a special session on TAPS Club Everette Penn, a professor of Criminology, and then Houston Police leadership where students were encouraged to establish clubs in Department Assistant Chief, and now retired, Brian Lumpkin. their schools.
Funded by a Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing TAPS Clubs, which meet monthly, sustain the relationships Services grant, the TAPS Academy rolled out at HISD’s Beechnut developed between students and police in the 11-week academy and Academy in January 2012. The TAPS program has expanded to are student led, organized, and taught. El Paso County and Galveston in Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Tampa, Florida; Ponce, Puerto Rico; and to St. Kikks and Nevis in the Leeward In their presentation, Lumpkin and Penn acknowledged that teens Islands. Dallas and Washington, D.C. are planning future academies. don’t feel heard, that they don’t feel they are treated fairly by police, and that teens tend not to complain when they have been victimized.
TAPS programs defer from DARE and PAL by targeting, as Prof. Penn Lumpkin discussed the Chad Holley incident and students responded states, “those least likely to interact with police and those who are by saying that the media doesn’t always get the story straight. most at risk.” By going into the high schools, Penn explains that TAPS reaches students during the most crime prone years. Lumpkin spoke about “police legitimacy” and offered ways teens and police could gain a better understanding, eliminate mistrust, and Students attended the conference from Houston, Spring, and build confidence in each other. Galveston ISDs including the following high schools: Lee, Sam Houston, Westbury, Law Enforcement Magnet, La Marque, Westview, The Lumpkin Challenge Ball, Houston Can Academy, among others; and teens from the Harris County Juvenile Probation Youth Village. Cadets from HPD At the end of the presentation, Lumpkin offered a challenge: Any and the Law Enforcement High School Explorer Posts attended and student who could, using their phone, get the necessary permissions assisted with the conference. and commitments from their principal, parent, and an officer in their school’s beat to set up a club in the ten minutes before the end of the Gathering in the UHCL’s auditorium, participants were welcomed session would receive a nice, crisp twenty dollar bill. by Houston Police Officer Myra Daniels. Executive Assistant Chief Continues on Page 29 Page 27 Badge & Gun • June 2015
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 28 6/2/15 1:38 AM TCOLE to honor Calhoun, Munoz, Anderson and Webb in its Annual Awards Ceremony The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) will suspect and when Anderson arrived he saw the suspect take aim at recognize four Houston police officers in the 2014 State of Texas Law Robertson. Anderson fired at the suspect to protect Robertson. Enforcement Achievement Award Ceremony on June 12 in Austin. The suspect began shooting at the officers, who returned fire striking Set to receive TCOLE’s Valor Awards are Officers John Calhoun, and killing the suspect. Officer Anderson’s actions no doubt saved Andrea Munoz and Senior Police Officer Jeffrey Anderson. Officer the Pearland officer’s life. Frank Webb, widely credited with pioneering HPD programs affecting the mentally ill, will receive the commission’s Professional Both Calhoun and Anderson received HPD Police Week awards for Achievement Award. their work. They were also honored as Officers of the Year by the 100 Club of Greater Houston. The Valor Awards honor the officers for their handling of events that happened in 2014. Webb received an HPD Lifetime Achievement Award for the same list of worthy achievements credited to him by TCOLE. Webb is a Officers Calhoun and Munoz were dispatched to a call about a nationally recognized leader in working with individuals with mental suspicious person with a gun. Calhoun pursued this individual illness through programs such as Crisis Intervention Training, Crisis when he started to run away. As the officer grabbed the suspect the Intervention Response Teams, the Chronic Consumer Stabilization suspect shot at him. Initiative and the Homeless Outreach Team.
Munoz saw the man holding the gun with both hands during his According to HPD records, none of these would have been suc- scuffle with Calhoun. She grabbed the individual’s wrists, but he cessful without Webb, who worked with the Mental Health Mental kept trying to point the weapon at her. Fearing for the safety of Retardation Authority to develop an eight hour in-service class titled his partner, Officer Calhoun fatally shot the suspect. Then Calhoun “Dealing with the Mentally Ill.” realized he had been shot, although his ballistic vest had prevented a lethal wound. His Police Week citation said he assisted in the creation of the Neuropsychiatric Center and the streamlined procedures for Anderson’s act of valor happened when he joined a high-speed police obtaining an Emergency Detention Order, resulting in reducing the chase initiated by the Liverpool police chief. It involved an armed time needed for the process from 8 hours to an hour or less. suspect and also involved Pearland police officers. The Pearland officers drew fire from the suspect and, as the chase continued, HPD has earned wide recognition throughout the country due to Anderson joined the officers as it entered Houston jurisdiction, Webb’s efforts, which also make the department “better able to running behind Pearland Officer Chris Robertson. serve our community.”
The suspect pulled into the driveway of his house and got out of his truck holding a shotgun. Robertson stopped immediately behind the
Continues from Page 27 Emma, a student, felt the conference showed the importance of Students went into action. Texts and calls were exchanged. Lumpkin face-to-face communication. She said that her generation had juggled several cell phones as he verified that the students had become too reliant on texting. She heralded the TAPS Academy obtained the permissions and approvals necessary for initiating and Club concept of getting teens and cops together, face-to-face, a club. to communicate.
By the end of the session, Lumpkin’s wallet was a hundred Lumpkin pointed out that as a result of the TAPS Academy and Clubs dollars lighter. Laughing off the hit to his bank account, Lumpkin teens who used to run when they saw a police car round the corner stated that getting the clubs up and running was well worth his now waved to the officers who patrol near their schools and know the personal investment. officers by their first names. TAPS Academy, Clubs Lauded The Handshake
Lee High School principal Jonathan Trinh supports the TAPS Academy The essence of the conference and the goals of the TAPS programs concept because it targets teens being recruited for gangs. He said were evident when a white male officer shook the hand of an African- that his school had an Explorer Post for those interested in police American male teen to say goodbye after sharing lunch together. careers, but nothing to bring at risk students and police together. TAPS Academy and Clubs have done that--successfully. With that handshake, many bridges were crossed and the goals of the conference realized. Ball High School Criminal Justice teacher and former DPS trooper, Renard Brown, found the conference inspiring, especially the student For more information on the TAPS Academies and Clubs visit their leadership aspect of the programs. website at: www.tapsacademy.org.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 32 6/2/15 1:38 AM Here is a beautiful nighttime view of the Houston Police Memorial taken at the begin- ning of Police Week 2015. GARY HICKS PHOTO.
Mayor Annise Parker and Police Chief Charles McClelland present the memorial wreath at the Houston Police Memorial on the Friday night that launched Police Week 2015. GARY HICKS PHOTO.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, center, poses with members of the HPD Honor Guard as well as HPOU board members Don Egdorf, Kawanski Nichols, Gary Hicks, Randy Upton and Tim Whitaker. ROSALIND HICKS PHOTO.
Left to right: Officer Kawanski Nichols, Officer Jeff Wagner, Senior Police Officer Tim Whitaker, Officer David Riggs and HPD Chaplain Monty Montgomery. GARY HICKS PHOTO
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 33 6/2/15 1:38 AM Amco Jewelry Co. Aron Frank & Albert Aranzeta has moved to
3009 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 930 Houston, Texas 77056 713-622-0554
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 34 6/2/15 1:38 AM HPD Wives Form Support Group that Involves more than just Wives By TOM KENNEDY “We believe we can be there when an officer and the family need Wives of some Houston police officers are putting together an assistance when it’s not necessary for the city (Union and 100 Club) unprecedented family support group for officers and their families to step in.” that – unlike typical wives’ auxiliaries – will include family members and male spouses. The small but dedicated wives’ group mustered its resources in 2013 when Officer W. Fikes was wounded by a suspect eventually shot and Jennifer Bates, one of the group’s founders, said the non-profit will be killed by other officers. The group pitched in to help the Fikes family known as the Houston Law Enforcement Officers Family Support Unit. deal with not having income from the officer’s extra job, mainly by supplying meals. Bates said, “That’s why this will be more than just a wives’ group. We see the needs of officers. There are many female officers who have “We will be where we can contribute. In our law enforcement husbands who are not officers. They would be welcome to join this community we want to be able to do that. We’re a small group now support unit.” and want to expand it and make it a bigger program.
Bates, wife of Officer Michael Bates of the Special Response Group “We want to make it successful and we can. Failure is just not an option.” (SRG), said officers’ mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters will be welcomed members as would grandparents and sons and daughters. The group expects to be a full-fledged non-profit with its own articles Strong law enforcement community activists also will be welcome. of incorporation and government-approved 501c3 status by the end of the year if not sooner. Leaders also have a written set of bylaws. “For officers young and just out of the academy, their parents or even community members who have a deep caring for law enforcement Bates said she expects to hear from the Texas secretary of state soon officers are eligible for membership.” about the articles of incorporation but believes the 501c3 approval might take a few more months. Bates is the founding president, while Gina Wissinger, wife of Officer Kevin Montague, serves as founding secretary; Dena Morgan, She said the group has received positive response from Police engaged to Officer Blake Vanpelt, is treasurer. Chief Charles McClelland, who was encouraged by the group’s participation in the pro-police rally in the Galleria area. “We’re trying Bates was excited to point out that the group’s vice president is Alisha to have some interaction and events at the HPOU as well. Will, wife of Officer Kevin Will, killed in the line of duty May 29, 2011. “We have no male spouse members yet. We’ve gotten our executive President Bates explained that an informal wives’ group formed to board and we’ll be looking for volunteers to fill lower level board help Alisha when Officer Will was killed by a speeding motorist. positions that we’ve opened up to spouses or family members. We hope by the end of summer we’ll be going full force out there. We’re “When Officer Will passed,” she said, “a wives’ group supplied meals getting our name out there and we’re starting to let people know who and gift cards to restaurants for Alisha in the area where she was we are and what we are wanting to do.” living then. When there’s a line of duty death, the city steps in, HPOU steps in, the 100 Club steps in. We felt that wives could organize For more information, email Bates at [email protected] meals and gift cards and this is one less thing she (Alisha) would or go to the group’s new have to worry about. Facebook page at www.facebook.com/houstonleofamilysupportunit.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 35 6/2/15 1:38 AM The Department as I Remember It “An Innocent Man” By Earl D. Musick His book chronicles Ron Williamson’s a lot of respect for us. Instead of being As Houston police officers we probably did journey through the criminal justice system bitter about his false charges, he used the not often think about innocent individuals and Williamson’s life on death row for a experience to change his life for the better. being convicted of crimes they didn’t commit; crime he didn’t commit. we were too busy dealing with the guilty. Because we did the right thing in that “The journey also exposed me to the investigation, the two home invaders also While working in the Department’s world of wrongful convictions, something gained respect for Sam and me. While investigative divisions, I witnessed firsthand that I, even as a former lawyer, had never writing this article, one of these men the arrest and prosecution of many guilty spent much time thinking about. Wrongful contacted me. He is now a business owner, criminals. While prosecuting cases for the convictions occur every month in every state respected in his community and a volunteer Harris County District Attorney’s Office, I in this country, and the reasons are all fire fighter. For more than 25 years, he has often said in closing arguments; “I am now varied and all the same — bad police work, junk been a model citizen. He is also a family man asking you to tell the Defendant, by your science, faulty eyewitness identifications, and the father of a son who did a tour of duty verdict, something he already knows. Mark bad defense lawyers, lazy prosecutors, in Afghanistan. your verdict sheet guilty.” arrogant prosecutors.” The Innocent Man by John Grisham (p. 356). He credits us with the positive changes he made in his life, after being released As a former police officer, a former prosecutor from prison. and now a criminal defense attorney, I agree with Grisham’s rationale. During my career, I Another experience with a wrongfully witnessed all of these reasons why innocent charged defendant happened while I was individuals might be convicted of crimes they a lawyer practicing criminal defense. A didn’t commit. mother retained my law firm to represent her son, who was charged with capital In thinking about my police career, I once murder. During our representation, we arrested and charged a factually innocent learned her son was not involved in the man with aggravated robbery. The false murder or the aggravated robbery that charges were the result of bogus information led to the charges. Before this client’s from an informant, the suspect’s association representation, I had never given much with the wrong crowd and faulty eyewitness thought to the problems of wrongful identification. However, our police investiga- convictions. These problems are easy to tion revealed the suspect was innocent. ignore when you have not spent much time thinking about the consequences. Two arrested co-defendants separately proclaimed the wrongfully charged However, the realization of representing an suspect was not present during the residential innocent client, facing the death penalty, Officer JC Hudson robbery. They made us aware that we had caused me to spend a lot of time thinking about But what about a person who is charged an innocent man, who was in jail for the consequences of a wrongful conviction and factually innocent and caught up in the a crime he did not commit. My partner at the it scared me. criminal justice system? time of this investigation was Detective Sam Nuchia. We listened to the co-defendants, “The scariest client a lawyer will ever have We would like to believe wrongful gathered information and re-investigated the is an innocent client”. The Lincoln Lawyer by convictions don’t happen that often, but case and eventually exonerated the wrongly Michael Connelly, p. 113. unfortunately they do. Our criminal justice accused suspect. system is based on English jurist William My fear of possibly allowing an innocent Blackstone’s premise, “It is better that Throughout the years after his exoneration, client to suffer the consequences of a ten guilty persons escape than that one I maintained contact with this suspect and a wrongful conviction drove me to work day innocent suffer.” few years back learned he had passed away. and night to assure his exoneration. I still talk with his lawyer, who respects By following this principle we hope to pre- Sam and me for doing the right thing in this Capital murder defendants are not allowed vent wrongful convictions. But we learn far investigation. The lawyer also told me how bond, so our innocent client waited in the jail too often about exonerations of innocent much his client respected us. for a year, while the real killer committed people who suffered the consequences of other armed robberies as a free man. Only convictions for crimes they didn’t commit. So I heard from this exonerated suspect another by us finding the actual killer were we able the question becomes: Why does our criminal time when Sam was the HPD police chief. to show the prosecutors the error of their justice system allow someone to suffer years Sam’s wife Liz unknowingly took her vehicle accusations. With the information and in prison for a crime he did not commit? for some work where this defendant was evidence we provided, the prosecutors employed. While talking to her about the dismissed charges against our innocent John Grisham uncovered reasons a vehicle, he asks about Sam and me. He client and later with our information, person might suffer the consequences of a told Liz about dealing with us when he was convicted the person really responsible for wrongful conviction when he researched younger and running with the wrong crowd. the crimes. Because of our investigation, information for his first non-fiction novel. He told her we were good cops and he had Continues on Page 38 Page 36 Badge & Gun • June 2015
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 37 6/2/15 1:38 AM Continues from Page 36 guilty to that charge on March 12, 1980, receiving a 10-year probated both guilty defendants are now in prison with life sentences for their sentence. These records may relate to the out-of-town bank robbery parts in the crimes. Allen remembered.
It was very satisfying to set free an innocent man, who was The Clerk’s files show his probation was originally in El Paso and wrongfully charged with capital murder. Because of our later transferred to Harris County. From available records, it appears representation, he was exonerated and released from custody. Hudson successfully completed his probation and has no records of Witnessing our client’s gratitude and his family’s appreciation arrest after his probation was terminated. was extremely rewarding and in 2008, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association presented my daughter JoAnne Musick and While on probation for the robbery, on April 7, 1982, Hudson was me their prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” award for freeing an charged with two robberies he did not commit. The detectives innocent man. working on those robberies eventually saw firsthand how someone’s past criminal history, their modus operandi and faulty eyewitness If Sam and I had done a bad investigation, an innocent man might identifications can cause an innocent man to be wrongfully charged have been convicted of an armed robbery he didn’t commit. Also, it with crimes he did not commit. was a bad investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, faulty identifications from eyewitnesses and a lazy prosecutor that led to a Robert “Bob” A. Armbruster was a newly promoted detective false charge of capital murder. The wrongful charges caused our client working with Detective Brian Foster in the Robbery Division at the to spend a year in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. An innocent man time of this investigation. Bob said this investigation taught him how might have been convicted of capital murder if not for a good criminal unreliable eyewitness identifications can be. defense investigation and dedicated criminal defense lawyers. In Grisham’s The Innocent Man, he describes how the police ignored In a conversation with retired Lt. Ira Franks, I learned of an investigation exculpatory evidence while building their case against Williamson. in 1982, where they freed an ex-Houston police officer, who was charged In Robbery’s investigation of Hudson, this was not the case. From with two counts of robbery he didn’t commit. While talking about talking with retired officers Ira Franks, Brian Foster, Bob Armbruster, that robbery investigation, I remembered the ex-officer, who worked David C. Wells and Allen E. Tharling it was easy to see why Hudson evening shift at North Shepherd Substation. Because I knew of the became the leading suspect in a rash of armed robberies. officer, I became interested in the ex-police officer’s story. The evidence against Hudson was very strong and the eyewitnesses Jimmie Carl Hudson graduated from the Houston Police Academy were positive in their identification and once he was arrested the Class No. 46, on Dec. 18, 1970, and was assigned to the Radio Patrol robberies ceased to happen. Bureau at the North Shepherd Substation. He also worked the Jail Division in 1974. Everyone described Hudson as being a nice guy Before Hudson’s arrest, Houston was experiencing an outbreak of who came to the Department from a small town. They were totally well planned and executed armed robberies of businesses like Home shocked when he was arrested on armed robbery charges. Depot and Handy Dan. The hijackers were armed with assault rifles and carried police scanners and walkie talkie radios during the Retired Officer Harold “Randy” Crocker remembers occasionally robberies. The suspects thoroughly cased their targets and their riding with Hudson on the evening shift in Acres Homes. Randy plans were executed like clockwork. The robberies became so described Hudson as being laid back and easy to get along with. He frequent some merchants hired off-duty policeman in attempts to also remembered Hudson was calling in sick a lot before his arrest, prevent these crimes. but he would never have figured him to be a hijacker. Like everyone else, Randy was shocked to learn Hudson and a young female were doing armed robberies out of town on his days off. At one location a uniformed off-duty officer was working an extra job when a robber approached him and put a gun to this head. The Retired Officer Michael J. Orlando also remembered Hudson, who suspect disarmed the off-duty police officer and took his duty weapon, shared an apartment on Antoine with his brother, Officer Sammy a .45 automatic. Then the suspect demanded to know if the officer was W. Orlando, and Officer Jerry Cormier. Michael was as shocked as carrying a backup weapon or if he was wearing an ankle holster. After anyone to learn the police officer he thought he knew was involved in checking for extra weapons, the robber handcuffed the officer and the armed robberies. robbery went unchallenged. The off-duty officer was convinced this suspect had some police training and might be an ex-officer. Michael remembers the last time he saw Hudson after his arrest. Michael and Officer Randy Service were riding midnight patrol at Retired Criminal Intelligence Officer David C. Wells had many sources Northeast and were on a traffic stop when Hudson walked up to them providing him with information about high-profile crimes in Houston. from out of nowhere, in the middle of the night, carrying a suitcase. A club owner, who had provided creditable information to David in the Michael described the encounter as being very strange since Hudson past said he believed Hudson was again doing robberies since he was was someone he knew and once trusted. However, on this night it was already back on the streets. After receiving this information, David different. He didn’t feel safe around his old friend and remembers contacted the off-duty officer and asked him to look at page 160 of the checking him for weapons. Houston Police Department’s 1974 yearbook and see if any of those officers looked like the suspect who took his gun. The police officer Retired Lt. Allen E. Tharling remembered Hudson being arrested immediately identified Hudson and was convinced he was the robber for doing a bank robbery out of town. He believed the bank was in El who disarmed him. Paso, but didn’t remember much about the investigation. From the Harris County District Clerk’s website, I found Hudson was arrested A photo lineup was shown to other witnesses and they also in Harris County for resisting arrest and driving while intoxicated on identified Hudson as being one of the robbers. Robbery charges were April 3, 1977. He later pled guilty to both charges on June 13, 1977. filed and Hudson was arrested and later indicted on two aggravated robbery charges. After his arrest the robberies ceased to happen The Harris County Clerk’s Office also shows Hudson posted bond and it looked like Robbery had the right man. Although the evidence on an out-of-county aggravated robbery on Dec. 12, 1979, and pled Continues on Page 40 Page 38 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 38 6/2/15 1:38 AM In Memory of… June - Houston Police Officers Slain in the Line of Duty
Davie Murdock 06-27-1921 Worth Davis 06-17-1928 Oscar Hope 06-22-1929 Noel R. Miller 06-06-1958
Floyd T. Deloach, Jr. 06-30-1965 Ben E. Gerhart 06-26-1968 Bobby L. James 06-26-1968 David E. Noel 06-17-1972
Jerry L. Riley 06-18-1974 Timothy L. Hearn 06-08-1978 James B. Irby 06-27-1990 Gary Allen Gryder 06-29-2008
Jeter Young 06-19-1921 George Edwards 06-30-1939 Let us Never Forget...
Henry Canales 06-23-2009
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 39 6/2/15 1:39 AM Continues from Page 38 the stores victimized by this group were corporate stores, Dallas against Hudson was very strong, there was something that just did merchants knew about the Houston robberies. It became apparent not add up. the group had relocated in Dallas and the group continued to rob the businesses regularly. The robberies had not stopped as investigators Hudson was employed and worked very long hours in some type of believed; they just relocated to Dallas. machine shop. His employer said he was an exemplary employee who worked a lot of overtime, working 10 hour days, six days a week. The Dallas suspects’ modus operandi and the suspects’ descriptions He was very dependable and missed very little work. When arrested were exactly the same as the group of hijackers in Houston. he had just gotten off work and was covered in oil and grit from his job. The Dallas Police Department located a stolen car from Houston parked in front of one of their hardware stores and established a His probation officer said Hudson reported timely and complied surveillance. At this location, the hijackers got in a shootout with with all his conditions of probation. Doing robberies seemed out of the police and one of the robbers was shot in the head with a .308 character for Hudson, but a motion to revoke his probation rifle. This dead suspect was carrying the off-duty Houston police was filed. Even though everything appeared to say Hudson was officer’s pistol. responsible for these robberies, investigators continued their investigation, finding records indicating he was working when one This robber had bragged about how he got the drop on the police of the robberies occurred. They presented all the evidence to the officer and took the officer’s gun as his trophy. His description was prosecutors, even the exculpatory evidence. very similar to Hudson and now there was no doubt Hudson had been in jail for two armed robberies he did not commit. As the investigators evaluated all the evidence, they started believing Hudson might be innocent. Even though the eyewitnesses The investigators I talked with about this investigation knew the were convinced Hudson was the right suspect, more evidence was importance of doing a thorough investigation and reporting all the found indicating his innocence. evidence to the prosecution. Because they conducted a thorough investigation, an innocent man did not suffer the consequences of a Finally a hearing was held and Ira testified regarding the exculpatory wrongful conviction. evidence the investigators had found. At this hearing, the charges were dismissed and Hudson was released from jail, but there were Hudson could have easily had his probation revoked, convicted in the still doubts about his innocence. robberies and sentenced to life in prison. Instead his probation was reinstated. I believe he continued to turn his life around and remain Part of this group’s modus operandi involved stealing a vehicle and a productive citizen. parking it in front of the target store the day before the robbery. Since
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 41 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER 1st LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD OFFICER TERRY BRATTON Officer Terry Bratton joined HPD in May of 1976, serving in Central Division until December of 1978 when he was selected as one of the first Field Training Officers. Shortly after, Officer Bratton and Officer Jimmy Conley were tasked with creating the Officer Safety Awareness Training Program. His first Officer Safety in-service class consisted of one 16mm film and a slide show about HPD officers killed during the prior ten years. Officer Bratton’s Shoot/Don’t Shoot program was showcased by national and local media outlets. He has represented HPD while conducting tactical, use of force and officer safety training nationwide and is recognized across the U.S. as an expert witness in the areas of training and use of force.
2ND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SERGEANT CHARLES JOHNSON Sergeant Charles Johnson has served the citizens of Houston for 30 years, joining Cadet Class 129 in 1985. After being selected to be a Bomb Squad Technician in 1992, he transferred to the Tactical Operations Division where he continues to serve. In 2009, he promoted to Sergeant and began working on multiple projects related to the evaluation and testing of equipment worn and used by bomb techs. He has participated in the national Technical Support Working Group since 2002 helping advance the safety and techni- cal abilities of bomb technicians across the U.S. Sergeant Johnson is known worldwide for his expertise and knowledge and foresight and abilities have enhanced the operations of the HPD Bomb Squad.
3RD LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SERGEANT CECIL MOSQUEDA Sergeant Cecil Mosqueda has served the citizens of Houston and HPD for over 40 years. As an officer he was assigned to Central and Northeast Divisions, moving in 1980 to the Homicide Division as one of five Spanish speaking officers assigned to the newly created Chicano Squad to investigate the growing number of murders of Hispanics. In 1982 he was promoted to the rank of Detective, remaining in the Chicano Squad until 2009. During those 29 years, Sergeant Mosqueda investigated over a thousand murder cases and contributed to the successful prosecution of a high percentage of the defendants. Sergeant Mosqueda continues to serve the department and community with his strong work ethic and vast experience.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 42 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER 4TH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SERGEANT BILLY TYSON Sergeant Billy Tyson joined HPD in 1982 and worked as a patrol officer in Central and South Central Divisions. In 1988, Officer Tyson promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Auto Theft. From 1988 to 1997, Sergeant Tyson assumed multiple roles working undercover in Auto Theft, Major Offenders and Internal Affairs Divisions. In November 1997, Sergeant Tyson transferred to Homicide Division Family Violence Unit where he was instrumental in assisting with the transition of Family Violence to the newly created Special Crimes Division. Sergeant Tyson became known as the resident expert in family violence investigations. On April 8, 2015, Sergeant Tyson retired from the department having served the citizens of Houston for over 33 years.
5TH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD OFFICER FRANCIS WEBB HPD has become a nationally recognized leader in working with individuals with mental illness through programs such as Crisis Intervention Training, Crisis Intervention Response Teams, the Chronic Consumer Stabilization Initiative and the Homeless Outreach Team. None of these would have been successful without Senior Police Officer Frank Webb. Officer Webb worked with the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority to develop an eight hour in-service class titled “Dealing with the Mentally Ill.” He assisted in the creation of the Neuropsychiatric Center and the streamlined procedures for obtaining an Emergency Detention Order, resulting in reducing the time needed for the process from 8 hours to an hour or less. Through Officer Webb’s efforts, HPD is better able to serve our community.
“THE 1st PATROL OFFICER OF THE YEAR” OFFICER JOHN CALHOUN Officers John Calhoun and Andrea Munoz were dispatched to a call about a suspicious person with a gun. When they arrived they approached the man. The man walked toward them, then ran. Officer Calhoun gave chase, grabbing him, but the suspect spun around and shot at Officer Calhoun. As officers tackled the suspect to the ground, Officer Munoz saw him holding the gun with both hands. She grabbed the suspect’s wrists, but he kept trying to point the weapon at her. Fearing for the safety of his partner, Officer Calhoun fatally shot the suspect. As backup officers arrived, Officer Calhoun realized he had been hit by the suspect’s shot. Thankfully his ballistic vest had prevented a lethal wound.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 43 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER “SENIOR POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR” OFFICER JEFFREY ANDERSON After the Liverpool Chief of Police initiated a vehicle pursuit with an armed suspect, Pearland officers joined the chase, drawing fire from the suspect. When the pursuit entered Houston, HPD Officer Jeffrey Anderson joined behind Pearland Officer Chris Robertson. The suspect pulled into the driveway of his house and exited his truck holding a shotgun. Officer Robertson stopped immediately behind the suspect. Officer Anderson arrived, saw the suspect take aim at Officer Robertson, and fired at the suspect to protect Officer Robertson. The suspect began shooting at the officers, who returned fire striking and killing the suspect. Officer Anderson’s actions no doubt saved the Pearland officer’s life.
“CIT (CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM)” OFFICER JACQUES BLAND When Officer Jacques Bland arrived at a call involving a woman running in traffic on Loop 610 he saw cars and trucks swerving to avoid hitting the woman. Officer Bland ran into traffic in an attempt to save her, even though he saw her brandishing a knife. Officer Bland attempted to stop traffic while simultaneously chasing the woman, dodging the vehicles swerving around them. He successfully tackled the woman and disarmed her allowing emergency medical personnel to take her to the hospital.
THE “CIVILIAN PROTECTIVE SERVICES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” SENIOR POLICE SERVICE OFFICER JUAN CORTINA Senior Police Service Officer Juan Cortina reports to crime scenes at businesses or private residences to collect video surveillance footage. He has consistently demonstrated his technical abilities in retrieving vital surveillance evidence from the multitude of different video systems used by the public. Although his job assignments usually begin with robbery investigations, his expertise is frequently called upon by other divisions. Many times video footage is the only form of evidence in a criminal case; therefore, the importance of being able to retrieve video footage has proven crucial to helping solve these crimes.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 44 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER “THE CIVILIAN ADMINISTRATIVE/ PARA-PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE DIEM THUY BUI-NGOC Administrative Associate Diem Thuy Bui-Ngoc is the Records Division Staff Review representative assigned to conduct the quality control and staff review process for the Homicide Division. In 2014 Ms. Bui-Ngoc personally reviewed and approved 242 murder reports. Her assistance was vital to Homicide during the transition from the department’s old records management system to the new. Ms. Bui-Ngoc’s excellent records/staff review skills, tremendous attitude, helpful personality and professionalism greatly increased the Homicide Case Management teams’ ability to serve the division.
“CIVILIAN MANAGER OF THE YEAR” ADMINISTRATION MANGER AMBER ELDRIDGE Administration Manager Amber Eldridge joined HPD in December 2013 and immediately immersed herself in the process of converting the Employee Support Unit to a customer focused unit. Ms. Eldridge has taken on the challenge of working proactively to identify and address longstanding processes and procedures that need to be revised and/or modernized. Ms. Eldridge worked with her employees and exhibited leadership while accomplishing that directive, all while still having her own daily workload and supervising within the division.
“CIVILIAN TECHNICAL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” COMMUNITY SERVICE INSPECTOR JASON FOSTER Community Service Inspector Jason Foster joined the Environmental Investigations Unit of the Major Offenders Division in September of 2013. Community Service Inspectors are the only civilian criminal investigator positions in the Houston Police Department. Inspector Foster excelled during the intense training process and even assisted other new employees in understanding the complex material. He has assumed a leading role in conducting complicated investigations regarding the illegal dumping of chemical waste and other environmental crimes.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 45 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER “SPECIALIZED OFFICER OF THE YEAR” OFFICER MONROE GAGE Officer Monroe Gage, assigned to the K-9 Detail for twenty-seven years, has dedicated most of his career to training police dogs and building up the K-9 Detail. Officer Gage is the head K-9 trainer for the detail, responsible for maintaining accurate records, testing and maintaining all canines, selecting dogs for specialized training, aiding in canine handler selection, maintaining the training grounds and ordering and stocking all supplies and equipment. He is also on 24 hour call for any canine related emergency. Officer Gage plans and coordinates the K-9 response for all major events in the Houston area.
“ROOKIE OF THE YEAR” OFFICER JAY GUERRA On October 9, 2014, Officers Jay Guerra and Matthew Combs arrived to assist with a fight where a man had been severely wounded. Earlier attempts to control his bleeding had failed and Officer Guerra retrieved his own personal medical kit and attended to the victim. Using his experience as a U.S. Army combat medic, he inserted a valve into the wound closest to the victim’s lung to assist his breathing, saving his life.
“TECHNICAL SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” OFFICER STEVEN LORANCE Officer Steven Lorance is the administrative technology coordinator in the Robbery Division. His exceptional computer skills play a vital role in the division’s day to day operations. Officer Lorance had created a case management database which retrieved information from the department’s records management system to monitor all robbery investigations. The system worked flawlessly until the department implemented a new records management system. The new system was supposed to include a built in case management function, however it did not work as planned. Officer Lorance recreated the case management database to communicate with the new records management system.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 46 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER “FTO OF THE YEAR” OFFICER CHRISTOPHER MEADE Officer Meade performs at a high level as a Field Training Officer. One example of his field instruction is a traffic stop conducted while training Probationary Police Officer Pena. Upon noticing the suspects’ nervous behavior and a box of ammunition in the vehicle, Officer Meade and PPO Pena called for back-up and performed a more thorough search and investigation which led to three felony arrests and the seizure of a pistol and large amounts of cash and narcotics.
“CIVILIAN SKILLED SERVICE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” TRUCK DRIVER ALBERT OROSCO Truck Driver Albert Orosco is assigned to the Property Division Impound Lot. While his official job title and duties are that of a truck driver, he has voluntarily added other tasks outside his job description. He has an exceptional ability to manage the intake and storage of evidentiary vehicles kept at the impound facility. Mr. Orosco also inspects incoming vehicles of any evidentiary property and also translates and explains complicated policies and investigations to citizens.
“THE CIVILIAN PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST MARIA PONCE In the short time Administrative Specialist Maria Ponce has worked with the Volunteer Initiative Program and the Student Interns, she has made great strides in improving the programs. Ms. Ponce works tirelessly ensuring volunteers and students have opportunities to work with and observe the various areas of the department. She interacts with residents to explain what the programs offer and ensures the registration process goes smoothly. Ms. Ponce has assisted with the La Comida Food drive and the HPD Explorers program, using her bilingual skills to translate for participants who do not speak English.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 47 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER “ADMINISTRATIVE CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” SERGEANT JANET ROWE One of the most competitive and high stakes tasks undertaken by department officers is the promotional process. It is imperative that the integrity of the process is maintained and Sergeant Janet Rowe has been assigned that responsibility. Throughout 2014, Sergeant Rowe provided unwavering support, planning and coordination to the department for the Captains’, Lieutenants’ and Sergeants’ written exams and assessment centers. Verification of test scores, seniority points, military points, education points were made for each of the nearly 800 classified employees participating in the process. Her personal initiative and meticulous efforts ensured a process that was fair, met legal scrutiny and set the example for others to follow.
“MANAGER OF THE YEAR” CAPTAIN LARRY SATTERWHITE Throughout 2014, police departments around the nation experienced widespread protests and public assembly’s related to controversial incidents of police and citizen interaction. Captain Larry Satterwhite of the Special Operations Division has demonstrated the utmost poise and professionalism while actively leading his officers from the front during these events. He had endured long hours of planning and preparation, responding to dozens of volatile publi assemblies and threats of civil unrest. He has demonstrated unsurpassed management of police operations during mass gatherings and protests. Due to Captain Satterwhite’s leadership the city of Houston has remained safe from the potential looting and rioting that other major municipalities suffered during this time of nationwide civil unrest.
“CIVILIAN SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR” OFFICE SUPERVISOR HARKEERT SINGH Office Supervisor Harkeert Singh oversees the handling of the data entries of all vehicles, articles and guns into the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) and the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems. When the Texas Department of Public Safety audited Records Division they had an accuracy rate of 95%. Under his leadership, employees accepted the challenges of learning the new Records Management System and coding the new offense reports to produce accurate crime statistics.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 48 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER “THE 2nd PATROL OFFICER OF THE YEAR” OFFICER ERIC TERRELL Officer Eric Terrell, assigned to Westside Division amassed 68 Felony and 61 Misdemeanor arrests in 2014, making him a top producer in felony arrests for ten of the twelve months in the year. The majority of these arrests were at a townhome complex plagued by narcotics and prostitution activity. His commitment to the department’s mission is the motivation for his service.
“MID-MANAGER OF THE YEAR” LIEUTENANT RANDAL UPTON Shortly after Lieutenant Randal Upton became the unit commander of the Special Response Group, he was confronted with multiple challenging issues. The nation experienced significant civil unrest following several high profile officer involved shootings and interac- tions with the public where suspects died. However, Houston avoided the violent protests with injuries to both citizens and police officers due to planning and management by HPD, specifically the Special Response Group headed by Lieutenant Upton. Throughout these events, Lieutenant Upton served diligently, with patience and untiring dedication to ensure each situation was managed as safely and pro- fessionally as possible.
“THE DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE TEAM (DRT) AND COMMUNITY SERVICE (CS) OFFICER” OFFICER RYAN WATSON Officer Ryan Watson is the Assistant City Wide Differential Response Team Coordinator. He was instrumental in HPD receiving national and international acclaim for the Problem Oriented Policing units. Officer Watson works with the Greater Houston Retailers Association as part of the Houston “Convenience store program, inspecting stores to bring them into compliance with the convenience store ordinance. In 2014 the International Association of Chiefs of Police recognized this partnership with the Michael Shanahan Award for Excellence in Public/Private Cooperation. Without Officer Watson’s efforts this award would not have been possible.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 49 6/2/15 1:39 AM 2015 HPD Police Week Honorees NARRATIVES BY SHELLY MOLINA • PHOTOS BY MATT FOWLER “INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR” OFFICER JORGE GAYTAN Officer Jorge Gaytan spends countless hours of selfless work preparing and presenting lifesaving material to officers and citizens alike. Officer Gaytan represents the department as a true profes- sional, teaching cadets Officer Safety, Traffic Stops, Introductory Spanish and Building Searches. Officer Gaytan has developed many other classes integral to the Department’s mission and exhibited true dedication to teaching HPD’s officers.
“PATROL SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR” “INVESTIGATIVE SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR” SERGEANT ERIC BEAUCHAMP SERGEANT RAUL CRUZ Sergeant John Eric Beauchamp was supervisor of a Northeast Gang Sergeant Raul Cruz is supervisor of the Covert Operation Squad of Unit squad that initiated what became a long term multi-agency the Houston Auto Crimes Task Force, overseeing undercover officers investigation spanning multiple stats and two countries. The targets who infiltrate organized crime rings involved in stealing vehicles. The of this investigation, multiple prison and outlaw motorcycle gang squad investigated a group stealing high end vehicles. They would members, generated revenue through trafficking and distribution of steal vehicles in another state, switch the VINs of the stolen cars, methamphetamine as well as vehicle and property theft. Sergeant then retitle the vehicles and bring them to Houston where they were Beauchamp and his squad identified 41 suspects and 90 individual being titled in Texas and sold. Undercover officers recover 5 stolen crimes ranging from fraud, burglary, identify theft and drug posses- vehicles valued at $330,000 and arrested one suspect. Eighteen other sion committed by the group. He trained, led and mentored his officer individuals were arrested in the other state and 42 vehicles valued at sharing techniques rarely used by officers at a patrol station. 1.6 million dollars were recovered. “TACTICAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR” “REACTIVE INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR” OFFICER CHRISTIAN DORTON OFFICER DAMON FOY Officer Christian Dorton began assisting several area law When officers responded to a call about a woman running from enforcement agencies with multiple takeover-style aggravated bank her house screaming for help, they found the woman unwilling to robberies. Nineteen similar robberies were linked to the same group cooperate, afraid her boyfriend would retaliate. Office Damon Foy of armed suspects. Officer Dorton began to gather intelligence by was assigned the case and discovered the suspect was a dangerous earning the trust of those who knew some of the suspects. Due to gang member with arrests and convictions in Texas and California. the goodwill cultivated by Officer Dorton, people provided him The suspect had also violated a California protective order intended with information not usually shared during regular police-citizen to shield the woman. Fearing for the uncooperative woman’s safety, interactions. During these investigations, 14 suspects were charged Officer Foy relentlessly pursued the case and filed a Felony and with Aggravated Robbery of a Bank and numerous others were two Misdemeanor Protective Order Violation charges against the charged with felonies. suspect. The suspect was arrested and remains in jail.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 50 6/2/15 1:39 AM “UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR” “PARTNERS OF THE YEAR” OFFICERS OFFICER JOHNNY MORENO DAVID NIETO AND DONALD MILLER In June 1994, Officer Johnny Moreno was selected to join a Officers Donald Miller and David Nieto are assigned to the Vice crucial multiagency task force initiative. While working with Federal, Division, Human Trafficking Unit and the FBI Child Exploitation Task State and local counterparts, Officer Moreno developed information Force. Their mission is to identify and prosecute persons involved that a Houston based criminal organization was coordinating and in the sex trafficking of minors. Officers Miller and Nieto face executing smuggling operations and transportation services for violent challenges investigating these cases. Some victims believe that the Mexican cartels. In 2014, the task force with the U.S. Attorney’s office trafficker is their boyfriend or protector and are hesitant to provide disrupted the criminal organization with the indictment of 10 information implicating the trafficker in a serious crime. Last year, with members of the group. To date over 76,000 pounds of marijuana the assistance of Vice and the FBI Task Force, Officers Miller and and 451 kilograms of cocaine with at combined street value of Nieto’s efforts resulted in 59 arrests, 91 charges filed and 35 minors approximately fifty million dollars have been seized. recovered, the youngest being 12 years old.
“PROACTIVE INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR” OFFICER MOISES ZAMORA Officer Moises Zamora and his partner have worked tirelessly over the past two years attempting to dismantle drug trafficking organizations. The estimated street value of the illegal narcotics they have seized so far in their investigation is almost eighteen million dollars. In addition, Officer Zamora provided valuable assistance to other agents and officers targeting several members of a methamphetamine distribution organization.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 51 6/2/15 1:39 AM By NELSON ZOCH Lest We Forget May 19, 1999 Car Thief Williams Guns Down Troy Blando in Cold Blood at Southwest Freeway Motel Troy Alan Blando was born in Bussac, France, At 9:11 a.m., they were at the Southwest exit wound to his back. He had returned fire on July 31, 1959, to Mr. and Mrs. Alvin (Della) Freeway at Hornwood when they heard ten at the suspect with his .380 automatic, but Blando. Being the son of a career United to twelve gunshots coming from the direction had not hit him. There were numerous 9mm States military man, Troy traveled extensively of the Roadrunner. Just seconds later, the hulls around the scene, indicating that the in his early years. He attended elementary voice of Officer Blando came over the police suspect had fired a number of times during and junior high school in San Antonio and radio, stating that he had been shot. He also the shootout. graduated from Roosevelt High School in the provided a description of the suspect. Alamo City in 1977. For several years after Within thirty seconds, Officers Hawkins Officer Blando was bleeding internally. The high school, he attended Southwest Texas and Satterwhite arrived to see Troy Blando delay in rushing him to a hospital became State University in San Marcos. seated in his Jeep, pointing toward the the subject of a massive investigation into motel courtyard. the Houston Fire Department’s dispatching Troy came to the Houston Police Department procedures. The contention was that Blando on July 2, 1979 to enter Police Cadet Class had received injuries that could have been No. 87. He took his oath of office as an HPD better treated, perhaps saving his life, had officer on November 3, 1979. He wore Badge an ambulance arrived sooner. Eventually, the No. 2336. His earliest assignment was to HFD ambulance transported him to Ben Taub Central Patrol, where he served a short time General Hospital. before becoming a member of the Crime Scene Unit. Once the unit was transferred to Homicide Captain Richard Holland be under the Homicide Division, Troy became assigned Lieutenant Greg Neely to lead this a well known and highly respected member investigation. Lieutenant Neely assigned of the crime scene unit. Sergeant Jim Ladd and his partner, Officer Todd Miller, to make the scene and be the The department later assigned him to the primary investigative unit. Assigned to assist Inspections Division, the Westside Command them were Sergeant John Swaim and his Center and the Chief’s Administration under partner, Officer Alan Brown. Sergeant Paul Police Chief Elizabeth Watson. While Troy did Motard went to Ben Taub to interview the exceptional work in all his assignments, it wounded officer. However, Motard soon seemed that he truly found his niche when learned that Officer Blando was in critical in 1993, he was selected for assignment as condition, undergoing surgery. The treatment a police officer investigator in the Auto Theft was just too late. Blando had suffered a fatal Division. loss of blood. Doctors pronounced him dead at 10:23 a.m. The veteran of almost twenty On Wednesday, May 19, 1999, Auto Theft years with HPD was dead at age thirty-nine. Investigator Troy Blando was driving a city- owned unmarked vehicle, a 1995 green Jeep The motel parking lot that had been the scene Cherokee. This vehicle was equipped with an Officer Troy Alan Blando of the offense was no small area to process. MDI and he was searching the motels along Hawkins and Satterwhite did what officers In addition, there was the scene of the arrest. the 6800 block of the Southwest Freeway for are trained to do. They split up, with Hawkins Four Crime Scene Units responded on this stolen vehicles. He was at the Roadrunner staying back to attend to Officer Blando weekday to assist in the most important task Motel, a location he previously had found to while Satterwhite attempted to pursue the of Homicide investigators – to properly locate be ripe for searching for recoveries. suspect, having been directed by citizens and document all items of evidence pertinent who had seen a partially handcuffed man to the offense at these scenes. While stopped in the motel parking lot, Blando racing away. This assistance led him to the observed a new model Lexus pass by driven Celebration Station amusement center at Contributing in this effort were CSU Officers by an African-American male. Checking the 6787 Southwest Freeway. Larry Baimbridge, J.C. Wood, and A.G. Riddle, plate, the officer learned that this vehicle all of whom took part in the scene investi- had been stolen in an armed robbery several Other officers in patrol cars began arriving at gations. Officer D. H. Couch undertook the months ago. At 9:07 a.m., he reported his the scene. They assisted Officer Satterwhite hospital investigation, while Officers L. Tuttle, location to the dispatcher and stated that he with the arrest of a suspect who had one J.A. Ogden, J.S. Hammerle, and G.H. West all had spotted an occupied stolen and want- handcuff on his left hand. He was also armed participated in some manner throughout the ed vehicle. Several bicycle patrol officers, with the weapon used to shoot Officer Blando. detailed investigation. L.J. Satterwhite and A.K. Hawkins, were nearby and overheard Blando’s transmission Back at the scene, Officer Hawkins had made Other than the radio transmissions from and location. Riding from the 6400 block of the Assist the Officer call. Officer Blando Officer Blando, investigators were left to Bellaire, they headed in Blando’s direction. was shot in the chest and there was a visible Continues on Page 53 Page 52 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 52 6/2/15 1:39 AM Continues from Page 52 Interment followed at Woodlawn Garden of Memories, Antoine and piece together the much-needed evidence of the tragic event of this Katy Freeway. day. While there were no actual eyewitnesses, a number of people in and around the motel heard and/or saw bits and parts of the offense. Pallbearers for Officer Troy Blando were Robert W. Irving Jr., The main information was the fleeing suspect from the scene of the Kenneth A Hilleman, Victor Midyett, Dennis E. Holmes, Michael D. shooting, which Officer Hawkins was able to obtain in more detail Ingels, Collin P. Gerlich, Thomas C. Civitello and Craig L. Newman. from Officer Blando. He in turn passed it on to the responding units. To police officers who attend the memorial services for fellow The arrested suspect, Jeffrey Demond Williams (African-American officers killed in the line of duty, usually some facet of the service Male; 23) ironically provided many answers to investigators’ seems to always stand out as something special to remember. Officer questions. Officer L.J. Satterwhite, ably assisted by Officers J.M. Troy Blando was a Boy Scout troop leader for his son Danny’s troop. McPhail, J.E. Draycott, J.R. Martinez, B.J. McDonald and Sergeant To witness the other adult troop leaders and Danny’s fellow Scouts G.B. Raschke, arrested Williams with not only the weapon he used march out after the funeral service without troop leader Troy Blando to shoot Officer Blando but also with a totally undisputable piece of was an unforgettable sight. What a loss, not only to HPD, but to these evidence – Officer Troy Blando’s handcuffs on one of his wrists. The young men that Officer Blando served to inspire. officers took him back to a location near the scene of the shooting, where Lieutenant Neely assigned Officer Alan Brown and Sergeant With the death of any police officer, Homicide investigators John Swaim to personally take custody of the suspect and transport consider the deceased to be one of their own. In this case, most of the him to 1200 Travis for further interviews. investigators had known Officer Troy Blando since his CSU days. Thus, this came very close to home. However, the investigation had to In the usual professional manner of HPD Homicide investigators, continue with many loose ends to wrap up tight for the prosecution. Brown and Swaim obtained utmost cooperation from the suspect. Jeffrey Williams confessed to the whole brutal ordeal, while accusing After the initial shock of the murder and subsequent funeral, the work Officer Blando of disrespecting him and physically abusing him – a continued. Support personnel who assisted were Firearms Examiner routine line from someone fully aware of the fact that he has just Mike Lyons and Latent Print Examiner Debbie Benningfield. The committed the final criminal act of his life. After being caught in several weapon recovered from the suspects was positively identified as the other falsehoods, Williams admitted to having taken the stolen Lexus one that fired the fatal shot. Jeffrey Williams was placed by prints in two months previous in an armed robbery of a female. And, more the Lexus as well as in Officer Blando’s Jeep. importantly, Williams acknowledged in his confession that he knew that the plainclothes man who confronted him was a police officer. The capital murder trial of Jeffery Demond Williams was held in the Criminal District Court of State District Judge Carol Davies. Assistant Before the day was over, the suspect was in jail and charged with District Attorneys Lyn McClellan and Denise Nassar were in charge capital murder of a peace officer. Homicide Sergeants Carless Elliott of the prosecution. Williams was found guilty and on February 9, and David Calhoun were assigned the gruesome task of attending 2000, he was sentenced to die by lethal injection for the capital Blando’s autopsy. They were accompanied by CSU Officers Leroy murder of Officer Troy Alan Blando. Tuttle and G. H. West. They needed to tie up a number of loose ends and Sergeants Ladd and Swaim and their partners, Miller and Brown, Mrs. Judith Blando and son Danny moved from Houston to Meridian, performed these duties in due time. Texas. Danny graduated from Meridian High School in 2004 and attended Tarleton State College for a time before deciding to enter Officer Troy Blando was survived by his wife Judith Blando and his the United States Navy. Judith, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, thirteen- year-old son, Danny Blando. Other survivors were his remained confined to a wheelchair but in good spirits. She spends mother, Mrs. Della Blando; two brothers, Mike Blando and Tracy some time in her home state of Michigan. Blando; and two sisters, Vicki Sinwell and Bobi Blando; and a number of nephews. In 2007, the extended Blando family remained intact. Mother Della lived near Fort Worth with Troy’s sister, Vicki Sinwell. Vicki, as well as Visitation was held at the Pat H. Foley Funeral Home at 1200 W. Bobi, Mike and Tracy all still mourn the death of brother Troy. 34th on Saturday, May 22, 1999, from noon until 9 p.m. and then on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Funeral services were held at the On May 15, 2013, the sentence against Jeffery Demond Williams was Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway, on Monday, May 24 at 10 a.m. properly and justly carried out when he was executed by the State Services were conducted by the Reverend David Dixon, Pastor Fred of Texas for murdering one of Houston’s finest, Officer Troy Blando. H. de Oliveira, Deacon F. Jay Vocelka and HPD Chaplain Edwin Davis. Updated 5/20/2015. SUPPORT PAC, IT PAYS BIG RETURNS Page 53 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 53 6/2/15 1:39 AM Graphic Design & Illustration
Keith Margavio 6630 Roos Road • Houston, Texas 77074 713-503-9102 • [email protected]
SERVING THE ALARM NEEDS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 54 6/2/15 1:39 AM Obituaries Blount Patterson Retired Police Officer Louis Blount Jr. passed away Sunday, May 17, Charles L. Patterson Jr. passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015. He was 2015. Officer Blount joined the Department January 12, 1948 and a veteran of the U.S. Army. Mr. Patterson is the father of Police Officer retired July 18, 1968. He was assigned to the Uniform Division, Patrol Lakeitria L. Patterson, assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division. Division and the Robbery Detail. Officer Blount is survived by his Services were held May 14 with burial in Houston National Cemetery. daughter Cassandra. After he retired, Officer Blount became a pastor and was the founder of Good Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church. Salter Services were held May 22 with burial in Houston National Cemetery. Mr. Bob Salter, 89, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2015. He is the father of Retired Senior Police Officer Richard “Rick” Salter, who Childers was shot on duty in 2009. Mr. Salter served in the United States Army Mr. Harold LeGuin Childers, 87, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, where he flew B-25 planes while serving in World War II as a 2nd 2015. He is the father of Senior Police Officer Harold Childers (PD-C), Lieutenant with the Army Air Corp. He is also survived by his wife of who was last assigned to the SOLO Unit. He is also survived by his 68 years, Joyce Salter and daughter, Susan Salter. Graveside services wife, Betty Childers; daughter, Cathy Carter and son Hoss Childers. were held May 5. Services were held May 14. Soliz Fletcher Ms. Norma G. Soliz passed away Monday, May 11, 2015. She was Ms. Ophelia M. Fletcher passed away on Monday, May 11, 2015. She the mother of Sergeant Juan J. Reynado, assigned to the Southwest is the sister of Retired Officer Mark A. Veal, who was last assigned to Patrol Division. Services were held May 16. Security Operations. Funeral arrangements are pending. Surginer Grimes Mrs. Mary Catherine Surginer, 91, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2015. Hayward E. Grimes passed away Friday, May 1, 2015. Hayward joined She is the mother of Senior Police Officer Brian Surginer, assigned to the Department on September 17, 1963 as a Radio Operator. During the Vice Division. She is also survived by her husband of 65 years, Mr. his career, he served as a Senior Communications Technician, Robert Jackson Surginer, and son, Michael Surginer. Services were Operations Manager and retired as an IRM manager on October 27, held May 6 with burial in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. 2001. He was a veteran of the United States Navy where he was a Radar Operator on a destroyer and joined the Texas State Guard four Thomason years after the service. Hayward is survived by wife, LaVona Grimes Retired Detective James Carlson Thomason, 91, passed away on of Crockett. Services were held May 5. Monday, May 11, 2015. He joined the department on November 7, 1945. He was promoted to Detective on August 4, 1950, and was last assigned to the Robbery Division. He retired on May 31, 1967. Hickman Detective Thomason later became an Investigator with the Harris Cecile Hickman, 80, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. She County Medical Examiners’ Office. He was a veteran of the United is the mother-in-law of Senior Office Assistant Rhonda K. Hickman, States Air Force. He is survived by his wife, Juanita Thomason of assigned to the Eastside Division. Cecile was the first female Wimberley. Services were held June 6. employed by Compaq Computer. Services were held May 6 with burial in Klein Memorial Park Mausoleum. Usher Mr. David Usher Sr. passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. He is Matthews the father of Sergeant David Usher, Jr., assigned to the Vehicular Russell Matthews Sr., 61, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015. He Crimes Division. Services were held May 8 in Splendora. is the father of Police Officer Luke R. Matthews, assigned to the Southeast Division. Services were held May 3 with burial in Sorrel Walschburger Community Cemetery. Mrs. Patti Walschburger passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2015. She is the wife of Retired Sergeant Fred Walschburger, who retired from McCarty the department in 1988, while last assigned to the Training Division. Riley McCarty passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015. He is the Services were held May 8. father-in-law of Procurement Specialist Alvina J. McCarty, assigned to the Technology Services Command. Services were held May 9. Warhol Floyd Warhol, 67, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015. He is the father Nicholson of Police Officer Mark J. Warhol, assigned to the North Division. Retired Police Officer Jack L. Nicholson Jr. passed away Saturday, Services were held May 8 with burial in Houston National Cemetery. May 16, 2015. Jack joined the Department February 12, 1957 as a Junior Clerk in the Burglary and Theft Division. He then became a Wolfe member of Academy Class No. 19 on September 8, 1958. While an Mr. Eugene H. Wolfe passed away Sunday, May 10, 2015. He was the Officer, he was assigned to Radio Patrol, Shepherd, and Northwest father of Retired Senior Police Officers Terry and Eugene H. Wolfe II. Divisions, retiring June 30, 1981. Officer A memorial visitation was Terry and Eugene Wolfe were last assigned to the Training Division. held May 30. Services were held May 16. Zepeda Mr. Arthur Zepeda, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. He is the brother of Senior Police Officer Thomas R. Zepeda, assigned to the Eastside Division. Graveside services were held May 12.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 55 6/2/15 1:39 AM Psych Services Some Important Lessons about Toilet-Training your Child By LISA GARMEZY Check Amazon for books on toilet-training and the first five promise Power struggles can arise. Push kids about toilet-training and your child will be dry in less than a day. Somehow, my colleagues and they may push back. You can end up with constipation or BMs I felt we had trouble doing it in less than a year. deliberately deposited in unfortunate places. Or, if kids are made to feel powerless about such an intimate matter, they can end up with Teaching kids to use the potty can be frustrating. Before they can get lingering feelings of weakness. it, we have to learn three hard lessons about children’s uniqueness and the limits of our authority. When your child’s desire to control his or her own body conflicts with your dislike of expensive messy diapers, all you can do is take a deep Then, too, this is an area where an NPR reporter said, “Science has breath and back off. Actually, given the diaper, skip the deep breath. failed parents.” There are no clear guidelines. The Three-Year-Old Mind I thought the American Academy of Pediatrics could help. Checking the website, I read that some children are interested as early as Lesson Three: Kids don’t think like adults. Common sense is in 18 months, but others are “not ready until they are two and a half short supply. I used to think my twins were a bit like medicated years old.” Seven paragraphs later an expert said, “Children are schizophrenics—they knew lots of stuff and functioned pretty well, developmentally ready to use the potty around the age of 3.” Which but had trouble telling what was real and what wasn’t. Whales, is it? princesses, mermaids and dinosaurs all confused them.
The true toilet-training experts don’t have advanced degrees. Your Children have lots of irrational ideas related to the potty. Dr. Spock kids can teach you everything you need to know. said they are proud of what they produce and reluctant to give it up to parents. There is also “anxiety about seeing the BM flushed away in What Parents Learn the toilet. To small children this is as disturbing as if they saw their arm being sucked down.” A bit of an exaggeration perhaps, but many Lesson One: Kids are individuals. Our children do not develop on the are afraid of falling into the toilet completely, and drowning or getting same schedule as their cousins, or the neighbor’s kids, or anyone flushed away. else. Absorb this reality now, because you’ll need to remember it over and over up to and including the time when your little one faces Try to appreciate that giving up diapers can be really, really hard. college admissions or the job market. Your child may be fearful or have mixed feelings about becoming a “big boy” or “big girl.” It’s common for children under stress— The absolutely special, unique nature of your child explains why no whether from an earthquake or the birth of a sibling—to backslide. one can say when he’s ready to toilet train. The age at which toddlers Criticism won’t help. develop the needed muscle control varies. Help in Hard Cases Parents have to figure out for themselves when children are ready. Getting their own pants on and becoming aware of dirty diapers are Eventually, it works. A government website says that 88 percent of two signals that it’s time. Taking an interest in the toilet is another— children are out of diapers by three and a half. Still, my sons stayed so Kanye, there’s an upside to North flushing your phone. in diapers until very close to their fourth birthday, and they are happy successful adults. Be patient. Out of Control By the time your child is five, if he or she is dry during the day Life Lesson Two from potty-training: Although we set limits and but not at night, our staff agrees that alarm pads for the bed are enforce rules, we cannot control our kids. When they face peer helpful. When a tiny amount of urine hits the special mattress pad, it pressure at a party, for example, you can’t force them to do the sounds a tone, vibrates, or flashes a light, and the child wakes up to right thing. use the bathroom. Made by manufacturers such as Malem, they sell on amazon.com for about $100. In just a few weeks, the system can In potty-training as in life, respecting your child’s growing strengthen the brain’s connection between having a full bladder and independence is going to help you reach your goals for your child. waking up. Basically, children poop when and where they want to. The child who used to be dry at night but has become a Professional advice hasn’t changed in a generation. If the kid doesn’t bedwetter may have anxiety issues or a medical problem. A visit to get the idea in a few weeks, drop it and wait a while. Don’t shame or your pediatrician, or us, is recommended. scold. When the child is ready, it will happen. See www.healthychildren.org for more information—and be grateful At age 18 months to three years (approximately), the child is that your child is training you. supposed to work out what he can and can’t control. Every parent who has been through the terrible twos or heard “Me do it!” knows that well.
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BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 56 6/2/15 1:39 AM Graphic Design & Illustration
Keith Margavio 6630 Roos Road • Houston, Texas 77074 713-503-9102 • [email protected]
Page 57 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 57 6/2/15 1:39 AM Check out the new HPOU website at hpou.org
Page 58 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 58 6/2/15 1:39 AM Classifieds House and land for sale off Hwy 105 between Cleveland and CEMETARY LOT (1) Memorial Oaks Cemetary, Katy Frwy at Main Street Builders Residential and Commercial Construction Transportation Conroe. Custom built house on 21.5 fenced acres. House is 3/2 Eldridge. Allows double burial. located middle west side area Licensed and Insured. David Webber (owner) Rt HPD 832-618-2009 with double detached garage. Price includes a Kubota trac- very close to kneeling Jesus statue and close to sidewalk. Residential and Commercial Remodeling Kitchens and counter 2005 Harley Davidson Ultra, Law Enforcement Special Edition. tor. If interested to see, contact Ford Realty at 936-756-3673. Asking $3750.00 and these lots are going for $5700.00. tops, ceramic and wood floors, interior and exterior painting, handy- This is the two tone blue paint offered only to active and retired 9305 Faulkner Road, Cleveland, TX. Owner is retired HPD officer J.D. (281)890-7610 Doug Ret.HPD man services, with discount prices for the Law Enforcement family. law enforcement officers after 911. The same bike was offered Middleton. Price has been reduced. MLS # is #30683353 Larry Baimbridge, Sr. 281-655-4880 in a red version to fire fighters. Bike has about 8K miles but has Guns for Sale 1955 Hammond console organ, not working $300. 1903 been ridden on a regular bases to keep engine lubricated. Some One Acre Lot in Elgin, TX Off Hwy.95, Near 290. The lot is in an exclu- Nickle plated double action, Smith & Wesson .32 long ctg $375. 1893 Why rent when you can own while keeping your monthly custom parts but all original parts go with bike. Asking $15K. sive and restricted gated community (The Arbor of Dogwood Creek). Chicago Firearms Antique Palm Protector .32 caliber pistol $1,375. payments about the same. For more info call 281-914-7351 Call John, 713 703 9495 for photographs. The subdivision has paved road, tennis court, jogging trail, pavillion Call Rose Ellison 713.252.3262 Hunting Weekend Expedition Affordable prices, private and more. This wooded lot is located in a cul-de-sac. Asking $26,000. property. Whitetails, exotics & pigs. Call for details Officer Mike 2001 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom candy paint job with airbrushed Contact M.L. Sistrunk 281-788-0256 Smith and Wesson MP40 automatic. Pistol is 12 months old and has Gonzalez 713-702-5838 or email [email protected] skulls. Hard chrome exhaust, Baron Drag handle bars, Forward fired 3 boxes of shells. Piston comes with crimson trace laser and Controls, Shaved rear fender, license plate side mount, Hypercharger New Listing! - $259,900 Charming custom built brick home finished two magazines. Asking $700. Please contact 281-782-9606. Tax Preparation From Home Office 40% - 50% Lower Fees. Contact for intake, skull hand mirrors and much more. Firm on price, cash only, in 1999 on 1.5 acres of oaks, cedars, youpons and abundant wildlife. estimate L. Dexter Price, CPA [email protected] 832.243.1477 no trades, no payment plan, no test drive. $5500 cash. Text Juan 3/2/2, CH/CA, recent upgrades including Silestone Countertops, 12ga. Weatherby SA-08 Semi-Auto Shotgun 28" Barrel, 3" Chamber 713-269-4222. Serious buyers only please. Polywood Plantation Shutters throughout, Tile and Laminate floor- w/Extended IC Choke Tube Asking $650.00 / O.B.O Contact Hugh Gold Rush Tax Service 281-399-3188 Same Day Refund Special ing, some carpet. Well, Septic, and La Grange ISD. Six miles South 281-222-4605 Police Officer Rates Brenda Webb (retired officer’s wife) brenda@ 2010 Harley Davidson Road King, 19000 miles, Full One Year HD of La Grange off FM 609 on Valenta Rd., one mile down, red brick goldrushtax.com Warranty transferable. Black with pin stripping and Cobra Pipes. house on left. Owners relocating. Offered by Realtor/Owner Vickey Remington 700 .243 Win caliber. BDL Custom Deluxe model Bolt Excellent Condition. $11,500. Call Bill at 713-725-6559. Grieger (979) 249-667 Action rifle with 22” barrel, gloss finish, 5-shot capacity, and walnut Gone Fishing wantafishtx.com Jim Hobson retired 936-615- stock. Mint in box. Paid $925 in 1996. Asking $675. Call James 2777 or [email protected] Vickey Grieger, Realtor Cell: 2011 Custom BBQ Concession Trailer $17000 OBO Perfect Country living in Brazos County between Navasota and College 713-503-5107 (979) 249-6675 Fax: (775) 373-5048 [email protected] for Catering, Events, BBQ Competitions, Concessions, etc. Station. This home on 6 beautiful acres is the perfect setting for Trailer features 2 Pits & 1 Rib Smoker (fit up to 18 briskets), those wanting to live in a quiet rural setting that is close to the city. 2 pair of HPD Motorcycle boots 9 1/2 - 10. Very good condition. TSR Country Properties 115 West Fayette Street, Fayetteville, TX Outside Firebox, Air Conditioner, Breaker Box, Double Sink, The main house is a 2,800 sq. ft. 3 Bdr. 2.5 Ba. with a large office $150.00 obo 832-731-0900 78940 Office (979) 378-2222 Fax (979) 378-2240 1 Separate Hand-Wash Sink, Waste Holding Water Tank, Fresh area and a 2 car garage. The guest house is a newly built 1 Bdr. 1 Ba. Water Tank, Water- Pump, Serving Window, Washable-Formica detached home that is ideal for the Mother-in-law or visiting friends Resthaven Cemetery I-45 Garden of Devotion Section 21 lot 180 Houston’s Wedding People Wedding Services, Wedding cakes, Laminated Counter Tops, Vinyl Linoleum Flooring, cabinets for or family. Additional features include a large, enclosed tractor bay spaces 1,2, and 3. Sells for $4195.00 asking for $2500.00 each. Decorations, Chair covers, Favors Call today for free taste testing and storage, Lockable Entry Door, tandem Axle, and Briggs Stratton and hay barn as well as horse/cattle pens. Good producing well Monument privilege. Willie 713.501.3824. consultation 281-881-5027 www.houstonsweddingpeople.com 900 Generator. For more information please email Jennifer at and domestic water provided by Wellborn Water. Neighbors include [email protected] active and retired firefighters and police officers. Price just reduced New Listing For Sale solid wood twin bedroom set, many pieces Mini Storage Police officer discount. 290 area. Call Dave for details to sell; $347,500. Call for details. Tim Gallagher (979)676–1621 Call 713-459-8111 713-460-4611 2001 Yamaha V-Star 650 custom paint job with airbrushed skulls. Hard chrome exhaust, Baron Drag handle bars, Forward Controls, 7.81 Acres in the Texas Hill Country Great Building Site for your Cemetary Lot, Grand View Memorial Park in Pasadena. Lot 157. MOMs Helping MOMs Work from Home! Computer Required. Shaved rear fender, license plate side mount, Hypercharger intake, Dream Home or Heavenly Hideaway! Wolf Creek Ranch in Burnet Garden of Devotion $1,200. Contact Amy 832-729-1975. www.myhomebiz4u.com Paula A. Weatherly Independent Avon skull hand mirrors and much more. Firm on price, cash only, no County! 1 BR, 1 Bath, 4-Sided Rock Apartment attached to 2-Car Representative To buy or sell AVON, contact me! Lots of great trades, no payment plan, no test drive. $5500 cash. Text Juan 713- Garage! Metal Roof, 50-Gallon Water Tank, Septic large enough for Crypt For Sale Forest Park Westheimer Excellent location “Inside” products at unbelievable prices! Start your AVON career for only $10! 269-4222. Serious buyers only please. 4000 sf home. Call Debbie with Highland Lakes Real Estate at 512- Ready to sell 281-686-9490 [email protected] or www.youravon.com/pweatherly 281-852- 796-0187. Owner is an HPD Retiree 8605 Smile! Jesus Loves Us! 2006 Suzuki Hayabusa 1300cc Silver/Blue color, 1300cc, it has Brookside Cemetery Spaces 2,3 $2750 per space. Sect. 234 (old full Muzzy exhaust, Rear LED Tail light, HID headlight, Lowering Kit, Colorado River property 35 min from Houston. Beautiful 24+ acre section) [email protected] C.V. Thompson r to 254-760-1432 Discount on Moonwalk Rentals Rent a moonwalk for your special Rear steel brake line, rear wave rotor, license plate side mount, tracts of land on the bank of the Colorado River. Covered with huge Live Oak trees and County Rd access. Each tract has more than a occasion. We deliver and pick up so you don’t have to! Please call current mileage is 6,194 miles. Firm on price, cash only, no trades, Two cemetery lots. Grand view Memorial Park 8500 Spencer high- Officer Chris DeAlejandro at 713-922-8166 or Carla DeAlejandro no payment plan, no test drive. $7500 cash. Text Juan 713- 269-4222. hundred yards of river frontage for fishing, swimming, boating or waterfowl. Tracts are 100% wooded and covered with Whitetail way in Pasadena. The cemetery sells the lots for $4495 each. We are at 713-384-5361. Please let us know that you’re Law Enforcement Serious buyers only please. deer, hog and other wildlife. This Riverfront property is absolutely asking $6500 for both. Call Charlie Everts 409 739-1206 Personal. gorgeous and an awesome location for a weekend getaway, per- 2005 Harley-Davidson FatBoy 15th Yr. Edition Black with silver pin manent residence or merely an investment property. Property had Handcrafted leather cross key chains tooled and personalized, Home Inspections by TexaSpec Inspections. Free foundation stripe, 16K miles, Great condition!! Python staggered dual pipes with same owner for last 50 years and is basically undisturbed. 12k acre, $1.50 each (including shipping). Limit 5 letters, chain included. Other evaluations and alarm systems for HPD. State Licensed ICC Certified Stage 1 kit installed by H-D sounds great! lowering kit, side license property will not be broken up in small tracts to maintain all land products available. For more info or to order call Justin, 14 year old Inspector. 281-370-6803. plate mount LED brake light, some custom parts, $9,900 obo. Call or owners privacy. If interested in owning your own riverfront property son of an HPD Officer, at 936-499-4385 text Augustine 832-577-4373 pls leave msg. for personal or family recreation, please call or text 361-208-4055 Have a special day coming up? Let us make it even more special with FREE MONEY: $2,000 COMMISSION REBATE to HPOU members Eten Candy custom chocolate candies. From birthdays, weddings, 08 CVO Road King $21,000 obo. This bike is gorgeous, must see In 4000 sq ft Home on 2+ acres - 3 minutes from Lake Sam Rayburn when they buy or sell a house. James Cline, Realtor, 281-548-3131 and every holiday. We even do bachelor and bachelorette parties. person to appreciate. It has 33K well taken care of miles. Contact access. Must see $250,000.00 Phone 936-635-9326 or www.2cashback.org Why not have party favors that everyone will remember and talk Josh 281-704-0176 about. Just e-mail Jessica at [email protected] for more Wooded Interior Lot in Westwood Shores on Lake Livingston, golf, Magnetic Signs white 24”x6” with “POLICE” in bold 21”x5” black info. Candies are made to suit your needs 2008 BMW R1200 RT-P (police) Motorcycle Original owner, camping, tennis, swimming, and boating $1200, Please call Kim letters. Pair $25. Call 936-327-3205 HPD Parents company ridden daily and maintained parade spotless throughout, within 832-768-6612 Need help in forgiving or forgetting. Call Linda McKenzie for more past 1500 miles new tires (oem Conti RoadAttack), 4 new spark Services info on Christ centered counseling services 282-261-2952 or 832- plugs, new brake pads front and rear. $12,000. Contact Wil Great country get away. Small 2 bd/2 ba house near Hearne 250-6016 where everyone is given the opportunity for a fresh start 832-922-7820 or [email protected] Tx. Near plenty of hunting leases, golf course, and Brazos River Absolute Clean Pressure Washing. Woodlands, Spring and fishing. 450/month plus deposit. Greg @ 281-330-7778 Tomball areas: Discount for all Police Officers and family mem- Your Travel, Tax, Health, & Nutritional needs. We can get you where 2008 Roadmaster Trailer, 27', V-Nose, Tram axle 7,000 pd, GWVR bers. Call Today 281-731-8450 you want to go, and keep you healthy doing it. Contact Greg & Cathy 14,000 pds, 8' wide. Ramp and side door, sky light, air vent, E-Torec 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Condo Tapatio Springs in Boerne, Texas Completely Lewis 832-969-0502 or 832 969 0503 system with connectors, Sway bar weight disc system, electric furnished. Call Retired Sgt H.A. Stevens 877-522-4455 Mediation Under my leadership the parties themselves brakes with safety cable, new spare, all like new $10,000.00 Call resolve the issues of the dispute. My impartial problem “Photos to Albums”. Your memories creatively designed in an 936-635-9326 Great Home in Rockport, TX Built in 2005, this Comfortable 3/2 -solving mediation succeeds with or without attorneys. album. Any occasion, celebration, family trips. Call Theresa Arlen bath single story stucco home is located in a gated community on www.PaulRodriguezMediations.com 713/785-8181 at 832-229-6292. 2007 Harley-Limited Production Screaming Eagle Road King. 12.33 acres. Amenities include: tile roof, heated pool and hot tub, [email protected] Black with factory custom flame paint. Less than 5K miles. Bike attached oversized 3 car garage (30x35), and a large detached metal Piano Lessons: 30 minutes for $15.00.Student Recitals. Call Daniel has $20,000 in factory extra asking $35,000. J.T. Templeton workshop (36x36) with large garage doors and a 15 ton hoist, covered BUSINESS OWNERSHIP- THE NEXT THING IN FITNESS, MASSAGE Jones at 281-487-9328 or cell: 713-557-4362 817-480-1543 or 817-321-8645 patio areas both in front and back, a circle drive, and plenty of room & NUTRITION Own you Business and Start Taking Advantage of for parking. There are two stocked fishing ponds, and horses are the Coming Tipping Point with Insurance Mandates. "Efficiency Calling All Mothers of Houston Police Officers. As a proud mother For Rent/Lease/Sale allowed. Priced to sell. For info contact Rebecca Lee @ 361-729-4404, Wellness” is an all inclusive approach to wellness that addresses of a Houston Police Officer, I am interested in starting a support Coldwell Banker MLS ID#113208. today’s busy lifestyle. You Retain 100% control of Your Business, group of Mothers of Houston Police Officers (MOHPO). I need your Retiring soon and looking for the perfect place? Its a few miles No Franchise or Royalty Fees. TEXANS HELPING TEXANS - U.S. support. Please call me for more info: Frances Runnels at 713-436- west of Apple Springs, Tx., a small but growing town with a new What an amazing deal! Charming three bedroom two bath patio Headquarters in Brookshire Texas. Master Territories Still Open 0794 after 6 p.m. weekdays. Brookshire Brothers for your day to day needs, 37 acres fenced home located in a great gated community at 3123 Lavender Candle to include Houston and U.S. Locations. Start and Fund this and cross fenced horse property laid out originally to raise Arabian Dr. Spring, TX. Property includes a two car attached garage, master Business using Tax Free Monies from your Retirement Accounts. Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers A place for Christians to horses. This beautiful piece of property has as its main feature a 18 suite, cozy fire place and much more for only $1,300.00 month. Come see our Studio in Katy Texas and experience the Next come together and encourage one another. For information about stall bar, with office, veterinary area, and horse bathing area. Older Price is negotiable. Please contact Officer Edith Maldonado at Generation in Self Directed Health and Wellness. Husband to a other activities visit www.fcpohouston.org. 14 wide 2 bedroom two bath mobile home in excellent condition. 7 832-434-4266 or [email protected]. 23 year Police Veteran and my hopes are to have short 2-way acre hay field. On county maintained Sullivan Rd. a mile off of SH 94. learning conversation. Please contact troy@ wellnesscenterdevel- Wanted For pictures see Houston Craigs List add. Key word HPOU ADD APPLE Summer Rental Galveston Beach House. 3br 2 bath. Sleeps 8-10. opers.com visit the website www. WellnessCenterDevelopers.com SPRINGS. For Sale by Owner, asking 267K. Call Marlene 936 831 3717 Great Gulf view just steps from the beach. Newly renovated/updated. or call 713-253-2923 In search of Artex, liquid embroidery dealer. Please contact Donna H.L. Richter HPD (ret) 936-329-1456 at 281-782-3144 Looking for a new home, or considering selling your existing home? De’Vine Events Planning a wedding is stressful, but it doesn’t have Call Tammy Stevens a licensed Realtor with Century 21 Paramount, 1 Bedroom Unit For Rent Village Wood Town homes 1529 Wirt Rd/ to be. For all your wedding needs, Contact Diana, Certified Wedding Widow of police officer looking for vehicle used/good condition and wife of a Houston Police Officer. I specialize in the SE Houston Spring Branch. Utilities paid. Basic cable. Excellent Location. Joe Consultant at (713) 598-4931. under $2000.00. Could owner carry notes. 281.782.3144 area, including Clear Lake, League City, Friendswood, and Galveston Scott 713-935-9137 county. I can assist you with buying, selling, or leasing a home. For All Your Gun and Ammo Needs Black Gold Guns & Ammo. Buy, HPD Commemorative Pistols I'm looking to buy one or two of the Reduce the stress of the real estate process, use a professional Lake Livingston Townhome 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bath For rent Call Sell & Trade 713-694-4887 HPD commemorative pistols. I seem to recall they were offered that understands your needs. Call Tammy Stevens with Century 21 832-876-5511 or 713-459-8111 around 1978-1982. Joe Salvato (Ret.) 281-728-0131 Paramount at 281-507-9405 or email at [email protected]. Aurelia E Weems, CPA formerly Dumar Consulting returns to HPOU House for Rent: Bear Creek Area. 3 Bedroom/Game room. Cy-Fair for its 9th Year to provide discounted tax services for officers and Wanted Beretta 9MM FS “Police Special” (Black or Stainless) Colorado Land: 5.3 acres in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. In nice School District. Swimming Pool. $1095.00/month. Call 832-282-5216. their families. Please watch for us on Mondays and Thursdays from Please call Zach (832) 457-0647. mountain sub-division where each lot is on 5 plus acres. The 9:00am-2:00pm at the Union building at 1602 State Street. We are sub-division is called The Meadows and there amenities such as Miscellaneous available to meet at any HPD location for the ease of the officers as Wanted Top CA$H Paid for your used or unwanted guns. Blackgold a community club house with in door poor, work out machines, well as accept information via email or fax. If you have any questions Guns & Ammo 713-694-4867 Police Officer Owned and racket ball courts. There are also 3 private stocked lakes Forest Park The Woodlands 2 plots, $4500 ea. - cheaper than what please contact Aurelia E Weems, CPA at (936) 273-1188 or (281) 363- for fishing. The area is only 25 miles from Wolf Creek Ski area they sell for today. 713-301-0560 4555 or visit us on the web at www.aewcpa.com Colt .45 HPD Commemorative Pistol Call Paul 713-240-4672 and 61 miles from Durango. Reduced to 55,000. Call Doug G. Bell 2 Horse Trailer or 14 - 16 ft. Stock Trailer. Bumper Pull. R. Webb 281- at 817-573-1675. Garden Park Cemetery, Conroe, Texas. Lawn Crypt section 4, TAX PREPARATION From Home Office. Low Fees - $65 up. 399-1212 Cell 713-822-1867 lot 30, spaces 7&8. Very well kept Cemetery, 4,000 ea. L. Dexter Price, CPA. ldexterprice@ comcast.net 713.826.4777 2 Lots in Sargent on Canal, minutes from the beach and access to Call Doug Bell 817-573-1675 Looking for a home or bare land? Contact retired officer, DALLAS the intercoastal. Water and septic on the property. $39,500. Call Are you tired of making the same New Year's Resolution? Are you BINGLEY at Kerrville Realty - in the Heart of the Hill Country: (O) Andy 713-504-2272. Leupold Rifle Scope 3.5x10x50mm optics/matte finish Asking ready to take control of your life? We have solutions, take control 830-896-2200 or (M) 830-739-1766 [email protected] $ 400.00 Contact Chris 713-906-3447 of your health, time & finances! For more info. Please call: Stacy Bay Home - Matagorda Bay Area. Listed with Keller Williams, Sharon @ 832-651-5739 Gilmore. $99,500 Four person pedal boat with canopy. Call 713-459-8111 for pictures. All natural skin care products for the whole family. Handmade For Sale. 6320 Westcreek Pearland. Unrestricted on .75 acres, soaps, lotions and body scrubs will nourish you skin. Great for gifts remodeled interior, separate workshop. Prudential Gary Greene, Westwood Campng Club Membership, Trinity, Texas, $3,500.00 and everyday use. Ask about our Mother’s Day special. Call Lisa and Realtors. Diane Mireles, 281-723-2888. / OBO Retired Officer A.L. Albritton 936-890-4374 or 830-221-5152 Jim at 936-648-6145 or www.goodcleanlivin.com. Page 59 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 59 6/2/15 1:39 AM Page 60 Badge & Gun • June 2015
BadgeGun June 2015 Issue.indd 60 6/2/15 1:39 AM