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

OFFICIALeti PUBLICATIONr OF THEed HOUSTON POLICE RETIREDadge OFFICERS ASSOCIATION VOL.R XIV, NO. 4 B August - September 2015 Thanks to the Entertainment Committee

The HPROA Reunion was held this year at the Convention We want to also acknowledge and extend our special Center in Crockett, Texas on Saturday, June 27, 2015 with thanks to our Entertainment Chair Person, Phyllis Wunsche, 122 attendees present. The proceeds derived from the for her assistance in making this Reunion possible and a SILENT AUCTION was $2300.00 which was donated to the great success. Family Assistance Committee. We assure you that this donation will greatly aid in the Your Family Assistance Committee would like to thank all comfort and well being of our “sick and shut-ins.” that donated the items for the SILENT AUCTION. We also extend our thanks to those that actual won the bid for FAMILY ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE their generous contribution. The persons that worked the Forrest W. Turbeville, Chairman SILENT AUCTION were Steve and Vickie Rayne, E.J. and Nelson Foehner, Member Delores Smith, Phyllis Wunsche, Jose Weber, Sue Gaines and Doug Bostock, Member Barbara Cotten. We appreciate their assistance in making Ron Headley, Member this auction a great success. Ray Smith, Member

HPD Back Then Recently while attending a retiree funeral, I could not I tugged at Freytag’s sleeve and advised him it was time to help but notice the same faces in attendance. There be seated. I gave up on Doug Hudson. was Forrest Turbeville, Nelson Foehner, Steve Toth, Herb Armand and a few more. I know, I am guilty, we are too The service was exceptional. Our Chaplain Monty was busy, it’s too far, the weather, gas prices, etc., are all to outstanding. After the service, as folks were walking by to be considered. pay respects, I saw several old timers. The twins, Howard and Robert Holderrieth, were among attendees. We proceeded We cannot attend all services but we can do better. to graveside and finally our farewell. I know I can. I will do more to honor my brothers and sisters who have gone ahead to prepare our roll call I noticed several of our guys hanging back, not ready to go. with the BIG GUY. At this funeral, I watched our people They just wanted a few more minutes with friends and family. exchanging stories about our lost brother. There were smiles and yes, right out laughing about past times. OK, here it is, I’ll lay it out for you. We need to attend the Doug Hudson and David Freytag could be found with services of our friends while we can, BEFORE we are the guest the Honor Guard advising them about how it should be of honor. done. The young-uns in the Honor Guard were polite, shaking heads in agreement and smiling but squirming, as in please someone save us. I did. Till next time, E.J. Smith 2 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition

FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BILL ELKIN

In Houston the political season is One would like to think that candidate beginning to heat up, with a large Adrian Garcia, who draws a police group of candidates running for the pension, would support our fight to Mayor’s Office. Since Annise Parker is preserve our pension law intact. We term limited, the mayor’s seat is open, will find out! In regards to Chris Bell, and is viewed by many as fertile we recall that he was never too ground, and ripe for conquest. This supportive of the police officers in the race has drawn many faces, some past. And, Ben Hall is an unknown familiar and some unfamiliar. There factor at this time. stands out several candidates that are all too familiar to us, namely Stephen This leaves us with the only known Costello, Councilman at Large, who supporter of our Defined Benefit also is term limited, and Bill King, Pensions, and that is in the person of former columnist and member of the Sylvester Turner. He has been vetted Chronicle’s Editorial Board, both of by the HPOU and the Firefighters Union, whom are widely known for their anti- and they both have endorsed his defined benefit pension stance. candidacy for mayor. It is further noted that he carried the firefighter’s pension Among the other announced legislation in the last session of the candidates are also some well known Texas Legislature, which died before Bill Elkin, Executive Director persons. Starting with Sylvester Turner, reaching the Senate. who previously ran for the mayor’s post, and is finishing his 26th year From the personal conversations held The city elections are going to be as Texas House of Representatives between Sylvester Turner, Bob Barnard, vitally important to all retirees this member for District 139, of Harris our PAC Chairman, and I, we found that year. This will decide how much County. Also are Adrian Garcia, he supports our position of maintaining, support we receive at city hall in the former City Council member, and intact, our present pension plan and fight to preserve our pensions. There former Sheriff of Harris County, Chris benefits. This confirms to us the same are already signs that the next session Bell, former city council member, and commitment that he conveyed to of the Texas Legislature will be even former U.S. Congressman, and Ben both the HPOU and the firefighters. As more difficult in our fight at the state Hall, who also ran for the mayor’s seat a result, it was recommended to our level. The indicators are already last election time. Board of Directors that we also endorse appearing in the Houston Chronicle. the candidacy of Sylvester Turner for In the past week there have been We have immediately ruled out Mayor of the City of Houston. That two negative articles on the pension supporting, and certainly not endorsement was confirmed, as well as issue, and the presumed city budget endorsing the candidacy of Costello the candidacy of Lane Lewis, Council shortfall of the future. or Bill King. Their anti-defined benefit at Large Position #1, and for the re- pension posture ensures our decision. election of Dave Martin, Councilman for District E.

This is Your Retired Badge

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

Submissions will only be edited as necessary to protect your HPROA from legal liabillity. The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 3

A Message from Stephen Rayne, President HPROA

Max has been a strong, steady and I want to acknowledge all the conservative member of our board work done by my wife Vickie. This and he will be missed. Thank you, year she again made the floral Max, for your years of service to our table centerpieces that looked so organization!! beautiful and were given to one lucky member at each table. I also As you can see from the ballot you want to thank her for all her work should have already received, and organizing and running the silent hopefully returned to us, our current auction that made $2,300 dollars for Parliamentarian, Matt Potell, is running our family assistance Committee. for election to fill the position that Max is vacating. We always encourage Also, a special thanks to Phyllis interested and dedicated members Wunsche who had to rent a truck to of our organization to run for these bring all the items she had collected volunteer positions and welcome their for the silent auction. Last but not participation. Your HPROA currently least, I want to thank (Sue Gaines, has a good group of directors who Delores Smith, Barbara Cotten and work well together and have some Cathy Buckles) who helped Vickie fun doing it. during the reunion. Stephen Rayne, President HPROA I want to thank Bob Schields for again Our meal was again catered by The being our Nominating Committee Moosehead Cafe of Crockett. As in Spring has sprung, fall has fell, summer’s Chairman and E.J. Smith for being the past the meal was delicious and here and it is hot as--Fire. The wettest our Election Committee Chairman. the brisket just melted in your mouth. spring in recorded Texas history is over Also, my thanks goes out to the I was again complimented several finally and the usual Texas August volunteers who helped stuff and times about the quality of the meal. weather is here. stamp the ballot envelopes at the All seemed to have a good time and July meeting and helped count the we have the Crockett Civic Center Speaking of August, on August 13, ballots at the August meeting. already reserved for next year’s 2015, two important activities will reunion on June 25, 2016. occur during our monthly HPROA On Saturday, June 27, 2015, we had meeting. First, is the counting of our annual East Texas Reunion in Your HPROA is a family of volunteers the ballots, you sent in, to elect Crockett, Texas. Our guest speaker, who work to keep our retired police the President and half the Board of again this year at the reunion, was family informed and together. We will Directors of your HPROA. The second one of our Associate Members, continue to look out for our retirement important activity is a free lunch Clyde Black. Clyde is a Justice of benefits, get needed information out for all our members in attendance the Peace for Houston County. He to you as quickly as possible and try to at the meeting. The eating of welcomed everyone to Houston have some fun while we do it. the meal, provided by HPROA County (Crockett) and talked of member Harvey Trigg, is much more his time on HPD. Our second guest Come join us and get involved! enjoyable than the counting of the speaker was Houston County Judge ballots, but not as important. Erin Ford. He welcomed us on behalf of the County Commissioners Court. Steve This year all but one of the current I want to thank E.J. Smith and his wife board members, including myself, Delores, Phyllis Wunsche and Joe decided to run for re-election. Max Webber who came up a day early Lankford decided not to run for re- to help my wife Vickie and I set up election to our board this year. the convention center. 4 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition The Life of a Cop

I patrol the streets, both day and night, I work in the streets during the night and during the day,

I often deal with people who want to fight. and each day I wonder, “Will I get to go home today?”

I arrest citizens who steal from the store and refuse to pay, In my line of work, I face an enormous amount of danger, for abducting children while they are at play. I could possibly die at the hand of someone’s anger.

To make a difference is my goal every day. The love I have for my job will never stop,

I save the lives of others even if, with my life, I must pay. which is why my life will always be

I often deal with citizens who do not clearly think, the life of…a Cop. simply because they have had too much to drink.

I live each day of my life as if it were my last, AUTHOR: RHONDA K. HICKMAN, SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT and remember that what happened yesterday is all in the past.

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

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

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

COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE RETIRED BADGE ARE PAID FOR BY THE CONTRIBUTORS AND DO NOT IN ANY MANNER IMPLY AN ENDORSEMENT, WARRANTY, OR GUARANTEE BY THE HPROA. NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF EDITORIAL POLICY: The Retired Badge is published in September, November, January, March, May and July by the Houston Police Retired Officers Association. Materials submitted for purblication LEGAL SPECIALIZATION are subject to review by the Board and to editing. All photographs will be returned if they have a self-addressed, stamped envelope included. Editorial content may be mailed to P.O. Box 2288, Houston, Texas 77252-2288. Deadlines are the 15th of each month preceding the publication date. The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 5 Whatever Happened to Class #8

Houston Police Department He passed away from those injuries Bobbie G. Lott is the only known Academy Class #8 graduated on on March 20, 1959. His death is also surviving member of Class #8. Bobbie April 4, 1952. In the class photo, classified as KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. was a Homicide and Burglary and there were listed forty graduates. Theft detective and retired with thirty They were S.S. Bardwell, J.B. Beets, HPOPS records indicate that in addition years of service in 1982. M.B. Black, B.L. Blackstock, C.E. to the two LOD deaths, only seventeen Branon, M.E. Clark, L.W. Cook Jr., A.P. more of the original forty officers from Bobbie is eighty-five years of age, lives Garieto, A.G. Gonzales, D. Huckaby, this class served HPD long enough to in southeast Houston, and regularly D.J. Hubbard, J.E. Hodges, L. Hatfield, earn a pension. Again, this may not attends HPROA monthly meetings. C.S. Harris, C.D. Hammer, J.B. Grivas, be totally accurate as some others Bobbie’s two sons, Daryl G. Lott and T.H. Graham, B.K. Gordy, L.M. Hurst, may have opted to not have their Bobby D. Lott both served with HPD G.W. Johnson, J.J. Johnson, D.M. information listed in the public records. and are also now retired. Keith, J.E. Lay Jr., B.C. Lott, J.Y. A review of the 1974 HPD photo book McNutt, L.L. Michna, C.W. Munro, did not reveal that any of the others May the Lord continue to bless Bobbie D.B. Stoltje, W.P. Smith, F.W. Stegall, that began with HPD retired. and his sons for their many years of R.H. Ross, M.L. Peace, E. Patino, B.L. service to HPD. Pasley, J.J. Orlando, T.V. Ontiveros, Those who earned a pension and P.C. Waller, J.W. Welch, C.L. Wilford, the year of their death are as follows: and P.G. Willmering. Melton Black (1995), Moss Clark (2000), Luther Cook (2011), Buster Gordy Nelson Zoch Officer Jack Billy Beets from this class (2013), James Hodges (2002), Dalton July 1, 2015 was shot and KILLED IN THE LINE OF Huckaby (1968), George Johnson DUTY just three years later on April (1988), Joseph Johnson (1983), Joe 30, 1955 along with Reserve Captain McNutt (2010), Leo Michna (2004), Charles Gougenheim, who shot and Charles Munro (2008), Thomas killed their assailant. Motorcycle Ontiveros (1999), John Orlando (1983), Officer Claude Emmett Branon was Mat Peace (2000), Ray H. Ross (2012) seriously injured in a motorcycle and Jack Welch (1959). accident on January 13, 1959.

City of Houston Human Resources Insurance Department Contact Numbers

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

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

A-F Maribel Gomez 832.393.6101 A-F LaKeith Johnson 832.393.6192 G-M Alicia Solis 832.393.6102 G-L Maria Rodriguez 832.393.6193 N-Z Kemp Lenued 832.393.6103 M-R Ivan Flake 832.393.6191 Front Desk: 832.393.6100 S-Z JoAnn Tillman 832.393.6194 Email Address: [email protected]

Dental through City of Houston Life Insurance Dwayne Cook 832.393.6157 Tashell Smith 832.393.6114 6 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition Police Week Family Reception Photos

Photo Captions: Top Left: Retired Officer and Photographer Steve Benavides and wife Donna Top Center: Mr. Dennis Sander, oldest brother of Officer Lyndon Sander (1967) and also of former Officer Kenneth R. Sander, now deceased. Top Right: Center is Diane Sullivan, daughter of Officer Ben Gerhart (1968), and Officer Gerhart’s Niece Kellly Jaggers and her daughter Koenig Gerhart Middle Left: Daniel Huerta, brother of Officer David Huerta (1973) and David’s childhood and lifelong friend Steve Benavides Middle Center: Kayli and Elton Boswell-family of James Boswell (1989) Middle Right: Ms. Kathy Medrano, sister of Officer Jose Zamarron (1981) Bottom: Family of Officer Michael Roman (1994) Cynthia, Steve, Mike, Glynis, and Jocelyn Roman The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 7

Photo Captions: Top Left: Family of Officer Francis Eddie Wright (1975)-three daughters-Dena Wright Young, Nicole Wright Boufford, and Miranda Chidress along with grandchildren Ty Wright, Devyn Day, Brice Day, and Zayne Day Top Right: Family of Officer Henry Canales (2009)-Arlene, Marissa, Lucia, Henry, Christopher, and Alex Canales Middle Left:Family of Officer Johnny Bamsch (1975)-Mrs. Cindy Bamsch, daughter Mrs. Mandy Derryberry, and grandchildren Taylor, Ellis, and Ryder Derryberry Middle Center: Family of Officer Tony Thrinh (1997)-Nguyen, Hunter, and Kim Thrinh Middle Right: Far right-daughter of Officer Winston Rawlins (1982) along with Anthony Ford and Skylour Dailey Bottom Left: HPD Sergeant Mark Kilty and HPD Officer Justin Kilty, brother and Nephew of Officer Jim Kilty (1976) Bottom Right: Mrs. Debbie Gryder, wife of Officer Gary Gryder (2008) and daughter Jennifer Streeter 8 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition HELFMAN FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS

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On January 19, 2012, while on a May 15th marked the beginning of It was over too quickly as our Heroes combat mission, a CH53D helicopter Warrior Weekend IX, a weekend of boarded the buses which would assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter fishing and fun for Wounded Heroes. take them to Port O’Connor and Squadron 363, The Red Lions, crashed. Approximately 500 Heroes were flown Matagorda Bay for a day of fishing Six Marines were lost, including to Houston from military facilities all and barbeque. Corporal Joey Logan, son of retired over the country. An additional 400 HPD officers Tom and Debi Logan. were bused to Port O’Connor from A “Job Well Done” to those who Fort Hood and Fort Sam Houston on made this event possible, with a The 1st Annual Catfish Fundraiser, Saturday morning. special thanks to Northeast Division a benefit to raise funds for the Red Captain Greg Fremin, IAH Airport Lion Project, was held May 9th in Those who arrived at IAH received Division Captain Glen Yorek, the Willis, Texas. The Red Lion Project a tremendous greeting as they rode officers assigned to IAH Airport is a planned retreat for Wounded down the escalator to Terminal C Division, who always exhibit pride and Heroes and their families which is Baggage Claim. They were met professionalism during this event, and currently under construction on 164 by a cheering crowd of hundreds all the HPD and IAH civilian personnel acres in Mineral County in Joey’s in addition to Honor Guards who made this morning so memorable beloved Montana. Representing HPD, Harris County for our Wounded Heroes. Sheriff’s Office, Precinct 4 Constable, Six cabins will be built with each one Texas Department of Public Safety, At 0445 Saturday morning I left being named for one of “The Fallen Transportation Safety Administration, Spring to pick up VP Judy Pierce and Six”; Corporal Joey Logan, Captain as well as the United States Marine Secretary/Treasurer Sandy Alexander Daniel B. Bartle, Captain Nathan Corps and the United States Navy. for our journey to Port O’Connor. We R. McHone, Master Sergeant Travis arrived at the staging area at Froggie’s Riddick, Corporal Kevin Reinhard and They were met by military personnel Bait Dock at 0840 and the buses Corporal Jesse W. Stites. Tom and from all branches, HPD officers of all of Wounded Heroes arrived shortly Debi hope to have the retreat up and ranks, and members of the Houston afterwards. They were greeted by running next year. Police Officers Union and the Houston music, cheerleaders, and a cheering Police Retired Officers Association, crowd. As they exited the buses we In an effort to support Tom and Moms of Military Service, Patriot gave each a pack of three fishing Debi’s dream of honoring Joey and Guard Riders and Operation Lone lures. It amazes me how something the other members of “The Fallen Star-Texans Supporting Our Troops. so simple could put such a big smile Six” with the construction of The on a young Hero’s face. They were Red Lion Project, Operation Lone There were smiles, tears, hugs and also given t-shirts and snacks by other Star-Texans Supporting Our Troops kisses as the Wounded Heroes worked organizations similar to ours. presented them a check. A check their way through Baggage Claim to was also presented by the Lone Star the waiting buses on the opposite side The bay was packed with fishing boats Chapter of the Thin Blue Line Law of the building. This was our fifth year of every size and description. We Enforcement Motorcycle Club, of at this event. We were posted near the were told that 400 boat captains had which many members are active exit, providing cold water, handshakes, volunteered their time and equipment and retired members. and a “Welcome to Texas!” greeting. to make this happen. Each boat picked up anywhere from 2 to 5 Wounded For more information on The The smiles on these young Heroes Heroes and set out for Matagorda Bay. Red Lion Project go to www. faces were priceless. These men Everything they needed was provided RedLionUSMCProject.com or The Red and women were in various stages by the boat captains. Lion Project, 502 West Montgomery of recovery but each offered a #342, Willis, Texas, 77378. handshake and a humble “Thank you.” My son, an HPD officer and a veteran of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, was excited to see how, as our unofficial motto Continues on Page 10 says, Texas takes care of its Heroes.

10 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition Continues from Page 9 The Heroes began returning at 1400. It This is the most emotionally draining, yet As I got into my description of the coin was exciting to watch them step on the most fulfilling part of our day. We began he began listening more intently. Within dock and place their catch into a bucket by searching for a young man we’ve moments his focus was entirely on the carried by members of the local high seen and greeted each year we’ve coin. I looked up from the coin and saw school football team. They returned with participated in this event. He has lost both a smile slowly forming. fish less than a foot long, some four feet legs and is in a wheelchair, but each time or longer, sharks, stingrays, every type we see him he’s smiling and encouraging When I was through he had a big smile, of sea creature imaginable. The Heroes others to have fun. reached out to shake my hand and said, received cheers and whistles as they “Thank you, Sir.” As we walked away he made their way to the weigh-in area. We located him near the opposite was looking at the coin still smiling. Later that evening, awards would be end of the huge tent dinner was being given in several categories for the fish they served in. He recognized us when we The other Wounded Hero was standing brought in. After a short while everyone approached him and broke out in a several yards away, also leaning on his was bused back to their respective hotels smile when we gave him an Operation cane while talking to several buddies. so they could clean up for the barbeque Lone Star t-shirt. We had given him a We noticed that his entire body was and awards ceremony. challenge coin on a previous visit. shaking uncontrollably. I introduced the three of us and got the same We drove the short distance to the Port He “beep beep beeped” and said he uncomprehending look as before. He O’Connor Community Center which was didn’t want to run over anyone while leaned in closer to hear me and began headquarters for the Warrior Weekend backing away from the table for pictures. trembling even more. We were being event and where the barbeque dinner He proudly put on his t-shirt and smiled quite concerned when suddenly he would be served. A huge sand sculpture for the camera, then we exchanged appeared to calm, and was focusing had been erected to honor these men handshakes and hugs and promised to all of his attention on the coin and what and women as well as those killed or see each other next year. I was saying. missing in action. We next approached a female Warrior And....he smiled. “Thank you, Sir.” Then At approximately 1800 dinner was who sat with her cane leaning against gave me a strong hug. He looked at served. There were over 1,000 people in the table. I introduced Judy, Sandy and Judy and Sandy and said, “I’d like to attendance, including the warriors and myself, told her about Operation Lone hug you ladies, too.” And he did. He their families and organizers, supporters, Star, then handed her the coin. The was showing the coin to his buddies and volunteers. The serving line was long more I talked, the more teary-eyed she and smiling when we walked away. but went quickly. The Wounded Heroes became. When I finished she looked me had front of the line privileges. in the eye and said, “You’re giving this Spending time with these brave to me?” Then she gave me one of those men and women takes me back to As our Warriors finished their meal of hugs I’ll never forget. Christmas, 1967, when I was a 19 year barbeque brisket and links, we began old Signalman aboard USS Ranger in introducing ourselves to them and We gave the “Alamo” coins to many the Tonkin Gulf, off the coast of North presenting them with Operation Lone Wounded Heroes that evening and so Vietnam. The Bob Hope Show arrived Star-Texans Supporting Our Troops many are unforgettable. Two were in to perform for us and sailors brought “Alamo” challenge coins. As previously wheelchairs with their service dogs at aboard from other 7th Fleet ships also described, they are given ONLY to their sides. When I completed my short serving on Yankee Station. The day Wounded Heroes or parents/spouses of speech with “never give up, never quit,” before they had been in Chu Lai, military personnel killed in action and one said, “Sir, I’ve been thinking about South Vietnam where my brother had cannot be purchased at any price; the that lately.” The other said, “Thank you, seen the show. Lone Star on the coin is a reminder that Sir. I needed this.” Texas takes care of its Heroes; the Alamo Obviously the troops in-country had is a reminder that as Texans remember The two most memorable young Heroes a much more difficult time, but when the Alamo we will always remember were standing outside the tent. One was you’re thousands of miles away from these brave men and women who alone, leaning on his cane and obviously home, especially at Christmas, homesick have sacrificed so much for us; and the in pain. He had a blank look in his eyes is homesick. Or as we said back in the purpose of the Col. William Barrett Travis when I began talking to him. A female day, it sucked. quote, “I shall never surrender or retreat”, Warrior, also with a cane, stepped outside is to motivate them to never give up, to and asked if he was ok. He replied that he never quit when the days are dark. was and she stepped back into the tent.

Continues on Page 11 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 11 HPROA Event Calender: August, September, October 2015

Thursday, August 6, 2015 Thursday, September 10, 2015 HPOU General Membership Meeting HPOPS Board Meeting

Thursday, August 13, 2015 Thursday, September 10, 2015 HPOPS Board Meeting 8:30am HPROA Board Meeting 9:30am General Membership Meeting Thursday, August 13, 2015 8:30am HPROA Board Meeting Thursday, October 1, 2015 9:30am General Membership Meeting HPOU General Membership Meeting

NOTE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015, IS THE HPROA’S Thursday, October 8, 2015 ANNUAL ELECTION DAY COMPLIMENTARY HPOPS Board Meeting LUNCH FOLLOWING THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING. Thursday, October 8, 2015 8:30am HPROA Board Meeting Thursday, September 3, 2015 9:30am General Membership Meeting HPOU General Membership Meeting

Continues from Page 10

Bob Hope, Raquel Welch, Miss World and the rest of the cast That’s what makes what we do so fulfilling. These young men took us home for 2 hours. We laughed, we enjoyed the music, and women we visit in the VA Hospital, San Antonio Military we got a break from air ops, general quarters, and 8 on 8 off Medical Center, The Warrior and Family Support Center, and the watches. At the end of the show the entire cast took the stage ones we meet at Warriors Weekend are injured in ways most of and encouraged the crew to sing “Silent Night” with them. us can’t imagine. Some will never fully recover. There wasn’t a dry eye to be found. But....for two minutes we made them smile. Then the show was over. And everything sucked again. As I wrote in a previous article, it’s the smiles. We’ll never forget But....for two hours we smiled. the smiles.

God Bless Our Troops and God Bless America.

CALL (713) 802-2967 TO JOIN HPROA TODAY 12 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition The Department As I Remember It “Houston’s Own Thelma & Louise” Their crime spree starts in Las Vegas By Earl D. Musick while they were trying to get away from the stress of everyday life. They were On May 24, 1991, Hollywood relaxing by the pool when an elderly released a block buster movie, male approached and propositioned Thelma & Louise. The movie these eye-catching ladies. He wanted received several Academy Award them to engage in a sexual threesome nominations and won the “Best with him and after discussing his offer, Original Screenplay” award. The they agreed to meet him in his room. This movie is a crime drama about first known case triggered a crime spree, two attractive women seeking which would ultimately cause them to adventure while committing crimes flee to Canada. and running from the police. In the movie, Thelma is a meek housewife, In his room, Turford and Stevens sexually played by Geena Davis and her best teased the man as he undressed. He friend Louise is a waitress played by Turford’s and Stevens’ known crime must have thought he had really hit it Susan Sarandon. spree stretched from Las Vegas all the lucky as they securely tied him to the way to Canada with so many Houston bed. While helpless, he became their These two movie characters embark police officers involved in investigating first known robbery victim. The thrill of this on an unplanned crime spree across their Houston crimes, it is impossible to robbery excited Turford and Stevens and the United States as they flee from name all of them in the limited space of it appeared to be the perfect crime, the police, with plans to escape this article. In less than a month’s time, since men seeking kinky sex would be too authorities by going to Mexico. they are believed to have committed ashamed to report their robbery. After Frustrated law enforcement officials ten armed robberies in the Houston this first Vegas robbery, the pair made discuss just how these two unlikely area, taking over $250,000 in cash and plans for future robberies and purchased outlaws are able to evade arrest stolen goods from their victims. wigs, handcuffs and costumes. Before and Investigator Max, played by leaving Las Vegas, they robbed one Stephen Tobolowsky, asks; “You Like Thelma the movie character, other victim. know, the one thing I can’t figure out Turford was a married woman and their are these girls real smart or real, real occupations differed from the movie January 28, 1995, the girls were back lucky?” Investigator Hal Slocumb, characters. Turford worked in Houston as in town and they began their Houston played by Harvey Keitel, answers; a nurse and while Louise was a waitress area robbery spree. On this date, Officer “Don’t matter, brains’ll only get you in the movie, Stevens was a psychiatric D. R. Barrera was dispatched to 5502 so far and luck always runs out.” technician working at the same hospital Bellaire regarding an armed robbery. It as Turford. Just like in the movie, the pair was the first reported Houston robbery My story is about Houston’s very own became inseparable friends. concerning this pair of attractive robbers. “Thelma & Louise” and the Houston To seek out men, like their Vegas victims, police officers who investigated and To get away from the stress of everyday Turford and Stevens located their targets chased this pair of unlikely robbers. life “Thelma & Louise” planned an out of through Tele-Companion, a dating In real life, Rose Marie Turford and town fishing trip, but instead of fishing, service. The victim in the first reported Joyce Carolyn Stevens shared they embarked on a crime spree while robbery told Officer Barrera a female a lot of the same characteristics running from police. As for Turford and responded to his listing and he met her exhibited by the movie characters Stevens, their plans were to relax and at the Fountains near the Galleria. After and they came to be known in the play in Las Vegas. In the movie “Thelma their initial meeting, he agreed to rent a national media as “Houston’s very & Louise” are fleeing from the police room at the Crestwood Motel, at 9001 own Thelma & Louise”. headed to Mexico, while Turford and Main and met them there. Stevens fled from the police and went to Canada.

Continues on Page 13 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 13

Continues from Page 12 As agreed, he rented the room around Two days after their first reported Were the pair that smart or were they 8:30 p.m. and the three of them went Houston robbery, Officer P. B. Hicks just lucky? In the movie, Investigator into the room. Once in the room, the was called to 1202 Seagler, the scene Hal Slocumb said this about “Thelma & victim went into the restroom and when of a reported home invasion robbery Louise”; “..... brains’ll only get you so far he came out, the female wearing black where two females robbed a man and luck always runs out.” Turford and jeans and a western hat was pointing in his apartment. This victim was Stevens must have believed they were a black automatic pistol at him. She embarrassed and not completely too smart to get caught. However, their ordered him to the floor where he was honest with Officer Hicks and claimed luck could not last forever. handcuffed. the two women were strangers who approached him outside his On February 3, 1995, six days after the first The abduction robbery lasted all night apartment, forced their way into his reported robbery, the pair had robbed and into the early morning hours. At one apartment and tied him up. their third victim. Officer R. W. Gomez point, the victim was made to lay down responded to 6602 Rowan regarding in the rear of his car as the pair drove him Officer Hicks was very thorough in this aggravated robbery and learned around to several locations in the area his preliminary investigation and the robbers were wearing costumes and withdrew cash from ATM machines. Lieutenant Watt assigned this second and impersonating police officers. The After returning to the room, the victim was robbery investigation to Sergeant J. police impersonation robbery brought tied to a chair and one suspect stayed T. Clarke. After reading the victim’s Major Offenders Division into the hunt, with him, while the other suspect used his version, Sergeant Clarke confronted since the Division was responsible for credit and debit cards. the complainant and found out the working with other investigative divisions women were invited into his apartment where suspects committed crimes while When the robbers were ready to leave, in anticipation of having a sexual impersonating police officers. they made the bound victim lay down threesome. He learned the victim was in the back of his car while they made also a customer of Tele-Companion. Robbery Division assigned Sergeant their exit. They told him an associate was Not only did the women’s physical L. A. Angeli to do the follow-up watching and he was not to get up. After descriptions match the first robbery, the robbery investigation and work about 45 minutes, the victim was able to complainant was found and targeted with the Major Offenders Division. free himself from the car and he called through the same dating service. Sergeant Ken McAlpine, Officer the Houston Police, making this the first Alex W. Hardesty and Officer Todd reported Houston robbery for Turford and While Sergeant Clarke’s investigation A. Janke were the Major Offenders’ Stevens. continued, this pair also continued to lead investigators with several other get away with more robberies. members of the Division assisting. There would be many more victims reporting their robberies before their crime spree ended. The exact number of robberies Turford and Stevens committed is unknown, since some victims might have been reluctant to report their robberies.

What is known, the Westside area robberies happened frequently and the pair kept Lieutenant Jean Watt busy assigning out robbery investigations. Sergeant Mike B. McDonald was assigned the first reported robbery follow-up investigation and he immediately started developing information regarding the two suspects. After obtaining the complainant’s credit information and credit card activity, Mike found where the pair had made ATM cash withdrawals and he was able to obtain photographs of Stevens using the victim’s credit cards.

Continues on Page 14 14 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition

Continues from Page 13 In the span of eight days, there were five Turford, represented herself as Lori Showing Stevens picture, which was taken reported robberies committed by this Dodger and contacted this victim when she used the first victim’s credit card, pair and on Sunday night, February 5, through the Tele-Companion dating they alerted employees of the hotels in 1995, two days after their last robbery, the service. They arranged a meeting the area to be on the lookout for this pair. attractive bandits were at it again. at the victim’s apartment and after Turford arrived, there was another Employees from the Drury Inn contacted The fifth victim told police he was watching knock at his front door. The victim Alex Hardesty and said they believed television when he heard a knock on his was met at the door by Stevens they had seen the two described women front door. Answering the door, he saw and an unknown male, who she in a late model Nissan pickup at the Drury two women posing as police officers and claimed was her sergeant. Stevens Inn. During that sighting, the blonde curly they showed him a gold badge. Believing showed the victim a badge and headed female (Stevens) came inside they were actual police officers, he let claimed Lori Dodger had just made and used the pay phone, while the red them into his home. He claimed they a narcotic’s buy and was followed to headed female (Turford) stayed in the forced him to undress and handcuffed his apartment. The complainant and truck. The employee provided a partial him while they ransacked his home. Turford were then pushed to the floor license plate number and members of the and both were handcuffed. Major Offenders Divivion started running The police impersonators told this combinations of the numbers he provided. victim they were investigating missing The police impersonators pulled Officer Victor Cozma was able to find the women in the area and needed to a baggie with white powder from correct plate number which came back search his apartment. With a gun to his Turford’s jacket and represented it as registered to Turford’s husband. head, he was forced to lie on the floor being the cocaine she purchased. handcuffed. The police impersonators While the victim was handcuffed Todd checked the Drury Inn’s registrar searched his home, car and storage on the floor, Stevens ransacked and found that Rose Turford had stayed area outside his house. While they were his apartment, going through his there on several occasions. Investigators in his home, he heard a male’s voice, property for about three hours. When now had the name of one of the suspects but never saw this person. they got ready to leave, Stevens told and her vehicle description, including her the victim they were arresting Turford license plate number. Investigators were The victim actually believed they were for possession of narcotics and they now checking out all known locations police officers and he was unaware would send a uniform officer to help connected to this investigation. they were gathering his identification clean up the mess they had made information and taking his property. He while searching his apartment. One of the locations, they were known did not call the police until two days after to frequent, was the Homestead Village the robbery when he learned they had Using the complainant’s credit card, at 1255 Hwy 6. It was at this location on taken some of his property and were they obtained $1300 cash. They also March 14, 1995, Officers Hardesty and using his identification to make loans and forged a check and cashed it for Janke spotted the suspect’s vehicle with to cash checks. One loan, negotiated in $6800 cash. From other victims they the two suspects inside. A surveillance the victim’s name, was for $10,000 and made loans in the victim’s names team including Officer Liz Calhoun, they were successful in getting a check and received more cash. Turford Sergeant Buddy Gartman, Sergeant Larry from the loaning institution and cashing it and Stevens were daily involved Lemoine and Sergeant Ken McAlpine before the forgery was discovered. in criminal activity. Starting in the responded to the area and both suspects west side of Houston and continuing were taken into custody. Investigators As investigators continued to develop east to Clear Lake, they kept the found evidence inside the Nissan truck information, they learned of more Houston police busy chasing down linking the suspects to several of the forgeries and more robberies in other leads. They also robbed a victim in reported robberies. areas of Houston. Officer J. D. Markella, Galveston. In this robbery, Leonardo while working the desk at Clear Lake Barrera was arrested, but Turford and At the time of arrest, Turford was staying Substation, took one of the reports Stevens got away. in room 408 at the Drury Inn and she from another victim who came into the consented and signed the form for station. This victim claimed two women A lot of activity and phone calls where investigators to search her room. Stevens posing as police officers robbed him on coming from the area of Highway refused to give her consent for a search of February 19, 1995. 6 and Interstate 10, so Officers Alex her room at the Homestead Village, so a Hardesty and Todd Janke started search warrant was issued for that room. checking the hotels in that area.

Continues on Page 15 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 15 Tips for Preventing Domestic Violance/Aggrevated Assault #1- Don’t marry someone who beats you #6-If he/she pulls a knife, run like hell. #9-If there are five of them and only one while you are still dating. of you, leave them alone. #7-If he/she pulls a gun, do not say “Just #2- Don’t drink so much. go ahead and shoot me”. #10-Don’t get macho and pendejo mixed up. #3-Don’t hang out at the dope #8-If your family likes to fight when they connection. get together for Mother’s Day, Father’s #11-If you are going to wave at other Day, Fourth of July, Cinco de Mayo, motorists, use all five fingers. #4-Avoid bars. Christmas, New Year’s Day, birthdays, weddings, etc., stay away from them. #5-Avoid married women, especially the wife of your best friend.

Continues from Page 14 Sergeant Cedric Knight and Officer Joe Their arrest ended a four month trek Todd Janke was out of the country at Lee from Major Offenders executed across Canada for these fugitives. After the time and Ken reminded me he the search warrant and inside Stevens’ their arrest they were filmed laughing in only originally participated with the room they recovered items taken in the the backseat of the police car, while they press because I had ordered him to. robberies of several of the victims. Lineups were being taken to jail. To them this must were held with Officer Glinda Davila and have all seemed like one big adventure. Since I could no longer order Ken to Officer Cyndi Hogg acting as fill-ins. The work with the media, Alex and I used suspects were identified in several of the Turford and Stevens returned to Houston our friendship card to finally convince armed robberies and the suspects were for prosecution and Stevens was offered him to go on the program, but we charged, but this investigation was far a plea bargain. She pled guilty to could not persuade Mike. If you have from being over. aggravated robbery and received a ten a chance to watch “The Tabloid with year prison sentence. From this sentence, Jerry Springer, The Real Life Thelma & Rose Marie Turford and Joyce Carolyn she was paroled to Houston on August Louise”, I think you will find the episode Stevens were each charged with three 21, 2005, and successfully completed her very interesting and fairly accurate. counts of aggravated robbery with parole. I found no other criminal charges a deadly weapon and they posted against Stevens, since her release. You can watch the trailer for the bonds, totaling a half million dollars. series at the following site. http:// Needless to say, they both fled and an Turford turned down her plea offer and www.radleystudios.tv/work/television/ international hunt for these fugitives went to trial on the aggravated robbery investigation-discovery-tabloid-2-3/ began, with a hefty reward offered charge. The jury found her guilty and by the bonding company. The search assessed a 30 year prison sentence. All police officers involved in the for these two fugitives involved the FBI, Turford had not paroled and was still in Turford/Stevens investigation worked Interpol, the Royal Canadian Mounted prison at the writing of this article. together and shared information Police and several other Canadian daily. They did an exceptional job authorities all working together to While this investigation was ongoing of identifying and arresting these locate and arrest these suspects. the press called continuously and suspects. Their coordinated effort of Sergeant Ken McAlpine wanted no working with out-of-state investigators Finally on Thursday, October 5, 1995, the part of answering their questions or and international authorities to bring Houston Chronicle’s front page headline appearing on television. After I was these fugitives to justice was truly read, “Long run ends for ‘Thelma and contacted last year by a producer remarkable and I feel blessed to Louise’”. Toronto authorities were working on a documentary for a series have worked with these outstanding alerted to Turford and Stevens’ location titled “The Real Life Thelma & Louise”, I Houston police officers. Hopefully by a co-worker at a Toronto telephone called retired officers Mike McDonald, you have enjoyed reading about this sex service. Their co-worker recognized Ken McAlpine and Alex Hardesty in pair of outlaws, which stand out in Turford from a Canadian magazine an attempt to get someone to work my memory from the Department as article and alerted authorizes. with the producer. I remember it. 16 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition Birthdays & Anniversaries AUG SEPT

1, 1947 Robert W. McClemore 22nd Barbara Cotten 1, 1963 E.W. & Celia Godfrey 1, 1998 Donna & Steve Benavides 22, 1953 Pat & Guy McMenemy 2, 1964 Kay & Don Easterling 2, 1986 C.W. & Lena “Dee” Meyer 22, 1964 Jerry & Carole Ann DeFoor 2, 1951 Elizabeth & J.O. Parker 3, 1934 K.C. Ross 23, 1985 George & Jackie Powers 4, 1954 Judy & Lloyd Smith 3, 1945 Steve Benavides 31, 1991 James Rick & Sue B. Walker 5th C.J. & Conny Klausner 4, 1956 Arden & Patricia Lynch 7, 1957 Anthony & Antoinette Vento 8, 1930 Wilton J. “Bill” Fish 17, 1942 Allen Tharling 8, 1964 Georgia & D.A. Gibson 19th Jo DeFoor 10, 1961 Carolyn & Bob Foster 19, 1964 Phil & Margie Frank 10, 1952 Jackie Powers 22, 1958 Ken Hilleman 10, 1942 Lena “Dee” Meyer 24th Kay Aldridge 11, 1967 Joy & David Riggs 25, 1945 Stephen Vaeza 12, 1978 Linda & Don Morton 26, 1946 Joyce & Dave Hadley 12, 1991 Susan & Clarence Hightower 27. 1950 Janice Fish 12th Pat McMenemy 27, 1958 Barbara & Charles O. Ford 14, 1932 Paul Artz 29, 1962 Eveonne & William Sanders 16th Weldon Tiedt 29th Barbara S. Ford 16th Lil Tiedt 16, 1949 William L. “Bill” Panzer 19, 1946 John R. Stelwagen 19, 1965 James D. & Linda Ponder 20, 1954 Sue & Ike Shelburne

Memorial Oaks Cemetery Plots FOR SALE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE TO A POLICEMAN OR FIREMAN: Five cemetery lots in Memorial Oaks Cemetery on I-10 West. Lots are worth $8,000 each, were purchased years ago for $500. Would sell for $800.00 each, one or more. Contact Sally Dagna, 206-200-6097.

One cemetery plot in Memorial Oaks Cemetery on 1-10 west/Eldridge. Two burials are allowed in this plot. Lots are worth $8,000. Would sell for $3,500. Contact Doug Bostock, 281-890-7610.

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Computer Repairs, Malware and Virus removal Networking and Printer install, Data Recovery and more! Ed Cuccia 713.974.0074 [email protected] www.star-dot-star.biz

HPD RETIRED Class of 78 Don’t trust your computer to a stranger! The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 17 18 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition A Texas Ranger Story We both jumped to our feet and I told It took me all night and part of the By Dennis Hall Acklin to hold his fire until we could get next day to reach the Leona, about to our horses, but he fired immediately, ten miles from where I had started. killing one in his tracks and then left From then on I traveled day or night I want to thank Forrest Turbeville for me. The first arrow I received was whenever I was able to do so. I had inviting me to the HOUSTON Retired through the left shoulder while I was only three prickly pear apples for food, Police Officers 2015 reunion. It must leveling my gun on a Comanche. It reaching San Antonio on the seventh have been fate that he invited me. caused me to fire a little sooner than day about dark. The first person that When we arrived, I went to the silent I should have, but my sight held good I met was a Mexican boy named auction items. One of the first items and he was downed. They were not Policarpo who ran ahead. By the time I spotted was a plate with John over thirty steps away. I had one of I reached the square a large number Wayne on it and he was standing Colt’s five shooters and shot four times were there to greet me, for I was like by a door that had a ranger badge and I am sure I did not miss a shot. The one risen from the dead. Dunn and on it. I read the badge and it read next arrow I received was through Carlin had reported that I was dead “Frontier Battalion, Company D. Texas the stomach and the third was in the and that Acklin would die. Rangers”. It just so happened that temple severing an artery which bled my Great-great-great-grandfather “ so much that I fainted from the loss of Acklin walked in the next morning Rufus Perry” was the first Captain of blood. I soon regained consciousness and was alright in two weeks. He was Company “D” in 1874-75. You can and made my way to the river where out before Carlin and Dunn who both find a lot of Ranger items but they Carlin was. We were joined by Acklin rode in bareback and naked. usually have Co. A, Texas Rangers. who pulled the arrow out of my I enjoyed the meeting very much. shoulder, leaving the spike in, which I was first taken to Nat Lewis’ store for a Forrest introduced me to many of the was removed two years later. I held to month and then to another place for people he served with. I could tell one of the horses tails and was pulled two months longer before being able everyone I talked to were enjoying across where I fainted again. Carlin to ride. George Neill was detailed to the comraderie of former partners took my gun and pistol with them. I take me home. My own mother did and acquaintances. I enjoyed it all ran to a dense thicket and lay down not recognize me as I looked more so much I would like to become an with my face in the dust and twigs. like a ghost than a man. associate member. This stopped the bleeding. The Indians soon surrounded the thicket and I Bastrop County presented me with I would like to tell a story my Grandfather could hear them talking and beating a fine horse when I was able to ride wrote in his memoirs: “ August 1844, the brush. Soon they were gone. again. It was two years before I was Captain Hays heard there was some able to go out again.” Mexican cavalry recruiting horses I remained in the thicket until dark and between the Nueces and the Rio then started crawling on my hands A little about me, I was in the Army Grande. He sent me with three others, and knees toward the river, which eight years and the Navy nineteen. Acklin, Dunn and Carlin, to stampede was about two hundred yard away. I was in an explosion in 2002 and their horses. Just before we reached the It took me from dark to daylight to medically retired in 2004. I retired as Nueces, I saw the trail of a horse and reach the water as I would faint often a Master At Arm’s, Department of followed it until I was satisfied there was from loss of blood. I was almost finished Defense Police. I was in the Army in a man riding the horse. Meanwhile I had when I finally made it. After drinking Viet Nam 1967-68, Combat Engineers. told the boys to make a camp on the all I wanted and washing my face, I I did a tour on the USS Ranger in the bluff, but found they had camped near a filled one my boots and crawled into Gulf during Desert Storm 1991 and thicket . I told them that an Indian would a hole caused by a tree being blown was in Operation Enduring Freedom not have picked such a spot and I felt down. There I stayed all day. 2001-2004. there were Indians not far off. I went up the hill to look around but saw nothing, After dark I started for San Antonio even though I had a premonition that and hadn’t gone over three miles something was wrong. After dinner, when I lay down to die, as I felt I could James Dunn and John Carlin went to the go no farther. After resting a while I Dennis Hall USN Ret. river to bathe. They had just removed started again. HPROA Associate Member their clothes when Acklin and I were attacked by about twenty five Indians. The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 19 HPD Back Then Yesterday, one of our members, my friend, Roger I have heard so many men describe their spouse as Dixon, called. Roger and I converse on a regular basis. their right arm. In my case, Delores is certainly my right Most often we discuss old times but current issues are arm but much, much more. She is my faith partner, my also discussed. This call was different. The call was lover, and my friend. I can not imagine managing my about another friend and HPROA member who had life without her at my side to advise our children, counsel just lost his wife. our grandchildren, and love our great grandchildren.

I called our friend and offered my condolences In thinking about this, I wonder why we fail to verbalize and any assistance needed. As I sat at my desk, I our feelings more often. I know it is understood, but felt sadness for my friend. I began thinking about still I think I will say it more. Thanks, Delores, for all you my spouse of over fifty-nine years and how I would do and for being my life mate. Also, thanks to you, manage without her. Through the years, Delores and my HPROA friend. Your loss has made me understand I have had difficult times as all couples do but overall, how much our loved ones mean to us. God bless you our life together has been blessed. and your family this day and in the days ahead.

Till next time, E.J.

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

Submissions will only be edited as necessary to protect your HPROA from legal liabillity.

Call President Alan Helfman

President Alan Helfman 20 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition Like It Was

I turned the key that started that Now it was time to show my expertise at By Henry Pressley powerful twenty four horses and I making this machine do what I wanted roared out of the garage ready to and not what it wanted. I started a tight Old Henry is still into the educational cut the grass. I had no instructions. I turn around a tree without any trouble enlightenment of new technology. did read the operations manual and and feeling no pain, showing my skill I was forced into it this time due to being a smart old Houston Police to my neighbors who had had some my riding lawnmower. My old Cub Sergeant, it would not take me long good laughs at my trying to go straight. Cadet let me know it had served to master this machine. As soon as I This new mower is built like a war tank it’s time by covering me in oil and had the mower on the grass that baby with heavy steel. I came to close to throwing one of its valves. Never was showing how sweet it was. It had one of my shade trees and knocked a have been a good mechanic but I a large comfortable seat which was large piece of bark off it but the mower thought it had run out of gas. When high enough to give me a panorama hardly slowed. It did throw me forward the mower mechanic told me the view of the lawn. in that comfortable seat I was telling price to fix the old mower, I knew I you about and made a terrible loud would have to go shopping. Then trouble ahead! The mower was noise. The neighbors thought it was a heading toward my recently planted sonic boom. They couldn’t see I was My Wife, Martha, told me a long shade trees. I was driving at full speed hanging on to the seat trying to save time ago to buy a mower that would so I pulled one of the handles which my life. Old Henry really don’t mind the cut the grass faster than I did with controls the speed and turning of the neighbors having some good laughs the Cub. I had been seeing a lot of machine. This sudden movement but I was thinking it was time for them to these zero turn mowers zipping along caused the machine to slide across go home. I attempted to wave at them at a rapid pace and cutting large the grass and go into a tight spinning but that is another (no no) on a zero turn lawns. Now this could really put me action. You are right, I looked like mower. I found the mower heading for in the twenty first century. I could a NASCAR race car driver who had a deep ditch that was full of water. You cut all my beautiful lots in half the just won a big race and was spinning really never know what one will do when time. These machines could not be my car on the track. This is not a excited and I did it. That old ditch would that difficult to operate as I had seen recommended for people 80 plus not stop me for I was in control. The youngsters operating these things years old or older. My police cap mower plowed into the ditch shooting with no trouble. came off my head and I ran over it water all over me and the engine died. several times. It is now for sale but I scooted down in that comfortable I had never tried to operate one of without the HPROA on it. I missed the seat but the neighbors could still see these zero turn machines but I saw shade trees and started trying to mow me. They started running toward me to many landscaping companies using in a straight line. determine if I was hurt. I was hurt alright them and I was amazed at how but not where you could see it. Thank fast they could cut those beautiful After mowing several straight lines that GOD they were not laughing. They yards. Old Henry always loved to go I thought should look like a manicured really are good neighbors. fast-cars, trucks, motorcycles, and beautiful lawn, it was anything but now a lawn mower. After a lot of that. To my amazement, what I had After determining I was not hurt, they deliberation, I said why not? You only done with my sporadic driving, was formed a committee to figure out how to live once, so enjoy. I bought me a create a giant pretzel in the grass. rescue my new toy. They came up with golf zero turn mower that would race up No one would ever believe a sober carts, that didn’t work, trucks that could and down the Forest Hills and cut the person could make such a mess. I not get to me and then a four wheeler grass at nine miles an hour. Too bad am a grown man and will master this that did work. My daughter came over the company did not sell a siren for machine even though it has a mind and told me I looked like a drunk and she it. This shiny red machine was calling of its own. wished she could have made a video on me out to play. It seemed to take how not to operate a zero turn mower. I me forever to change clothes, gas I found by pulling the handles toward me told her I never intended for it to look that the machine, put on eye protectors, the machine slowed down. See, I told way and the next time I will make a video breathing mask and some cold water you I could do it. and she will be driving the mower. and I was ready.

GOD BLESS Henry Pressley The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 21 The Shotgun Corner

He just figured that’s the way it is. He By M.D. Beale, Jr. evidently had learned, probably from the day he was born, to use his nose Every man is entitled to one good to compensate and he became so hunting dog in his life. I have been good at it that for the first few years blessed with three – the first was I didn’t have a clue. Maybe his an English pointer when I was a kid eyesight was a little better when he growing up and two yellow labs as a was young, I don’t know. grow man. The two labs had totally different personalities. Their greatest In the hunting field he’d run a big similarity was their color and size. Rock circle around where I was setting up was a little lighter by a shade or two. decoys of one kind or another and eventually come back and lay down To borrow a line from “In School Days” next to me without being called. by John Greenleaf Whittier – We live to learn, in life’s hard school,... a hard It became apparent, over time, that August 1951. Sport. Friendswood, TX lesson in life is that our dogs live faster he wouldn’t go much over 20 yards and grow old quicker than we do. away from me when I’d send him on a retrieve. I’d have to climb over the My first dog, Sport, was only 10 years fence or wade most of the way out old when heartworm medicine took to the bird, unless the bird was down him. The hard lesson here was that wind and he could smell it. illness can take a dog well before you’re ready to let them go. I finally snapped to Rock’s problem one windy winter day shooting dove I had Malcolm for 14 of his 15 years in a huge field. He’d taken off while [b1983 –d3-13-1998]. While most of his I was setting decoys in mesquite years were good, the last three were scrub along a barbed wire fence. I progressively degenerating and painful. thought he’d come on back like he always did but he didn’t. The hard lesson I learned from Malcolm was that not letting him go when his health got bad, by any measure, was “cruel and unusual punishment”. I should not have been Malcom so selfish. I waited way too long.

Two years later, when Rock came Rock wasn’t as quick to learn hunting things along as a six week old puppy at as Malcolm but Rock was a little better Thanksgiving 2000, I promised him and looking. myself that I wouldn’t let him suffer. I had to keep that promise on Friday, I think that Rock would have made a first May 22, 2015, at 3:35pm. He was, as class show dog for a yellow lab. He had the near as I can figure, fourteen years, all the classic lab features well as “movie seven months and seventeen days star” good looks. He was the best looking old – give or take a couple of days. lab I’ve ever seen, bar none. That’s not a bad run for a lab. Rock It took me almost ten of his years to figure out he had really bad eyesight. I don’t think he ever understood that he couldn’t see properly.

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I finally saw him about three For his whole life Rock was totally When I finished, silly me, I laid the hundred yards away up wind with and unmitigatingly extremely bird on the tailgate, reached some other hunters. I whistled terrified of thunder, not just afraid up inside the truck bed and and he looked around but didn’t mind you, but really terrified. Lots grabbed the water jug to wash it seem to see me. I walked out of stories about him tearing up his and my hands. I instantly turned into the field and hollered and cyclone fence pen and running back around – and voila! -the waved but he still ran around the off and being found two or three cleaned bird had vanished! other hunters. miles away, the first time three Rock was sitting in exactly the days later [thanks to a sign I’d same place trying hard to look I finally tapped the electronic posted]. He had a broken lower as innocent as a new born babe. collar and I could tell he was canine tooth from jerking on the He finally looked around as if to really looking. I was trying to wire of his pen. Even when he say: “It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it! figure out what was going on was in the house with me during You didn’t see me do it and you when he finally took off on a hard his last years he’d shake until the can’t prove it, anyway!” run and started making a huge storm passed. He never got to circle in the field. I thought he’d used it. Bo and I just cracked up laughing. gone crazy and was running What can you say or do? He away. I figured the hunt was Most of his life he was a laid was the only one that got a bird over because there was no way I back, chilled out, typical lab. He that day so I guess cleaning it for could catch him without getting did have a certain savoir faire him for breakfast was the least I the truck. about him that often bordered could do. on insolence. A case in point was But all of a sudden, when he about 7 or so years back. He leaves a big hole in our lives got directly downwind from me and we miss him a lot but he about 250 yards away, he made Bo, Rock and I got in the field and doesn’t hurt anymore and he’s an instantaneous hard left turn along a fence early one morning. free – no more pens or cages. and ran directly up to me. From It was a total bust. Nothing was And it’s not hard for me to then on I tried to work around his flying. We never took our guns imagine Dad and Rock just over short sightedness. When he got out of their cases. the next hill having a good time old I’d find the birds myself and chasing birds together like they take him down wind and let him Rock was doing his usual recon used to do when Rock was a “find and retrieve” them. His nose run while Bo and I took our time pup. Not a bad daydream at always worked if there was even about deciding where to go eat all, all things considered. a hint of scent in the air. breakfast. We were standing between our trucks talking when See y’all at the range or in the This went a long way in explaining Rock came trotting up with a field. why he couldn’t find his way dove he’d found, one evidently back home when he’d escape crippled the day before. I was out of the yard. standing next to the tailgate on my little Nissan pickup so I started cleaning the bird. Rock sat down next to me to watch and wait.

THE With Honor We Served . . . With Pride We Remember See us online at ROFFICIALeti PUBLICATIONr OF THEed HOUSTON POLICEB RETIREDadge OFFICERS ASSOCIATION www.hpdretired.com The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 23 HPROA Benefits In June of 1994, during an annual get together of retired HPD IV. FAMILY ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE officers in Crockett, Texas the Houston Police Retired Officers • Current updates on members who are sick or shut-ins Association was born. It was born out of the need for retired • Provide medical equipment for members in need officers to have the same type of organized representation that • Participate in funeral visitations and arrangements active duty officers have. The HPROA was created to give retired • Present a brass memorial plaque to surviving spouse of officers an official organization to represent them regarding deceased member matters affecting their pensions and medical benefits. V. OTHER BENEFITS • Optional TMPA “Right to Carry” legal defense insurance The HPROA is an independent association of retired HPD officers • Website updates on local, state, or national events that effect and is not a part of any other association, union or organization. retired officers The HPROA is a separate entity that respects and will work with • “The Retired Badge” (the official newspaper of the HPROA other police groups to accomplish its goal. That goal being: • Active and involved Political Action Committee (PAC) to protect and if possible improve the pension and medical • Discounted Insurance Services benefits of retired HPD officers or their surviving spouses. • Members only directory • Email notification The HPROA is governed by a board of directors elected from within its membership and answers only to the membership of Do I qualify for membership? the association. Eligibility for membership, in the HPROA, is based on the requirement that an applicant is honorably retired from the Why should I join the HPROA? Houston Police Department, or is their surviving spouse, and qualifies to receive a pension benefit from HPOPS or the City of Membership Benefits Houston Municipal Employees Retirement System. The benefit I. ACTIVE REPRESENTATION IN AUSTIN can be a monthly retirement payment, a surviving spouse’s • Registered lobbyist working to protect existing pension monthly payment or the HPOPS member is currently enrolled in benefits the DROP program. II. ACTIVE REPRESENTATION AT CITY HALL • “Health Insurance How do I become a member? • City’s obligation to contribute to Houston Police Officers 1.) Applications may be submitted online at www.hpdretired. Pension System com by credit card only. III. SOCIAL EVENTS AND GATHERINGS 2.) Complete application form found on the next page and • Promoting fellowship among retirees by sponsoring reunions mail along with your membership fee. in the spring, summer and fall of each year, throughout the state 3.) Contact the HPROA Office at 713-802-2967 or toll free at • Providing a lunch, each year in August, at the annual HPROA 1-866-856-7252 and request an application by mail. election meeting 4.) Mail application form, found in the Retired Badge (official • Sponsoring the Annual Surviving Spouse Luncheon to honor publication of the HPROA.) the families of all HPD officers who have passed away 5.) Pick up an application at the HPROA monthly meeting • Sponsor Police Week Memorial Reception held the second Thursday of each month at the KC Hall 607 E. Whitney. This is Your Retired Badge Any member or family member of HPROA is allowed and encouraged to submit articles for publication in this newspaper. Opinions, events, war stories, family announcements... all are welcome and enjoyed by our members.

Submissions will only be edited as necessary to protect your HPROA from legal liabillity. 24 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition Looking Back

As I get older looking back at people As my career went on and the friendship I As the years went on I had a lot of in my life. I think of my relatives who had with some supervisors eventually got ranking officers who I had to deal with taught me things and help make me in a position to work for Captain Gene and every one of them treated me as the person that I am. Most of those Thaler. This was a very fine man and as I an equal even though they might be people I thanked them for what they found later in life he was extremely liked a Lieutenant, Captain or Chief. I know did for me and told them how I felt by everyone who worked under him. I that in the names I’m about to give up about them. There were a few that worked directly for him and we worked I will miss someone but here are some died before I was mature enough to hand-in-hand each day and I could not of the people that I really remember tell them how I felt about them. I am have work for anyone finer than him. and really enjoyed knowing. The first sure they knew but still it would’ve Through Captain Thaler I met Inspector is Chief John Bales, one fine man. been nice to tell them. (Assistant Chief) Rodney McKeehan. There were others including George Machac, Jack Hamel, John Winters, So on the subject, I started A little side story here, when I was working E. E. Milam, L.L. Wunsche and John thinking of the people who for Captain Thaler, his office was next Neely to name a few. Another side influenced my life at the Houston to that of Chief McKeehan. There were note here is that Lieutenant Neely Police Department. When I first times that Captain Thaler would call for never called me by either my first or graduated from the Academy, I me by my first name, Rodney. Finally last name, he always addressed me was sent to the Tact Squad. Here one day I heard the Chief ask Thaler as the Frenchman. I was a 27-year-old civilian not why he was calling him by his first name knowing anything about police while everyone was around. This is when And the final people I wish to thank work and I was lucky enough to Captain Thaler advised the chief that are my training officers who got me have three supervisors to get me my first name was Rodney also. So I was started on my career. My first training started on the right track. I had able to become acquainted with Chief officer was R. W. Russell who had Sergeant Glen Cheek, Sergeant Bill McKeehan and eventually he became been my instructor the day before Ford and Lieutenant Leo Michna. my supervisor. I thank these men at this in the Academy. The other officers They were all very conscientious time for the friendship that they gave me. that were my training officers are as and made me feel as though I I know I am a little late on some of these followed Rady Pendleton, Chuck had known them for a long time. thank you’s that I’m giving as these two Rudolph, John Pohlman, Bill Brown, M. All three of these men have now men have died also. I think that is why as D. Beale and Carl Kent. gone and I never thanked them we go along in life we should thank the for what they did for me so now I people who have done good things for If we all could think about our lives am now thanking them. us and been friends with us. and let people know how we feel about them it would be a good path When the Tact Squad was disbanded, I I would like to thank my two full-time to follow. I have just a small suggestion was sent to North Shepherd substation partners for the friendship and the that if you don’t attend the functions where again I had four men who learning experience they both gave by our retirement system and by the treated me like one of them even me. My first full-time partner was Bill Retired Officers Association, you though I had never met them prior Brown and I was still a green rookie might think about it and you may see to them being my supervisors. They when we started riding together. someone that had influenced your were a defined group of men who Through him I learned a lot about life and you could let them know. And were always looking after their men. policing and taking care of your as you’re with your families let them So at this time I would like to thank partner. Thanks Bill for all the times know how you feel about them all the Richard See, Joe Kunkel, Jim Jenkins we had. My second full-time partner way back to grandma. and Donald Williams, who was our was Willard Walden and here was Lieutenant for being part of my life one fine man. He taught me a lot but and treated me like one of them. I I have thanked him many times for know Williams is deceased. his friendship and what he had done for me. Willard is gone now and I do Rodney Marcotte, miss him, still over the years he was my Retired HPD sounding block on many things. The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 25 April 30, 1955 Drunken Substitute Bartender Guns Down Officer Beets, Auxiliary Capt. Gougenheim He served faithfully in this volunteer Gougenheim remained outside with the By Nelson Zoch assignment and in 1947 he was wounded suspects, while Officer Beets entered in the line of duty while at the Texas City Jack’s to determine if these suspects had Jack Billy Beets was thirty years old. He was explosions. He had been hit in the thigh by become intoxicated on these premises. a native of Rosser, a small town southeast flying steel but recuperated and in 1954 Beets was speaking to Mrs. Brown and of Dallas. At the age of eighteen in 1943, was promoted to Captain of Company inspecting her establishment’s licenses he joined the U. S. Navy, at the height of B of the Auxiliary Force. His brother when Manuel Ben Smith, intoxicated World War II. Louis also had been involved with the and enraged that the police were back, volunteer organization and was Captain walked up behind Officer Beets. Three years later, after the war ended, of Company A. he left the Navy and began working as Without warning, he shot the officer in the a locomotive fireman for the Southern On Saturday, April 30, 1955, Officer head. Pacific Railroad in Houston. He had Beets was assigned to ride a one-man gotten married to Helen during the war unit on the Evening Shift. Shortly before Witnesses said Officer Beets never saw his and in 1947 became the proud father of 6 p.m., Charles Gougenheim arrived assailant. After the first shot, he twisted a son, Billy Jack Beets. at the Central Police Station and asked around and was hit twice more – between Sergeant C. R. Dietz if he could ride with the eyes and in the heart. The officer fell When the railroad laid him off, Beets joined Jack Beets, who was young enough to to the floor, mortally wounded. the Houston Police Department, entering be Gougenheim’s son and had ridden Police Cadet Class No. 8 on January 7, with the officer on previous occasions. Captain Gougenheim was standing 1952, graduating in April. After serving The auxiliary captain enjoyed keeping next to the patrol car guarding the only a short term of his probationary company with Beets and obviously liked prisoners when he heard the shots. He period, he had an opportunity to return Officer Beets’ style of police work. Dietz left his prisoners and met Manuel Ben to work for Southern Pacific with a much had Officer Beets report to the station Smith just outside the front door of Jack’s better salary than what HPD was paying. and pick up his “partner” for the rest of Place. A gun battle ensued, the cook So he resigned from the department in the shift. firing the remaining three shots from his July 1952. .38-caliber revolver at Gougenheim, Mrs. Jessie Brown was the operator of a who was firing the .45-caliber revolver However, it was apparent that the Police small tavern called Jack’s Place at 3003 he had unholstered as he rushed toward Department and police work in general had 1/2 Nance Street in the Fifth Ward, just the door. Gougenheim shot five times at the best of him and less than a year later, on northeast of downtown. Earlier that day, Smith, striking him twice in the chest. He April 1, 1953, he returned to duties as an officer. Mrs. Brown was arrested for allowing a took Smith’s three rounds in the left chest, waitress to work at her place without right shoulder and head. Charles Gougenheim was fifty-three a health card. She was assessed a $35 years old and a long-time employee fine. In her absence, she had placed her A short two blocks away, Officers J. W. of the Humble Refinery in Baytown. He brother, fifty-year-old Manuel Ben Smith, a “Jean” Kindred and R. B. Brown were was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, cook at Rice University, to be in charge bogged down on a flat tire, awaiting and had been a resident of Houston of Jack’s. The more beer Smith drank that the arrival of a tire truck. They had heard since 1918. He had a wife, Evelyn, and day, the more upset he became that his at least eleven shots and immediately a five-year-old son, Charles II, as well as sister had been arrested. ran in the direction of Jack’s. What a married daughter, Norma, and three these two young officers found they grandchildren. His career at Humble had With Officer Beets driving and Auxiliary would remember for the rest of their been successful. Too young for World Captain Gougenheim riding, the two lives. Captain Gougenheim was dead War I and too old for World War II, he felt officers were en route to their Fifth Ward alongside Smith, who was on the ground a commitment to serve his country and beat when they observed two intoxicated still clutching his pistol. community in some manner. When the males outside Jack’s Place. They stopped Houston Police Department initiated an to investigate and soon arrested the auxiliary force near the beginning of the two males, placing them in back of their Second World War in 1941, Gougenheim patrol car. joined immediately. Continues on Page 26 26 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition

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Officer Kindred was quoted as saying, Graveside services were conducted by Massey had worked with Officer Beets for a “I ran to the Negro on the sidewalk. He the Cade Rothwell Masonic Lodge, AF & short time in the Vice Division and recalled still had a gun in his hand and it was AM. how Captain Gougenheim still clutched in twitching. I stepped on his wrist, took the his left hand the two pocketknives he had gun away and then I saw he was dead.” Auxiliary Captain Charles Gougenheim, recovered from the two “jakes” he left in Inside they found Officer Jack Beets lying an unpaid volunteer officer, was the the patrol car. The veteran lieutenant also on the barroom floor, shot three times. An first line-of-duty death for the fourteen- recalled how the two prisoners remained ambulance took him to Jefferson Davis year-old Auxiliary Force. He was survived in the unlocked patrol car and made no Hospital, where he died within an hour. by his wife Evelyn, five-year-old son attempt to flee the scene. What was the Charles II and married daughter Norma 3000 block of Nance now sits in the middle The Auxiliary Force set up to supplement Haigh and her husband Donald, as well of the East Freeway at Interstate 10 East. the HPD manpower shortage before WWII as three grandchildren-Donna Haigh, R. B. Brown retired from HPD after having had remained a necessity due to severe Clifford Haigh, and Earl Haigh. Other served his entire career in Radio Patrol. budgetary restraints. Ironically, at the time survivors were two sisters-Mrs. Adele He died in 1993. J. W. “Jean” Kindred of this tragic incident, Police Chief Jack Thompson and Mrs. Florence Rankin, promoted to detective in 1958 and was Heard and several of his staff members and one brother, Auxiliary Captain Louis assigned to the Homicide Division. He were in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to study its Gougenheim, whose daughter, Mary retired in 1983 after having served twenty- Police Department to find ways to deal Frances Gougenheim, was a receptionist five years in Homicide as a detective. He with manpower problems. The facts they in the office of Mayor Roy Hofheinz. died in 1998. brought back caused a citizens’ outcry after the deaths of Officer Beets and Funeral services for Captain Gougenheim Mrs. Jack (Helen) Beets died in 1995. Captain Gougenheim. Milwaukee, with at 2pm on Tuesday, May 3, 1955 from the In 1999, Jack Beets’ son Bill lived in less than one half the square mileage of Christ Church Cathedral. Burial followed Spring Branch. He and his wife have Houston, had nearly three times as many at South Park Cemetery in Pearland. one daughter. His mother later married police officers. The usual political rhetoric Pallbearers were B.T. McKinney, J.M. another HPD officer, Marvin Seber. Bill ensued in the Bayou City and continued Vickers, J.E. Kent, W.S. Whatley, J.O. Beets said he never had any contact with for several months. The end result: a lot of Johnson, Bert Henry, Roy Flemming, and Charles Gougenheim Jr., even though lip service, but nothing changed. O.A. Carroll. this tragedy obviously had a tremendous affect on both of their lives. Beets had a Officer Jack Beets died at the young Homicide Detectives Frank C. Crittenden scrapbook about his father, although he age of thirty. He was survived by his wife and Chester B. Massey supervised the donated much of his memorabilia to the Helen and their seven-year-old son Billy. investigation. Detective Crittenden was HPD museum. The parents, grandparents, Also surviving were his parents, Mr. and later promoted to lieutenant and never three of Officer Beets’ six sisters and three Mrs. Alvie Lee Beets Sr., of Corpus Christi, left the Homicide Division, completing an brothers died before 1999. grandparents-Mr. and Mrs. G.P. Reid illustrious career with his retirement in 1978. and Mr. John Beets, sisters-Mrs. Dorothy He died in 1992. Detective Massey also Mrs. Gougenheim died in 1997, having lived Garrett, Mrs. Burt Robinson, Miss Glenda later promoted to lieutenant and served into her nineties. Charles Gougenheim Beets, Miss Kay Beets, Miss Linda Carol in Homicide, Robbery, Radio Patrol and II lived in Pearland in 1999 and also kept Beets, and Mrs. Edgar Ward, and three the Criminal Intelligence Division. Also, an extensive scrapbook about his father’s brothers-John Beets, Kenneth Beets, and for several years in the mid-1970’s, he death. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, Jerry Beets, as well as one half-brother, supervised a special unit of HPD named is married and the father of a daughter Alvie Lee Beets, Jr. the Career Offenders Detail (COD Squad), Jennifer, and a son, Charles III. Charles was which was a successful pilot program forced to take a medical retirement but Funeral services were held on Tuesday, under a federal grant. He returned to the he apparently shared his father’s sense May 3, 1955, at 10am at the Bethel Homicide Division in the mid-1980’s and of community service. He participated in Baptist Church. Burial followed at retired from there in 1989 after having the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Department the Kaufman Cemetery in Kaufman, served more than thirty-nine years. Citizen’s Police Academy. Sister Norma Texas, near his hometown of Rosser. Haigh had one more son, Robert, after Pallbearers were Officers W.L. Kimble, E. Massey said in an interview that this was her Dad’s death. Norma lives in Katy. Dominy, H.J. Timme, R.D. McClelland, without a doubt the toughest assignment Her husband Donald Haigh is deceased. K.A. McKelvy, and Sergeant J.A. of his career, seeing Captain Gougenheim Captain Gougenheim’s brother and sisters Knigge. Pat H. Foley Funeral Home was dead at the scene and then Officer Beets are also deceased. in charge of arrangements. dead at the morgue. The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 27 Killed in the Line of Duty August September

August 8, 1886 Henry Williams August 18, 1946 Howard B. Hammond September 17, 1925 E.C. Chavez August 3, 1911 John Morris Cain August 25, 1956 Robert J. Schultea September 13, 1929 Ed Jones August 23, 1917 Rufus H. Daniels August 23, 1959 John W. Suttle September 20, 1930 Edward Fitzgerald August 23, 1917 Horace Moody August 4, 1963 Charles R. McDaniel September 20, 1930 William Phares August 23, 1917 E.G. Meinecke August 2, 1975 Francis Eddie Wright September 19, 1973 David Huerta August 23, 1917 D.Ross Patton August 16, 1979 Charles Baker September 12, 1983 William Moss August 23, 1917 Ira D. Raney August 18, 1982 Kathleen Schaefer September 20, 2000 Jerry K. Stowe August 23, 1924 J. Clark Etheridge September 21, 2006 Rodney Johnson

New Members of HPROA June and July 2015 JUNE: JULY: ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Clendon D. Flowers, Wayne Richard Blake, Phillip Calaway, Fabian JUNE: Dorothy M. Dehnert, Toby Devine, Kennedy, Truitt C. Pinson, Joann C. Arista, Christobal Hernandez, Stephen Lois Dewey, and Preston R. Halfin (4). Rabago, George V. Rodriguez, Gary S. Jerger. (5) NOTE: All four of these associate members D. Smith, Dorothy Solomon, Leonard were recruited by HPROA member Fred Treat. (8) Eichholtz. JULY: David Solis.

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

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

If unavailable, contact the HPD Command Center, 713-308-1500.

From a Retiree’s Recent Obituary: He loved to fish, drink, and watch sports. He loved life and his motto was “eat, drink, and be grumpy”. 28 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition

RETIRED OFFICERS ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE

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

May 14, 2015

Bruce Music: (04-07-15 rh) - We Update:(4-15-15 nf) Celia reports this He will actually begin doing the received information from Bruce’s evening that Ernie’s therapy is not dialysis for real next week, of course family that he is finally back at going as well as hoped. His left side is with Dot’s able assistance. Chuck & University Place next to Southwest just not responding even with his extra Dot are starting on a new journey and Memorial, where he will continue effort. The plan now seems to be that they ask for our prayers as they walk it his therapy. Best time for visiting is he will move to a skilled nursing facility together. Call him at 936-544-6557 and evenings and weekends! for 3 months and at that time they give him a word of encouragement. will readmit him to the hospital where William Jean Watt: (04-09-15 rh) – We they will put a new flap in. The surgeon Jerry Williams: (4-14-15 nf) We visited visited with Jean today by phone feels that once the flap is replaced, with Jerry by phone and he is at home and he was in good spirits, but is still Ernie will get back to normal without recovering from his Gamma Knife undergoing chemo treatment for the physical therapy problems. Pray procedure. He has bad headaches what was originally diagnosed as for them both. and his head is sore from the colon cancer. He underwent surgery apparatus used in the procedure. It months ago and it was believed Update: (4-20-15 nf-db) Celia reports will be some time before the results of that the cancer was removed, but that E.W. was moved Saturday to a the procedure is known so keep Jerry there were indications that some skilled nursing facility-The Legacy at in your prayers. of the cancer had possibly moved Willowbend, 6101 Ohio Dr., Plano, to the lymph nodes. He therefore Tx 75024. Phone #972-468-6314. The Ray Collins: (5-3-15 Bostock) Received has had to go through the chemo plan is to stay there until the middle a call today from Ray Collins who is therapy. He stated that he has had of June when they will go back in the still in the rehab facility, The Legends side effects from the chemo, but is hospital to have the artificial plate at Gessner and West Rd. Ray stated battling through it. He stated he has put in. They are hoping that he will that he is progressing real well in his approximately another six weeks of respond to therapy so that he might therapy and walking is unlimited chemo to go. Please keep Jean and get to go home before going back to except by him. He is using the step his family in your prayers. hospital in June. Continue to keep the exercise more and more also. He Godfreys in your prayers. has been fitted with a knee brace E.W. Godfrey: (4-14-15 nf) We visited on his right knee and it has made all with Ernie by phone this day and he is “Chuck” Smith: (4-15-15 nf) We visited the difference in the therapy with still in hospital slowly rehabing. He still with Chuck by phone this evening and walking and steps. He is hoping to be needs assistance getting out of bed he reports that due to his diabetes his released at the end of next week and into his wheelchair to go to therapy. kidneys are in such bad shape to the would need a rollator for assistance Celia reports that his left side is still not point where he & Dot are training to and safety. Went to storage and will catching up to what it should be. Lots do dialysis at home for whatever time deliver a rollator to Ray in the AM. of therapy ahead. Give him a call at it takes and how many days a week Pray for Ray’s continued recovery. 214-645-5555. he has to do it. Continues on Page 29 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition 29

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Jerry Williams: (5-9-15 nf) Visited DEATHS DURING THE MONTH He was then transported by with wife Linda by phone and she OF APRIL, 2015 ambulance to St. Luke’s Hospital at reported that Jerry was sleeping the Vintage (off 249). He was found to and that he was tolerating his have a 103 degree temperature and chemo treatments well except that LOUISE BURKE (HPROA MEMBER AND apparently some type of infection. it made him tired. He still has a long SURVIVING SPOUSE OF DECEASED They are at this time running tests. As way to go with Chemo. Continue to MEMBER A.J. BURKE) soon as more information is available keep Jerry in your daily prayers. APRIL 9, 2015 we will have it posted. Please keep Nelson and his family in your prayers. Willie Joe Kovar: (5-9-15 nf) Visited ALMA SIMMONS-SORMANI (MOTHER with Kovar by phone and he reports OF RETIRED MEMBER AND ASSISTANT Update: (6-12-15 – Steve Toth)Just that he is recovering well. He is CHIEF OF POLICE MILTON SIMMONS) received a call from Ron Headley and mobile and driving but he is still sore APRIL 16, 2015 he stated that he just visited Nelson at the surgery site in the rib area. at the hospital. Doctors had run He began his radiation treatment CHARLES RODNEY PETERSON (RETIREE) numerous tests and blood work and last Wednesday and will begin his APRIL 21, 2015 could not determine what caused Chemo treatments on Monday, his illness. He is feeling better and will 5-11-15, which he is dreading. Keep DAVID H. HOERNER (RETIREE) be discharged from the hospital and Willie in your prayers. APRIL 28, 2015 sent home within the hour.

E.W. Godfrey: (Update) (5-9-15 Update: Nelson Foehner :(6-12-15 nf) nf) We visited with Ernie by phone Thanks to all for your prayers, well today as Celia was helping him wishes, phone calls and visits. Was back into bed. He said that he is still GOD’S LOVE AND BLESSINGS released from hospital this afternoon mostly confined to a wheelchair and now at home. A special thanks when out of bed. He did admit BE GLAD FOR ALL GOD IS PLANNING to Ron Headley and my step-son that he was doing his best to drive FOR YOU. BE PATIENT IN TROUBLE, AND Gary Brautigam who performed the therapists up the wall with his PRAYFUL ALWAYS…Romans 12:12 – tlb CPR until the ambulance arrived. antics during each session. Celia is After a battery of MRI’s, Cat scans, able to go home each night now GOD’S BLESSING MAKES LIFE RICH, ultra sounds, blood and other tests, and get some rest. Hopefully in NOTHING WE DO CAN IMPROVE ON there was no definitive reason for the the near future they will be able to GOD…Proverbs l0:22 – the message episode. All brain and heart scans replace the flap in his skull which is were normal as were blood and other expected to improve and regain I WILL NOT FORGET YOU, SEE, I HAVED tests. It is confusing but by the grace his good health and allow him to INSCRIBED YOU ON THE PALMS OF MY of God I’m am well, at home and go home. Continue your prayers HANDS…Isaiah 49:15 - 16 ready to walk down the path the Lord for Ernie and Celia. provides. Thanks to ALL

Howard White: (5-9-15 nf) Howard Caroline/Bobby Foster: (6-12-15 nf) is in Clear Lake Regional Hospital July 9, 2015 Visited with Bobby this evening and being treated for a mild case of he reports that Caroline was admitted pneumonia and is responding well to St. Luke’s Woodlands hospital last to medications and will likely be Nelson Foehner: (6-11-15rh) - Nelson night. She has been fighting vertigo released to go home Sunday or Foehner, while at today’s HPROA for about 2 weeks and yesterday she Monday. meeting, began feeling chilled and was confused and became much not well. We drove Nelson to his home sicker. They ran an MRI today with Keep Howard in your prayers. and upon arriving there it became other tests and she will be there at apparent that he needed to be taken least through tonight. immediately to the hospital.

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Bobby is fighting COPD using oxygen Don Morton: (6-18-15 nf) McMenemy E.W. Godfrey: (7-2-15 nf)(Update) and he has a bad cough that will reports that Don is in a nursing home Celia reports that Ernie was moved not let him sleep so he sounds really in Groesbeck, Texas, receiving mental to rehab Monday and they started bad himself. Family is helping out and and physical care 24/7. Don lost his him up yesterday and he is doing staying with Caroline. Tough times at wife recently and is going through good. Hopefully, with intense rehab the Foster house and they need our some tough times. Don dropped his he will get his wheels back under prayers to bring about recovery. Do it membership earlier this year due to him. Medically he is doing good, he tonight!!!!! the frequent hospitalization of himself just needs to start walking. Thanks for and his wife. He would like for friends the prayers and keep’em coming. Caroline Foster - Update: (6-13-15 and old workmates to give him a call nf) Bobby reports this evening that at 1-254-729-3394 before 6PM & after Marvin Hollan: (Update)(6-21-15 nf) Caroline suffered a stroke today at 7.PM Wife Cindy reports this morning that St. Luke’s hospital Woodlands as she Marvin continues to recover nicely was being treated for a week long Jean Watt: (6-19-15 rh) - Jean notified and getting stronger each day but period of vertigo. The stroke affected me by e-mail that he received the still in ICU. Continue in your prayers the back of the head which makes results from his C/T scan after his for his full and complete recovery. it a more serious type. Tests will be chemo and it came back cancer performed throughout the coming free at this time. He wanted to thank Gerry Fincher: (Update) (6-21-15 bf) days to determine the extent of everyone for their prayers and kind Spoke to wife, Bertha, this morning impairment she might have. Continue thoughts. God does answer prayers. and she reports that “Spider” is OK your prayers for both. but has developed pain in his back E.W. Godfrey: (Update)(6-21-15 nf) and leg and cellulitis in his arm Carline/Bobby Foster: (UPDATE) Visited briefly by phone with Ernie this causing swelling and discomfort. He (6-18-15 nf) Bobby reports that morning. He is prepared for surgery on is becoming depressed because Caroline was released from St. Luke’s Monday, 6-22-15 at 11AM to replace he is not improving as expected. Tuesday evening and is now at home the flap in his head. It is estimated to Continue to keep ‘Spider” in your recovering. Her condition is better be 5 hours surgery. Please lift up your prayers and go by and visit him if but still requires considerable care. prayers for Ernie, the surgeons and possible. He is at the Villa Toscana Bobby respiratory problems are also all who participate in this delicate Skilled Nursing home,15015 Cypress much better with family coming in to surgery and that his recovery would Woods Medical Dr. off of FM 1960 give him some rest. Continue in your be full and complete. behind the Kelsey Seybold Clinic. prayers for both Caroline and Bobby. E.W. Godfrey: Update – (6-25-15 Fred Eichholtz: (Update) – (6-25- Marvin Hollan: (6-15-15 nf) Kendrick - Wife, Celia writes:) Surgery went 15 – (Judy Eichholtz to Forrest) We reports that Marvin suffered a major good. Tuesday was rough, slept most received an e-mail message from heart attack over the weekend and of the day but they said that was ok Judy stating Fred came home was scheduled to have a quadruple due to extensive surgery. His head from St. Luke’s Hospital on Thursday bypass today. Will update as info looks good, all round now. They put night after Hiatal Hernia surgery. becomes available. Lift up your him in a regular room late Tuesday & His stomach had moved up into his prayers for Marvin. are trying to get him moved to rehab chest and the Dr. moved it down floor to start intense rehab. They have and attached it to esophagus. He Marvin Hollan: (Update)(6-18-15 nf) only sat him on the side of the bed so has to be on liquids for awhile while Marvin’s wife, Cindy, reports that far & he did good. Left arm & leg are he heals. Six to eight weeks to Marvin made it through his quadruple moving some but they say should get completely recover. He is feeling bypass surgery fine and that this better once they start rehab. Doctors good and recuperating at home. morning they were removing the are pleased. Still have a ways to go. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. breathing tubes and trying to wake Thanks for the prayers. him up. We will get an update later today or tomorrow. In the meantime, lift up your prayers for Marvin.

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Willie Joe Kovar: (6-26-15 nf) We visited Jack Miller: (6-29-15 nf) We visited with He is very weak and unable to eat and with Kovar today by phone. He reports Jack this afternoon by phone and he keep food down. Lift up your prayers that he has completed his treatments for reports that he was diagnosed with for Jerry that he would be pain free his lung cancer which included 7 weeks a malignant tumor on his kidney. and at peace. of chemo and 33 days of radiation all of His doctor feels that this is due to his which has left him weak and exhausted. diabetes and pacemaker and the He had planned to attend the reunion on fact that it is a slow growing type of DEATHS DURING THE MONTH Saturday but he is just not able to make cancer, they will not begin any type OF JUNE 2015 it but count on him being at the Fred- of treatment. They have set his next ricksburg reunion for sure. Continue your appointment for 6 months. Jack has LINDA MORTON (WIFE OF RETIREE DON prayers for Willie Joe, he still has a ways to confidence in his physician and will MORTON) JUNE 4, 2015 go and give him a call to cheer him up. rely on his judgement concerning the treatment(s). Remember Jack in BRADLEY K. JOHNSON (RETIRED J. J. “Joe” Rose: (6-26-15 nf) As a matter your daily prayers. MEMBER AND FORMER CHIEF OF of information, Joe is living up in the Liv- POLICE) JUNE 7, 2015 ingston area soaking up retirement. He is Jerry Wright:(6-30-15 nf) Nelson Zoch 81 now and living alone and would like reports that Jerry has been very ill for JOE W. LORENTZ (RETIRED MEMBER) to hear from some of his old work mates, several years now. Jerry has cancer MAY 26, 2015 Cell 936-433-2524 Home 936-967-4636. and recently spent several weeks in a Take time out to give him a call. nursing home in Crockett but is now at LEONARD J. FAULTRY (RETIREE) home cared for by his wife, Margaret. JUNE 25, 2015

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

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

Our Committee Members are:

Forest Turbeville 281.356.8800 Ron Headley 713.253.5749 Nelson Foehner 281.351.4669 Doug Bostock 281.890.7610 Ray Smith 281.731.1588

CALL (713) 802-2967 TO JOIN HPROA TODAY 32 The Retired Badge August - September 2015 Edition

WE REMEMBER IN MEMORIUM WITH PRIDE

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