PDF - Houston Police Officers Union

Transcription

Texas’ Largest Police Union
Vo l . X X X X N o . 6
The Publication of the Houston Police Officers’ Union
Our Mutually-agreed-to
Contract Keeps
HPD’s Pensions
in Place Through 2023
By TERRY BRATTON
In recent years you have been bombarded with media commentary
about the unsustainability of public pension systems throughout the
United States – and yes, even in Houston. The local media stories
present a skewed view of the reality involving the Houston Police
Officers’ Pension System.
You should know that Houston is not Detroit. The Houston and Texas
economies are thriving. A thousand people move to Texas every day
and our job creation engine is the envy of the country.
We have an Agreement!
In fact, the Texas Workforce Commission reports that Houston’s
unemployment rate in March was 5.2 percent – the lowest rate
since September 2008. While Detroit refused to keep up with the
times, Houston with its blend of cutting edge oil and gas and technology expertise is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the current
opportunities of today.
Our city’s economy is on a financial roll.
HPOPS has entered into at least six separate contracts with the
City of Houston, which – by mutual agreement – spell out in great
Continues on Page 7A
Houston Police Officers’ Union
1600 State Street
Houston, Texas 77007
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Houston, Texas
Permit No. 7227
The President’s Message
Ray Hunt
www.HPOU.org
June 2014
Our Thanks go
to Judge Jackson,
and Prosecutors
Onken and
Crockard
Many will recall June 29, 2008 when Officer Gary Gryder was killed
and Officer F. J. Pyland was seriously injured on the Katy Freeway.
Hung Truong stated that voices told him to drive through a barricade
and kill the officers working traffic that day. Truong was declared
not guilty by reason of insanity and placed in a mental hospital.
By law, each year the court where his verdict was declared – the
339th District Court – evaluates the case. In May 2013, the state
doctor and a second doctor evaluated Truong and determined that
he should no longer be held in a mental facility.
Harris County DAs Denise Onken and Bradford Crockard fought
against the release, but warned Gary’s wife and kids and the
Pylands that the judge would probably have no choice but to allow
him out based on the doctors’ recommendations.
I joined Debbie Gryder and her family in the courtroom last
May as Judge Maria Jackson – who was elected to the bench
in 2008 – listened to the evidence from both sides. After
hearing the testimony, Judge Jackson decided against the medical
professionals and sentenced Troung back to the mental hospital for
at least another year.
The Gryders and Pylands were thankful and relieved that this threat
would not harm anyone else on the outside for at least another year.
Non-profit Statement: Badge & Gun is published monthly at no subscription charge.
Send Correspondence and Address Changes (include mailing label)
To: BADGE & GUN 1600 State Street Houston, TX 77007. Telephone: 713-237-0282.
Around the middle of April, 2014, DA Onken contacted us and
advised that the suspect would again be considered for release at a
hearing on May 12, again in Judge Jackson’s court. Again we were
advised that the suspect was being recommended for release to a
halfway house. Onken and Crockard would again fight to keep this
threat in a mental hospital, but stressed that it was likely he would
be released this time.
Page 1A Badge & Gun • June 2014
BadgeGun June 2014 Issue.indd 1
5/29/14 12:16 AM
HPOU Board of Directors
Executive Board
Ray Hunt
Doug Griffith
1st Vice-President
(713) 501-4991
first_vp@hpou.org
President
(281) 701-5428
president@hpou.org
Joseph Gamaldi
2nd Vice-President
(832) 283-9492
second_vp@hpou.org
Will Reiser
Secretary
(281) 923-1626
secretary@hpou.org
Board Members
J.G. Garza
Director 1
(832) 875-1377
position1@hpou.org
Gary Hicks
Director 2
(832) 368-6283
position2@hpou.org
Jeff Wagner
Director 3
(832) 512-8732
position3@hpou.org
Robert Breiding
Director 4
(713) 854-6391
position4@hpou.org
David Riggs
Director 5
(281) 387-8935
position5@hpou.org
Terry Wolfe
Director 6
(832) 341-0165
position6@hpou.org
Don Egdorf
Director 7
(713) 240-6033
position7@hpou.org
Bubba Caldwell
Director 8
(281) 924-4498
position8@hpou.org
Joseph Castaneda
Rebecca Dallas
Timothy Whitaker Luis Menedez-Sierra Robert Sandoval
Stephen Augustine
Tom Hayes
Rosalinda Ybanez
Director 10
Director 12
Director 13
Director 15
Director 16
Director 9
Director 11
Director 14
(832) 419-9589
(832) 606-9502
(832) 513-5110
(832) 677-0137
(281) 924-3015
(281) 795-5051
(832) 293-1495
(281) 924-6369
position9@hpou.org position10@hpou.org position11@hpou.org position12@hpou.org position13@hpou.org position14@hpou.org position15@hpou.org position16@hpou.org
Bill Booth
Terry Seagler
John Yencha
Colton Peverill
Director 17
Director 18
Director 19
Director 20
(281) 924-3016
(832) 494-8244
(832) 731-9361
(832) 291-9004
position17@hpou.org position18@hpou.org position19@hpou.org position20@hpou.org
Mark Clark
Executive Director
(832) 200-3434
executive_director@hpou.org
Tim Butler
Treasurer
(713) 204-4372
tbutler@hpou.org
Cole Lester
Dana Hitzman
Joslyn Johnson
Randy Upton
Assistant Secretary 2nd Assistant Secretary
Parliamentarian
Sergeant at Arms
(281) 924-3003
(832) 642-9899
(281) 352-6236
(832) 731-7501
parliamentarian@hpou.org sergeant_atarms@hpou.org assistant_secretary@hpou.org assistant_secretary@hpou.org
5/29/14 12:17 AM
BADGE&GUN
Voice of the Houston Police Officers’ Union
Published monthly at no subscription charge
by the:
Houston Police Officers’ Union
1600 State Street, Houston, TX 77007
Ph: 832-200-3400 • Toll free: 1-800-846-1167
Fax: 832-200-3470
E-mail: thayes@policetrust.com
Website address: www.HPOU.org
Editorial
Like HPOU on Facebook
and Follow the Union
on Twitter — @hpoutx
SOCIAL MEDIA KEEPS FINDING ITS WAY INTO THE methodology used to solve crimes. A picture of
a suspect on Facebook more often than not results in enough recognition and identification to bring
charges against various crooks and wrongdoers.
The Houston Police Officers Union has taken recent giant steps to get more “likes” on Facebook
and more followers on Twitter. The Union leadership believes HPOU is now better able to provide
quicker updates for its members. Like any police-related information, it becomes crucial to get the
Badge & Gun is the official publication of the word out as fast as possible.
Legal Department: 832-200-3420
Legal Dept Fax: 832-200-3426
Insurance: 832-200-3410
Houston Police Officers’ Union. Badge & Gun is
published monthly under the supervision of its
Board of Directors. However, opinions expressed
by individual Board members or any other writer
in this publication do not necessarily reflect the
opinion of the entire Board of Directors. Editorial
submissions are welcomed and encouraged.
All submissions must be received by the 7th of
the month.
ADVERTISEMENT IN THE BADGE &
GUN DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT,
A WARRANTY OR A GUARANTEE BY
THE UNION.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to
Badge & Gun
1600 State Street
Houston, TX 77007
Fax: 832-200-3470
So click to “like” HPOU on Facebook and follow the Union on Twitter thusly: @hpoutx.
See the
online
at hpou.org
and…
Important Numbers
ATO: 713-223-4ATO
Badge & Gun: 832-200-3400
HPOU Offices: 832-200-3400
1-800-846-1167
Insurance Fax: 832-200-3470
Legal Services: 832-200-3420
Legal Fax: 832-200-3426
email: info@hpou.org
www.hpou.org
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Continues from Ray Page 1A
Well, a few weeks before the court date, the suspect had an
“episode” in the mental hospital. It must have been a serious incident
because it changed the recommendation from his doctor and lawyer.
On May 12, Judge Jackson sent Troung back to the mental hospital
for another year.
Here’s the real story:
What would have happened if Judge Jackson had listened to the
medical experts and released Truong last year? Would another wife
be mourning the loss of her husband or a child mourning the loss of
his father? Would another person be walking around with lifelong
injuries like Officer Pyland? How many would have been injured or
killed the next time?
We don’t have to answer any of these questions because of the
outstanding work by DAs Onken and Crockard, and the difficult/right
decision of Judge Maria Jackson.
On behalf of the Gryder and Pyland families, I thank these
outstanding public servants for helping to keep Harris County safe!
Contract Opener
We have received several calls and inquiries regarding a
possible contract opener. Rumors of what the HPOU is “requesting
and supporting” are just that – rumors.
The City has shared nothing with the HPOU regarding its requests
and we have shared nothing with the City regarding our desires.
Several ideas of what some would like to see in a new contract have
been discussed between members in conversations and emails, but
these are only suggestions and ideas. We anticipate an early JULY
initial meeting.
Our current contract expires June 30, 2015 and guarantees a three
percent pay raise in June 2014 and a four percent in June 2015. If no
agreement is reached by June 1, 2016, we will receive a two percent
pay raise in June 2016. (All pay raises become effective the first full
pay period after June 1 of each year.)
If the July initial meeting occurs, we will eblast it out that
discussions are beginning. Make sure you go online at HPOU.org to
update your email or call the front desk at 832 200 3410 to update
your email.
We never share your email addresses or personal information
with anyone.
Goodbye Paul Giddens
The HPOU chaplain, Paul Giddens, passed away suddenly on May 12.
He was a dear friend to me and many HPD officers who have been
served by him. Please keep his wife, Barbara, and their daughters
in your prayers. Detailed articles regarding Paul are printed in this
edition of the Badge and Gun.
All of us at the HPOU hope you and your family have a fun and safe
summer. Remember, there is no HPOU general membership meeting
in July. Our next meeting will be on Aug. 7.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
AN ‘AMIGO’ DEAL FOR YOUR SPORTS COLLECTIBLES!
Tom Kennedy is a long-time Houston
sports memorabilia dealer who doesn’t believe
in HPD Officers paying retail.
Here are some examples:
ITEM
Signed Duke Snider Ball
Signed Biggio Ball
Signed Bagwell Ball
Signed Stan
“The Man” Musial Ball
Signed Yogi Berra Ball
PRICE
$100
199
$149
‘AMIGO’ PRICE
$75
$165
$115
$199
$95
$135
$75
ALL SIGNED ITEMS COME WITH PSA DNA AUTHENTICATION!
CALL TOM FOR SPECIAL REQUESTS FOR AUTOGRAPHED ITEMS 713-825-2273
Tom Kennedy’s Collectibles (Since 1972) at Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas
9950 Hempstead Road (The Old Penney Location in Northwest Mall)
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Continues from Page 1A
detail the benefits to and obligations of both parties. Incidentally, the
current contract through June 2023 requires both parties to exhibit
the utmost integrity in fulfilling the contractual terms that were
agreed to.
Again, by mutual agreement, the current contract prohibits either
party from soliciting legislation. Further, it requires both parties to
oppose any legislation that may be filed. The City has both verbally
and contractually pledged to fulfill its financial obligations to your
retirement fund. The City always has – and HPOPS believes – will
continue to do so.
However, as stake holders in the City’s finances, it is imperative
that all parties vigilantly monitor how Houston conducts its financial
affairs. Gone are the days where we can stand idle while hundreds
of millions in bonds are floated in the public markets in order to
finance non-sensible projects at the expense of current and retired
employees.
If for some reason the City decided to not honor the contract, rest
assured that HPOPS stands ready and willing to do whatever is
necessary to enforce the contractual terms.
At present HPOPS is more than 80 percent funded and that is ahead
of the national average. Houston taxpayers pay less than 30 cents of
every dollar paid out in benefits to the men, women and families who
put their lives on the line to “keep the peace” – and who aren’t eligible
for Social Security anyway.
While speaking of benefits, those of you who were hired after
October 9, 2004, should know that the Board of Trustees has not
forgotten about you. This is not the first time in its 68-year history that
HPOPS has been bifurcated into two benefit structures. In the midseventies HPOPS was severely underfunded and the benefits for new
employees were reduced. It took more than 20 years to strengthen
the pension system to a point where the plans could be merged
again. The primary objective of the Board is to strengthen the plan so
that it can again be reunited into one benefit structure.
You should understand that the Texas Legislature begins its next
session in January 2015 – just eight months away. Prepare yourself
for media personalities like Bill King to increase their rhetoric as the
opening day of the session draws closer. This rhetoric is designed
to put political pressure on lawmakers, both local and statewide.
Unfortunately, a very real byproduct of this rhetoric is that it creates
a huge amount of anxiety for you and your families who are totally
dependent on the viability a pension that will enable you to survive
your retirement years without going on welfare.
Bill King is a lawyer; lawyers advocate for their clients.
Identifying the Opposition
There is a club of very high-net-worth individuals in the United States
and in Texas that are intent on eliminating Public Employee Defined
Benefit Pension Systems just as they have done in corporate America.
One of the more visible is the Laura and John Arnold Foundation
created by John Arnold. Mr. Arnold is a Houston billionaire who made
his money as a former Enron Corporation energy trader who later
started an energy hedge fund. He subsequently retired before the
age of 40.
His foundation, for example, contributed more than $3.5 million
to a PBS and New York affiliate WNET to produce a series called
“The Pension Peril.” The most recent article about Arnold and his
foundation appears in the April 14, 2014 Wall Street Journal. The
article is titled “Nonprofits Caught in Pension Crossfire between
Foundations, Unions.”
It’s convenient when occasions like 9/11 commemorations or
the recent Boston Marathon bombing anniversary come up for
politicians to say nice words to the police and other first
responders for showing courage and doing the right thing despite the
consequences. In return, it would be nice for certain politicians to
show a little of that same courage, set better priorities and honor the
promises already made.
As the legislative season nears, the media’s political pressure will
increase and rumors will fly. The trustees and the office staff of
HPOPS stand ready to answer any questions that you have. Please
utilize this resource instead of perpetuating rumors.
To paraphrase one of Mr. King’s article teaser comments: “More on
this later.”
Capt. Kevin Braswell of the U. S. Army ROTC for the Greater Houston
area presents a check to Jenna Pyland, center, that represents a “full
ride” scholarship to the University of St. Thomas through a special
program where qualified sons and daughters of officers are now
eligible for ROTC scholarships. Each of Houston’s vast array of
institutions of higher learning are participants. Pictured with Jenna
are her parents Freddie Joe and Mary Pyland and her brother, Jared,
himself a ROTC scholarship winner. The presentation was made at the
May general membership meeting. GARY HICKS PHOTO
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Legal Department Victories
Contrary Suspect Dies
in Hospital
REPRESENTATION
By Chad T. Hoffman, Staff Legal Counsel
Two officers responded to an Assault with
Injuries Just Occurred in the 9300 block
of Willow about 7:30 a.m. on March 30.
When the officers arrived, they observed that
paramedics were already at the scene, but
the suspect, who had injuries to his head,
would not allow them to treat him.
The suspect appeared to be intoxicated on
some narcotic and family members at the
scene reported he was high on crack. The
officers placed handcuffs on the suspect
and attempted to place him in a patrol car.
The suspect strongly resisted. Because he
was quite large and was successful in his
resistance, the officers elected to place the
suspect in the other officer’s patrol SUV.
With the help of the EMTs, the officers were
able to place the suspect into the SUV. When
the officers arrived at Ben Taub General
Hospital, the suspect’s eyes were closed
and he would not get out of the vehicle. The
officers removed him and requested
assistance from hospital personnel to place
the suspect on a gurney and take him into
the hospital.
A hospital employee then noticed that
the suspect appeared to no longer be
breathing. The suspect’s vitals were checked
and his pulse was very weak. Hospital
personnel took him into a crash room and
began working on him. A short time later the
suspect was pronounced dead.
2-Day Suspension Reduced
to Reprimand
REPRESENTATION
By Robert Armbruster, Staff Legal Counsel
An officer received a two-day suspension for
violation of the Use of Force General Order,
High Risk Vehicle Approach policy, Sound
Judgment and Appearance and Grooming
Standards policy (visible tattoos).
The incident which gave rise to the disciplinary
action was an off-duty shooting event at a late
night eatery. Two officers were working the
location but only one fired his weapon.
The two officers working an extra job
at an eatery were called to break up a
disturbance there and observed two groups
of people involved. The officers recognized
these individuals as members of rival gangs
(Houstones and 2 Ward Gang).
The officers broke up the disturbance and
started to move the involved individuals
toward an exit. During this process one of
the officers identified an individual who was
intoxicated and this person was taken into
custody and handcuffed. The remainder of
the individuals left out the side exit with both
officers following. The arrested suspect was
with the second officer who searched him.
The second officer then called for a unit to
pick up the PI.
At about this time the valet at the
location advised the officers there was a
fight in the back parking lot. The first officer
ran to the parking lot. The second officer
followed with the arrested suspect in tow.
Upon reaching the parking area the officers
found the two groups in a disturbance again
so the first officer moved through the crowd
separating foes.
Three individuals entered a red/maroon
four-door car near the officer and were
shouting they would fix the problem and
kill the rivals. The first officer moved to the
driver’s side of the vehicle to remove the
driver and hopefully prevent the retrieval of
weapons from inside the car.
The front seat passenger had hold of the
driver and was digging around in the console
area for something as the officer attempted
to remove the driver. Before the driver could
be removed, the car shot forward and struck
a parked car. The first officer ran to the
driver’s side with his pistol drawn but could
not see in the driver’s side due to the dark
tint and the diminished lighting. He struck the
side window several times with the butt of his
pistol to break it but to no avail.
The vehicle backed up and the officer moved
away but was stuck placing him now in front
of the vehicle. The vehicle turned sharply as it
pulled forward. The driver advanced toward
the officer. The right front of the vehicle
struck the officer and picked him up onto
the hood. The officer fired his weapon one
time toward the driver. The officer rolled off
the hood.
The vehicle drove to the rear of the lot and
the first officer thought the suspects would
exit at the rear exit. The officer crossed the
lot through some parked cars and found the
suspect vehicle at the back of the lot. He
also found another uninvolved car parked in
the exit driveway. The first officer, using this
uninvolved car as cover, moved toward the
suspect vehicle in the hope he could obtain
a plate number. As he walked, the suspect
vehicle came around the uninvolved car on
the passenger side looking as if it were going
to keep traveling straight for the exit to the
freeway service road.
Just after clearing the front of the uninvolved
vehicle, the driver of the suspect vehicle
turned the wheel sharply to the left straight
toward the first officer. The officer, much to
his surprise, now was in the path of this car
again. He fired once again and the vehicle
swerved to the right missing the officer and
taking the exit to the freeway service road.
The officers were able to obtain a plate
number which was given to dispatch.
Later two individuals with gunshot wounds
showed up at Southwest Memorial
Hospital. One fled before the police arrived
but one remained and was taken into
custody. The vehicle was later recovered at
another location.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
The appeal of this two-day suspension was
held on April 3 before the Police Officers’
Civil Service Commission. A video recording
of the events was recovered from the eatery’s
security system which was utilized in the
underlying investigation and was shown to
the commissioners.
The appealing officer narrated the events
and answered questions as the situation
unfolded. The commission heard from the
Department and from the appealing officer.
At the conclusion of the evidence and after
closing arguments, the commission reduced
the discipline to a written reprimand for a
violation of the Appearance and Grooming
Standards and ordered all other citations
dismissed.
One-Day Suspension Overturned
REPRESENTATION
The Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission
heard an April 3 appeal of an officer’s
One-Dsay Suspension he received for an
at-fault accident.
The officer was responding to a Code 1
burglary in progress and was traveling on
Hempstead Highway. A vehicle in the left
lane failed to yield to his emergency vehicle,
so the officer moved to the right lane to go
around the vehicle.
Due to recent construction on the road,
there were several potholes in the right
lane. The patrol vehicle struck one of the
potholes, causing the rear tire to blow. The
officer lost control of the patrol vehicle and
struck another vehicle. The officer was cited
in his suspension letter with violation of
the Transportation Code section regarding
maintaining a single lane of traffic.
At the hearing, the evidence established that
the prep work for resurfacing of the road
(which caused the potholes to be worse) was
done during the four days that the officer
was off work, so the officer was not aware
of the treacherous road conditions. It was
also pointed out that citing the officer with
failing to maintain a single lane of traffic
was inappropriate because if the officer had
maintained a single lane, he would have
rear-ended the other vehicle, causing even
greater damage and injuries.
After considering all the evidence and the
testimony of the witnesses, the commission
overturned the one-day suspension.
In-custody dDeath Happens
in Memorial
REPRESENTATION
By Sally Ring, Staff Legal Counsel
About 6 p.m. on April 16, two officers were
dispatched to a Suicide/CIT call in the 14500
block of Chadbourne Drive in the Memorial
area. The officers made contact with a female
resident at the location, who advised that her
daughter’s boyfriend was inside, naked and
covered in blood.
The female stated that the boyfriend had
been acting very erratically all day and had
become violent by smashing and breaking
things. A sergeant arrived at the scene and
officers decided to enter the residence to
check the welfare of the boyfriend.
As officers entered the residence, they could
hear a male moaning, cursing and yelling
in the front bedroom. Officers approached
the bedroom and observed a naked male
lying on the bed. The male was covered in
blood, and repeatedly striking himself in the
face and groin area. HFD was present and
suggested that the male be wrapped in sheets
to subdue him, so he could be removed from
the bedroom and treated.
The male continued to be combative after
he was wrapped in the sheets, so HFD
requested that the male be handcuffed. One
officer linked together two sets of handcuffs
and cuffed the male behind his back. The
male was moved to the living room floor,
where he continued to thrash and yell. The
male began striking his head on the tile
floor. HFD continued to struggle with the
male to get him placed on the backboard to
be treated.
After smashing his head several times
on the floor, the male appeared to lose
consciousness. One of the officers remarked
that it appeared that the male was not
breathing. The male was immediately
unhandcuffed and HFD began attempts to
revive him. The male was transported to
the hospital with a very weak pulse. Officers
were notified that the male was pronounced
dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Officers Finally Subdue
Charging Man with Pole
after Numerous Tases
REPRESENTATION
who else was there but thought the man
might have been referring to someone in
the house.
The man then began swinging the pole he
had in and out of a window in the house.
Seeing that the man was using the pole as
a weapon, the officer drew his weapon and
advised dispatch that he needed more units.
Units began to arrive and the man became
more and more aggressive.
Several officers tased the suspect one after
the other, but the darts did nothing but make
the suspect more aggressive. The suspect
simply pulled the darts out of his clothes and
continued shouting and waiving the pole in a
threatening manner and yelling for officers to
kill him. The first officer continued to ask the
suspect to put the pole down, but the suspect
would not comply with the commands and
continued waiving and banging the pole as he
yelled for officers to shoot him.
The original officer was very persistent about
trying to calm down the suspect but was not
successful. A second officer at the scene
ultimately deployed his CED twice, striking
the suspect both times in his upper torso to
no avail.
A third officer also on the scene deployed
his taser twice, striking the suspect twice to
no avail.
A fourth officer also used his taser, striking
the suspect to no avail. The suspect removed
all the darts from his body and continued his
aggressive behavior.
A sergeant arrived and retrieved his bean
bag shotgun from his car. When he returned
with his bean bag gun (which looks like a
gun), the suspect became very excited and
agitated, yelling, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
The suspect then charged the officers from
very close range with the pole. The first
officer at the scene began trying to back
up and, fearing for his life, discharged his
weapon at the suspect.
By Nicole DeBorde, HPOU Shoot Team
A shooting happened just after midnight on
May 1 in the 6200 block of Collingsworth
when an officer responded to a home
invasion in progress. He was directed by
citizens to the suspect’s location. He could
hear a man saying, “You want to take my
head, here it is” as he approached.
Officers on the scene described the
suspect using the pole as a spear and in a
threatening manner. The officers were able
to get the suspect in cuffs after three of them
took him to the ground. The suspect, even
after being shot in the legs, chest and hand,
continued coming toward officers with the
pole in hand and had to be forcibly taken to
the ground.
The officer asked the man what was going on
and saw that the man was holding a metal
pole about seven feet in length. The man
replied by saying, “Either you are going to
shoot me or he is.” The officer could not see
As the first officer tried to get away
from the pole and the suspect, he fell
backward over debris in the yard where this was
taking place.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Officer Shoots Fleeing Suspect
who Pointed a Gun at Him
REPRESENTATION
By Sally Ring, Staff Legal Counsel
An officer-involved shooting took place after
1 p.m. May 5 in the 6400 block of Belarbor.
An officer responded to a call at a nearby
convenience store regarding males
attempting to pass counterfeit money, one of
them armed with a silver handgun.
The officer arrived at the location and
observed a car matching the suspect
vehicle description, and began to follow it. The
vehicle was occupied by three males. As the
officer pulled in behind the suspect vehicle,
the driver began to accelerate. The officer
turned on emergency equipment and the
suspect vehicle made a turn on Belarbor and
pulled into a residential driveway.
Both passengers got out of the vehicle and
the officer ordered everyone to remain
in the car. At this point, the front-seat
passenger fled on foot toward the
backyard of the residence. The suspect
initially struggled to open a side gate leading
to the back. At this point, the officer observed
the suspect holding a shiny object in his
right hand. The suspect was able to open the
gate, and ran to the back of the residence.
The suspect paid no attention to the officer’s
commands to stop.
As the officer entered the back yard, he
observed the suspect near the fence at the
rear of the property. The suspect appeared
to have attempted to climb the fence and
was jumping back down into the yard. At
this point, the officer observed that the
suspect had a silver handgun in his right
hand. The officer ordered the suspect to
drop the weapon, but the suspect turned
toward the officer, pointing the gun directly
at the officer. The officer discharged his
weapon two times at the suspect. The suspect
immediately fell to the ground, dropping
the gun.
The suspect was transported to the
hospital where he was pronounced dead
after attempts to revive him.
Maddened Suspect Dies
in Custody
REPRESENTATION
By Robert Armbruster, Staff Legal Counsel
Southeast Division officers called in a
death-in-custody about 5:30 a.m. May 6 at an
apartment in the 5900 block of Selinsky.
Officers were dispatched to a “citizen
holding a suspect” call at the apartment.
When the primary officer arrived and went
to the apartment, she found a female and a
male in the living room. The male became
agitated at seeing the officer and the female
suggested the officer wait for back-up and
that she would sit on the suspect to keep him
calm until back-up arrived.
The suspect had been smoking marijuana
laced with PCP and other drugs earlier and
had been violent by knocking holes in the
wall and tearing down curtains. When backup arrived, along with the sergeant, the
officers entered.
It was obvious the suspect was in need
of treatment and it was decided he
would be the subject of a mental health
commitment. He was acting irrationally,
mumbling incoherently, and once the officers
engaged him, resisted their efforts to gain
control of him. In order to safely maneuver
him down the stairs from the second story,
it was decided to obtain control over his
movements to prevent anyone from being
injured while negotiating the narrow stairs.
The suspect resisted efforts to be handcuffed
but finally officers were successful. However,
the suspect still had his legs free and used
them to start kicking about. The decision was
made to place leg restraints on the suspect
to be able to safely maneuver him down the
stairs. Once the suspect was secured, he was
still being verbal and was thrashing about.
As the officers turned him to his side, the
suspect appeared to go unconscious.
Not knowing if this was some ruse to have
him released from the restraints, the
officers tried a sternum rub and checked for
a pulse and breathing. He had a pulse and
was breathing but did not awaken, so the
leg restraints were removed. In a short time
the pulse became weaker and the breathing
stopped so the handcuffs were removed and
CPR was started.
The officer observed that several
people, including several HFD medics, were
surrounding one of the church maintenance
staffers, who was lying on the floor in obvious
distress. The man was disoriented and was
acting irrationally, attempting to get up even
though the medics were asking him to remain
on the ground so they could treat him.
The officer went over to assist, trying to
speak to the staffer and calm him, as
the suspect was large (over six feet and
nearly 300 pounds). The officer had hoped the
staffer would recognize his voice and calm
down since he had known him for more than
five years.
The staffer continued to struggle,
eventually shoving a glass bookcase while
trying to get up, then stumbling back to
the ground. Because the medics could not
control him, and they were concerned that
the staffer may fall into the glass bookcase,
the officer attempted to grab the staffer’s
arms and hold them away from his body so
he could not use them to push himself off the
floor again.
The officer was on his knees on the
floor, holding onto the staffer’s arms for
approximately a minute until the staffer wore
himself out and fell asleep on the floor,
snoring. The officer then assisted HFD in
placing the staffer on a gurney.
Several minutes later, the officer was
advised that the staffer had expired outside
the church and the medics were not able to
revive him.
The four officers rotated CPR until HFD
arrived. HFD worked on the suspect for
about 30 minutes before transporting him
to Ben Taub General Hospital. He was later
pronounced dead at Ben Taub.
In-Custody Death of a
Church Staffer
REPRESENTATION
An Officer reported an in-custody death
about 4 p.m. April 11 in the 2000 block of
Crawford. The officer, who was working a
plain clothes extra job at the St. John’s
United Methodist Church, had just returned
inside after escorting a pastor and his wife to
their vehicle.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Police Week calls Attention
to Police Heroes as well as
the Houstonians who Support them
By TOM KENNEDY
National Police Week in Houston once again proved to be a series of
special events designed to honor the past and present heroes of the
Houston Police Department.
At the luncheon two of the Department’s newest K-9s were officially
introduced to their sponsors. Those sponsors came forward with the
necessary funding at last year’s event and saw the results of their
largesse this year.
The Badge & Gun has extensive picture coverage – through
photographer Gary Hicks – of the special memorial programs held
during the week of May 6-16 in Houston’s Fonde Recreation Center
(used due to the rainy weather) and on the Capitol grounds in
Washington, D.C.
John Eddie and Sheridan Williams met “Keno,” while Trini Mendenhall
got to know “Dexter.” Both K9s are well trained and ready for duty.
Pictures tell the stories, especially through the work of HPOU
photographer Gary Hicks and HPD photographer Matt Fowler. These
stories are told throughout this current issue.
Besides the story of this year’s HPD Police Heroes at the awards
ceremony at the Downtown Hyatt on Monday, May 12, Houston Police
Foundation Board Chairman Tillman Fertitta presented Channel
13 anchorman Dave Ward with the foundation’s Volunteer of the
Year award.
As usual, when the challenge was issued to donate funding for
bullet-proof vests for officers, there was ample evidence of strong
support. Hands in the audience of about 1,200 popped up quicker than
hot kernels in a pop corn popper.
Floyd, of course, took names:
Under the guidance of the foundation’s executive director, Charlene
Floyd, the foundation has succeeded in raising innumerable dollars
to help HPD pay for unbudgeted needs such as bullet-proof vests and
police dogs.
Tilman Fertitta Don Sanders John Eddie Williams Paul Somerville Bill Nelson Blake Tartt Melanie Lawson and John Goess, Jr. Ellie and Michael Francisco Darla Lexington Courtney and Loc McNew Trini Mendenhall Paul Martin By DON EGDORF
Last month we ran a story about the street signs that will be placed
honoring our fallen officers.
We discussed many different options and finally decided on using
Memorial Drive as the pathway for the signs honoring these Houston
police heroes.
In addition to being the longest-serving TV anchorman in Houston
television history, Ward always serves as the emcee of the annual
Police Heroes event. But he has always been a policing advocate and
is known for his nighttime ride-alongs with HPD officers.
$25,000
$25,000
$25,000
$5,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
Avenue of Heroes will be on Memorial,
not Main Street
The plan now is for the signs to start around Houston Avenue and end
around Detering along the north and south edges of Memorial Drive.
This will take the path of these signs right past the Houston Police
Officers Memorial. The signs will be placed on light poles and will be
unobstructed from any other signage on the roadway.
Signs on Memorial Drive will be like this rendering.
After much consideration and many discussions, the city traffic
engineers decided that they did not feel like it was safe to place so
many signs along Main Street in downtown due to the fact that there
is so many signs and markers posted on that roadway.
While it seemed like a compromise initially, I think this a win for us
and will make a great new addition to the area.
As of right now, we will be going to the city public safety committee and
then to City Council for final approval. We expect his to happen fairly
quickly and as soon as we have a date we will keep everyone advised.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sergeant Mark S. Kilty
During his 35 year career, Sergeant Mark Kilty has exemplified the highest standards
of service to the Houston Police Department. He has served in the Vice Division for the
last 15 years where he realized the need to change from arresting low level members of
criminal organizations to targeting the heads of the organizations. He formed the Major
Investigation Squad and hand-picked motivated and creative officers. Sergeant Kilty
directed his squad’s efforts towards charging the owners of the illegal enterprises under
organized crime and money laundering statutes. This approach crippled the enterprises
and prevented them from continuing their illegal activities. His diligence, dedication, and
character are an example for all to follow.
Houston Police Foundation president Tillman Ferti
Channel 13 (KTRK) anchorman, the Foundation's Vo
POLICE HEROES PHOTOS
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Senior Police Officer Janice A. Hutchinson
After 27 years of dedicated service, Officer Janice Hutchinson retired from the
department. Twenty-one years were at Westside Patrol where she enjoyed direct
contact with the community. When she realized she couldn’t jump fences like she used
to, she moved to the Auto Dealers Unit. There Officer Hutchinson provided educational
and crime prevention opportunities to the insurance industry in Houston. She reached
out to patrol officers to educate them with wrecker and towing laws. Officer Hutchinson
was effective, knowledgeable, and professional in her approach to every task. She chose
to remain the rank of police officer because she wanted to maintain the close ties with
the community she policed and cared about. Officer Hutchinson was a Top Cop at a time
when female officers were still new to the world of policing.
Nearly forty years after he began his career with
Brown. He has led or supervised in 12 differe
department to have been nominated five times
received the award four times. While at Speci
began what became the Downtown on Watch P
initiated the reorganization of their Case Manage
with fewer officers. He also began using multi-di
profile robbery cases. Captain Brown is a quiet, in
every assignment with enthusiasm and a determ
Page 16A Badge & Gun • May 2014
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Senior Police Officer David Eagan
man Fertitta presents emcee Dave Ward, long-time
ation's Volunteer of the Year Award.
Officer David Eagan, one of the founding members of the North Division Differential
Response Team, has been with the department for 29 years. The unit was created to
be proactive in identifying underlying problems that could be targeted to reduce crime
and disorder at their roots. Officer Eagan is the master at finding these situations,
tracking down the responsible person and asking them to fix the code violations and
crime problems; if they did not comply he issued citations. Officer Eagan is the top
Differential Response Team officer in the city in recorded fines levied against violators,
totaling several million dollars, but has the highest number of properties rehabilitated
as a result of his investigations.
HOTOS BY MATT FOWLER
ward: Captain Milton D. Brown
reer with HPD, M.D. (Dale) Brown is now Captain
12 different divisions and is the only one in the
ive times for Manager of the Year and to have
at Special Operations Division, Captain Brown
Watch Program. While at Robbery Division, he
e Management system, resulting in more arrests
g multi-divisional task forces to quickly solve high
a quiet, innovative, decisive leader and has taken
a determination to improve the existing situation.
Lieutenant Carl S. Arrington
Lieutenant Carl Arrington has held many positions with the department during his 40
year tenure, but when he transferred to the Homicide Division, he found his home. He
worked on some of the most infamous cases in Houston history and participated in the
first murder solved with AFIS technology. The Houston Amber Alert System in place
today is the direct result of Lieutenant Arrington’s efforts and skill. Lieutenant Arrington
helped establish cooperation and communication between agencies to combat the
growing gang violence problem. As a lieutenant in Homicide, he has managed the night
shift murder squad, administrative squad, crime scene unit, major assaults, evening
shift and the gang murder squad. Honor, Integrity and Respect are all concepts that
Lieutenant Arrington has inculcated his entire career.
Page 17A Badge & Gun • May 2014
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Homicide Division
Capt. Ready Cites Clearance Rate
to put Lieutenants and Investigators
Second to None anywhere in U. S.
By TOM KENNEDY
You might say HPD’s Homicide Division is hot after cold cases and has
records to show that investigators are hotter than ever before.
Consider that Lt. Richard Kleczynski and the three sergeants and one
officer assigned to the Cold Case Squad are solving the cold ones at
a record-setting pace. In 2012, for example, investigators solved four
old cases – a number that grew to 10 last year. So far this year, the
number already has grown to six.
Record Clearance Rate
“We just solved a 2006 case,” Homicide Capt. Dwayne Ready told the
Badge & Gun. “The Homicide Division is gaining ground, not just in
the cold cases. Our clearance rate in 2012 was 70 percent and last
year it was 75 percent.
“Right now we are hovering around 90 percent so far this year. The
great people in this division are taking big steps and reaching beyond
their grasp.”
A defendant named Christopher Watson doesn’t feel too good
about Homicide’s ongoing diligence and success rate. Charges
against Watson allege that on April 19, 2006 he had an argument
with 33-year-old Shannon Stack and wound up shooting and killing
the man.
The case grew cold over the last eight years – until Kleczynski and his
team questioned a witness with heretofore unknown information. “A
witness,” Ready explained, “said something found its way back here.”
The captain went on to say that “sometimes they (the Cold Case
Squad) find leads through new technology like DNA. Sometimes it’s
with tips from Crime Stoppers and sometimes credible information
from somebody close to the case.
“We’ll take information no matter how we get it. Sometimes there
is evidence in a more recent case that links it to an older case – the
same firearm being used, for instance.”
In the Stack murder case, investigators were able to develop enough
evidence to file charges and put Watson in the Harris County Jail
without bond.
In addition to the Cold Case Squad, Ready has six day shift murder
squads and one each on the evening and night shifts, as well as the
Major Assaults Unit, Crime Analysis and support staff.
Ready has headed Homicide since January 2013. It is his ninth
assignment as a captain following stints at the Academy, Night
Command, Eastside, Human Resources, Public Affairs, South
Central, Emergency Communications and Central Patrol.
He said he came into his latest assignment extremely pleased with
the experience and determination he found in the personnel assigned
to Homicide Division.
The captain pointed out that if one goes by the statistics that HPD is
required to provide for the Uniform Crime Report – “what we report
to the federal government and how our clearance rate is established”
– Homicide currently has a 90 percent clearance rate.
“As much as I would like to take credit for it,” Ready said, “I know
that’s wrong. The credit belongs to the murder squad investigators
and their supervisors who exhaust all leads to bring these cases
to closure.”
Capt. Ready then assessed the current status of one of HPD’s most
prestigious investigative divisions.
Top-notch Investigators
“The division works tirelessly on cases ranging from smoking-gun
scenes where the suspect may still be present to the more complex
who-dun-its where nothing but skeleton remains are located.
“In all, Houston Homicide is second to none in the area of skill,
knowledge, ability and success in clearing murders. Nonetheless,
it must constantly reach beyond its own grasp in overcoming new
technology and the ever pressing need to organize investigations
for prosecution.”
Ready stressed that to spread the credit he should name every
member of the division. In the absence of doing that, he
insisted on identifying the Homicide Division’s lieutenants. And
they are: Kleczynski, Ron Sweet, Jay Barringer, Zach Becker, Steve
Arrington, Tony Huynh, Rory Lakind, Humberto Lopez, Ed Siska and
John Zitzmann.
The captain pointed out that the division is seeing improvements
through the expanding use of Quality Control management reports
that closely track pending issues such as Medical Examiner reports,
grand jury referrals, lab analysis, database reconciliation, death
codes, case filing and property disposition. In conjunction with
those changes, the division created or restructured many of the
databases that guide case reviews, divisional training and crime analysis,
he said.
“But for all the advances in technology and information, the one
factor that stands out from all the rest, and is chief among the
reasons why Houston murderers are brought to justice in higher
numbers than the national average, is the investigator,” Ready said.
“My experience has no parallel in observing the doggedness, grit,
tenacity and perseverance that Houston Homicide investigators bring
to the table.
“Whether 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., I have witnessed the managers,
supervisor and investigators respond to dynamic kidnappings,
officer-involved shootings and triple-murders with extreme focus,
coordination and organization.”
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Houston Police Week
Assistant Chief Mattie Provost poses with the family of Dennis Holmes.
Holmes died in the line of duty on Jan. 10, 2001. GARY HICKS PHOTO
Honor Guard member stands guard over the traditional wreath presented in the
ceremony honoring the memories of the 112 Houston officers who gave their lives
in the line of duty. GARY HICKS PHOTO.
Attending the Police Memorial Service
was the family of Gary Gryder – his
wife Debbie (Retired HPD) son Austin
Gryder and daughter Jennifer Streeter
(on left). GARY HICKS PHOTO.
Rain forced the annual Houston Police Memorial ceremonies to be held inside the Fonde Recreation Center. GARY HICKS PHOTO.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Del Real, Bruce named
Patrol Officers of the Month
The Houston Police Officers Union named Armando Del Real and
Christopher Bruce the Patrol Officers of the Month in the May
general membership meeting.
The two were recognized for his display of “exemplary courage when
he and Officer Bruce confronted and detailed a suspect.”
HPOU’s Colton Peverill presented the awards. Peverill said the
suspect had been drinking and was threatening his neighbors. He
also was firing a shotgun. Del Real and Bruce climbed a fence and
caught the suspect off guard as he was reloading.
Peverill said, “Officers Del Real and Bruce displayed immeasurable
courage and great composure in handling the scene with grace.
Officers were able to detain the the man without any more incident
and no shots being fired.”
HPOU honored and recognized “the amazing way they handled
this threat.”
HPOU’s Colton Peverill (left) and Patrol Officer of the Month
awardees Bruce and Del Real. GARY HICKS PHOTO
The captain went so far as to point that the investigators
consistently use their diligence on holidays, weekends “or being
stacked in rotation after working their normal eight-hour shift.”
Police Department Homicide Division to investigate the death of his
own family member should any one of them become a victim.
“He should know,” Ready said, “he was a Houston Homicide
investigator himself.”
He said, “They do it without the premium pay associated with other
assignments and they endure under an environment that causes
them to dwell and work on cases long after the original call and in
circumstances that demand their readiness when their suspect is
apprehended, when lab results come in or when a clue is passed with
the potential to break open their case.
“They travel to other cities and states in pursuit of their suspects
and work with federal agents to bring suspects back from foreign
countries. They stand in front of cameras to inform others of their
scenes and in front of family members to help them cope. “
Ready said it’s easy for him to understand why Police Chief Charles
“Chuck” McClelland so readily admits that he would want the Houston
Sgt. Phillip Mulford, second from left, was injured when he stopped to
assist a motorist with pushing his disabled vehicle from the roadway. He
and his son were pushing the car when DWI struck him. The HPOU and
Assist The Officer led a fundraiser that produced this check for $42,148
to help Mulford and his family with medical expenses. Pictured here are
HPOU 1st Vice President Doug Griffith, Mulford, his wife, Tiffany, and
Sgts. Quintanilla and Parker. GARY HICKS PHOTO
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Peer Support Team Now Operational
By BARBARA A. SCHWARTZ
Houston Officers Peer Assistance (HOPA) team is ready to assist you.
The HOPA team, comprised of retired officers, provides round-theclock, confidential assistance to current and retired officers.
HOPA services are available by calling 832-200-3499.
One Badge Leaning on Another
As the HOPA logo depicts, the peer assistance team is about one
badge leaning on another badge.
Confidentiality is Key
Confidentiality is the foundation of HOPA. Peer assisters sign a
binding confidentiality agreement.
PAs do not take or keep notes. For telephone service billing purposes
only, HOPA will keep track of the number of calls to the hotline, but
not the names of the callers.
Officers initiate contact with HOPA Peer Assisters by calling the
HOPA hotline at 832-200-3499. Officers control where, when and how
the assistance is given and provided. Officers determine whether
the contact is a one-time meeting or an ongoing relationship. Peer
assisters will not follow up with an officer unless the officer requests
and approves continued contact.
An officer is not required to give his/her name and can remain
completely anonymous. The PA may confirm that a caller is an
HPD officer.
Established as a nonprofit organization, HOPA is managed by a
board of directors and operates independently from the Houston
Police Department.
HOPA is funded solely by donations and does not draw any monetary
support from the department.
“Peer support has been shown to be a valuable asset in
helping officers deal with the trials and tribulations of both work
and the hardships it places on families,” HOPA Board President Joe
Gamaldi explained.
Houston has lagged behind other major cities in establishing a peer
support team. Departments with active teams have seen a reduction
in civilian complaints, use of force incidents, divorces, suicides and
on-the-job injuries.
“HOPA is not meant to replace Psych Services,” Gamaldi, who has led
the effort to establish HOPA, emphasized. “It’s simply another option
for officers to go to where they may feel more comfortable talking
to a peer who has been through what they have been through as a
police officer.”
HOPA chose retired officers to serve as PAs because they no longer
have ties to the department and they cannot be ordered to reveal
a contact or be compelled to break confidentiality. Using retired
officers eliminates the awkward possibility of a peer assister being
someone an officer works with, works for or has to supervise.
HOPA decided not to reveal the team roster of retired officers to
maintain confidentiality.
The HOPA Board of Directors continues to work with HPD Psychological
Services and the command staff to gain departmental recognition as
the official peer support team for HPD.
“I would like to thank all the members of the HOPA board, Barbara
Schwartz, Luis Menendez-Sierra, Rebecca Brown, and Paul Ogden
for making this idea a reality,” Gamaldi said.
“I would also like to thank Mike Hawkins, Don Egdorf, Will Reiser,
Alexa Gamaldi, Ray Hunt, Doug Griffith and the entire HPOU board
for their valuable contributions. Most of all I would like to thank our
retired volunteers. Without you brave men and women, we would not
be here today.”
HOPA would also like to acknowledge the peer support teams at the
Mississippi Law Enforcement Alliance for Peer Support (LEAPS),
the Pasadena PD and the League City PD for their assistance, help
and guidance.
There doesn’t have to be a critical incident or a crisis that officers
are experiencing. Officers can call a HOPA peer assister (PA) to
discuss a work-related problem, obtain career advice or talk about a
family issue.
HOPA provides nationally-certified training for all peer assisters.
Peer assisters pass a rigorous application and interview process to
qualify for the team and the training.
Peer assisters will be available 24/7 on a rotating schedule. Each
peer assister will be on call for a designated period with another PA
available for backup.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
DEADLINE SCHEDULE CHANGE
Special Notice to HPOU Members!
Due to the retirement
of its long-time printer,
The Badge & Gun
has a new printing contractor
with new deadlines.
All copy for stories and advertisements
should be in our hands no later than the
19th day of every month.
Thanks for your cooperation!
Sgt. Tom Hayes, Chairman
Communications Committee
Position16@hpou.org
281-924-3015
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Psych Services
Quoting an Officer to Her Son
before he Gets Married
Editor’s Note: Dr. Garmezy has counseled many Houston officers over
many years. In this column – an open letter to her son, who just got engaged
– she shares much marital wisdom, including some from one officer/client.
By LISA GARMEZY
Dear Son,
With your wedding following four months after my 30th anniversary,
I felt compelled to sum up what I’ve learned in 30 years of marriage
and 30 years of doing therapy. Six words are enough:
It gets harder.
It’s worth it.
You and your fiancée are happily sure of yourselves, your love and
your bright future. Right now, no one else can tempt you. Down the
road, when your working late night after night leaves your bride
feeling like a single parent, that won’t be true.
You’ll make it. Your college degrees are linked to lower divorce rates,
you’ve been together a long time, and you’ve learned to work out your
differences. Still, you can count on disagreements about kids, money,
sex and chores. People fight about the in-laws, too, but we hope you
dodge that bullet.
Unfortunately, even when vows are kept and things are relatively
peaceful, marriage is full of boring conversations about topics
like repairing versus replacing the garbage disposal. Today you
encourage and entertain and admire each other, but the daily grind
can overshadow all of that. Try not to let it.
Nurture the intimacy in your relationship and don’t take it for granted,
especially when you become parents. Those kids? Real romancekillers, you and your brother included.
But it’s worth it. It is an incredible feeling to love someone completely
and confidently for 30 years—someone who wasn’t born into a family
with you but chose you, from all the possible partners in the world,
and stuck by you in hard times and good times, in sickness and in
health—well, you know the rest.
As the joy of the engagement and life as newlyweds evolves into
secure married love, I hope you learn what your father and I have
learned. That is, long-term marriage is less giddy and perhaps less
FUN than the early years, but it is also deeper, stronger, and truer.
No Retreat
When love shifts and changes, never doubt that your beautiful fiancée
is the right wife for you. From high school to age 25, you two have
been amazing together.
I’m telling you, it’s a challenge. Marriage isn’t about doing what
comes naturally. If it were, we’d all sit around in sweats scratching
or having carrot cake for dinner.
Take Springsteen’s perspective as he nears his own 25th
anniversary: “We made a promise we swore we’d always
remember—no retreat, baby, no surrender.”
Words of Wisdom
I searched for classic quotes to instruct or inspire you, and decided
that the best advice I could offer came from an anonymous cop and
an ordinary citizen. More than 20 years ago, an officer came to me
for therapy as his second marriage fell apart. He told me, as many
clients have, that if he knew in the first marriage the things he learned
trying to save the second one, the first one would have worked.
Reflecting on the women he’d married, he said, “You might as well
keep the first one, because they’re all the same.”
“They ought to carve that on the Academy wall,” I told him.
It’s true, spouses are all the same. They all have needs, they all make
demands on you, and they all get hurt or angry when their needs
aren’t met. There is no paragon out there who will mesh with you so
perfectly that she will never disappoint you or be disappointed.
The second insight comes from the woman who cuts my hair. She’s
getting divorced after five years of matrimony. Rather bitterly, she
told me, “We spent a year planning the wedding but we didn’t spend
15 minutes planning the marriage.”
Good point: life isn’t about centerpieces and mini crab cakes.
Folks who don’t know each other’s incomes or how their partners
spend their money aren’t ready for marriage. Ditto folks who have a
physical relationship but can’t tell each other, “I love being close to
you, but that thing you did last night? I’m not a fan.”
I think you’re ready. You should read The Five Love Languages.
Actually, I’ll buy you a copy.
I love the daughter-in-law you picked out, and I love you with all my
heart.
Congratulations and God bless,
Mom
So like your great-great-grandparents in their arranged marriages,
embrace being stuck together for life. Treat your spouse nicely, so
that she’ll treat you nicely.
Marriage brings more than one kind of fight, and the hardest ones
are the ones you have with yourself when every fiber of your being
feels like punishing your spouse but you know better. Live with each
other thoughtfully.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Graphic Design & Illustration
Keith Margavio
6630 Roos Road • Houston, Texas 77074
713-503-9102 • solehouse@comcast.net
SERVING THE ALARM NEEDS
OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Graphic Design & Illustration
Keith Margavio
6630 Roos Road • Houston, Texas 77074
713-503-9102 • solehouse@comcast.net
5/29/14 12:17 AM
5/29/14 12:17 AM
HPOU,
Thank you very much for the watch for my retirement.
Steve Cesarek
HPOU,
I would like to express my gratitude to you for awarding me the 2014
HPOU Scholarship. The money will help me achieve my goals of
attending Texas A&M. Thank you again.
Julia McCord
HPOU,
With much gratitude.
Ray and the Board,
Our family greatly appreciates the beautiful plant that continues to
grow with us during this difficult time. Also appreciate the phone
calls and emails I received as well.
God bless.
The Brad Piel Family
HPOU Staff,
Thank you so much for the beautiful plant and for all your assistance in
our very difficult time. Our “blue family” has been an amazing blessing!
The Coffelt Family
Officer Bridgett Marshall
Support PAC,
It Pays Big Returns
5/29/14 12:17 AM
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5/29/14 12:17 AM
Volunteer Chaplain Dedicated Life
to Serving God and Enhancing
the Spiritual Lives of HPD Family
By TOM KENNEDY
Paul J. Giddens displayed his ever-ready and steadfast spiritual
support from early morning until late at night in his service as
HPOU’s volunteer chaplain since the early fall of 2012.
cared about was doing God’s work to help Houston police officers and
their families.
Chaplain Giddens died unexpectedly on May 12. He will be
remembered for his unhindered determination to do the Lord’s work.
“Nothing was beyond what he would do to assist officers or their
family members,” HPOU President Ray Hunt said in his
remembrance of Giddens. “He would make it a point to go by and visit
them – not just one visit but regular visits until their release.”
One case in point illustrates Giddens’ devotion to his volunteer
duty. Earlier this year he went through robotic surgery for a heart
condition at Methodist Hospital. He was recovering in a room down
the hall from an HPD family member.
“He walked down the hall in his hospital gown to visit this person,”
Hunt said. “His doctor spotted him and said, ‘Get back in there!’
“He was an incredible individual. Nothing stopped him from doing the
job he believed he was called to do.”
The HPOU president recalled that Giddens relished coming to work
for the HPOU, reporting directly to the board and serving as a
complement to HPD Chaplain Monty Montgomery, working with him
hand in hand on a growing number of occasions.
“If there truly was an individual who talked the talk and walked the
walk and served as a friend to all police officers, it was Paul Giddens,”
Montgomery said after the celebration of Giddens’ life at St. Michael’s
Catholic Church on Sage Road in the Galleria area on May 20.
Montgomery and Giddens worked closely on many occasions. They
often took turns saying the opening prayer at the HPOU’s general
membership meetings.
HPOU Chaplain Paul Giddens speaks at the Union’s May general
membership meeting. He frequently voiced the opening prayer at the meetings.
GARY HICKS PHOTO
Giddens had a prayer list a mile long. It included HPD officers, their
family members and even their friends. Asked once for scriptures
that would help cancer victims, the chaplain readily pulled out his
cell phone, secured an email address and sent a long list of Bible
references helpful to anyone ministering to cancer victims.
The Faithful Servant
Since that time Giddens – who seldom missed a Union general
membership meeting – must have doled out hundreds of his everpresent teddy bears to children, particularly those of injured HPD
officers and their families.
“I had a classmate in high school who got cancer,” Hunt said. “I went
out to M. D. Anderson to see her and told Paul. He asked for her
name. The next thing I know she calls me up and said he came by.”
The Lord’s Work
If Giddens knew one thing, he knew God answers prayer. This was
part of his walk and talk.
The Union took note of Gidden’s kindnesses and donated a few
hundred dollars to help the chaplain offset the cost of the bears. He
never accepted the funding.
Hunt’s classmate is now in remission.
Giddens made it clear to many people in HPOU and in the Texas
Medical Center – where he ministered on a daily (and nightly) basis
– that he cared nothing about earning or taking any money; all he
HPOU Board Member Rebecca Dallas remembers Giddens for his
deep commitment to officers and their families. Dallas is married
to Houston firefighter Doug Dallas, whose father, Charles, died on
Mother’s Day of 2013 in New Caney.
Continues on Page 3B
Page 1B Badge & Gun • June 2014
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Assistant Chaplain Giddens’ Near Death
Experience Led him to Help HPD Officers
By TOM KENNEDY
The story of Paul Giddens could take us down many paths. The major
one, we learn, was his near death experience at Methodist Hospital
almost seven years ago.
But he also had previously served as a paramedic and volunteer
firefighter when he lived and worked in Georgia, prompting
him to volunteer to help the massive influx of Katrina evacuees
from Louisiana.
But first there was the law
enforcement influence road
constructed by his father the
FBI official and gun aficionado, as well as his uncle
the Texas Ranger.
Giddens bluffed his way to a prime volunteer job – setting up a triage
for the injured evacuees in the horse arena in the Reliant/Astrodome
complex.
Further down the road came
his academic career that
entailed two finance and
accounting degrees from
the University of Texas.
Candy Road
That path, believe it or not,
led to an 11-year stint in
the U. S. Army, where Capt.
Giddens served two tours of
combat duty in Vietnam.
Volunteer Chaplain Paul Giddens (note his pocket) always had teddy bears with
the HPOU logo to present children of HPD officers during his hospital visits.
The next bend in his life’s road can be summed up with a sentence
from a brief resume synopsis, which reads, “He has built a career out
of making winners out of organizations.”
Giddens entered the private sector after his Army career. He
managed a fiber drum plant, undertook duties in Human Resources
and moved to Hackettstown, New Jersey, where he facilitated the
design and implementation of a state-of-the-art technology for
candy-making in the United States and four European locations.
He worked there for three weeks as a medical volunteer, putting in
14-hour days and getting a rewarding feeling inside that resulted from
using his talents unselfishly to help others who were less fortunate.
Giddens returned to his real job and promptly had a heart attack.
Doctors put a stint into his body; two minor heart attacks followed,
taking him up to Jan. 27, 2006.
It was a day that changed Giddens’ life. Let him tell you the story:
“On that day in January 2006 I suffered a heart attack where I ‘died’
for 10 minutes. I had an encounter with some sort of spiritual being
who told me, ‘I’ll give you one more chance to do things right.’
“I didn’t get up off the table. The pain in my chest area was so bad
that my doctor got a priest from St. Michael’s to give me the last rites.
There was no anesthesia. I heard the doctor say, ‘We got to go to work
right away.’ They went into the femoral arteries in each leg.
“There was a room full of MDs. I just remember all of a sudden that
it stopped hurting after 20 minutes. I didn’t have any pain.
“I heard somebody say, ‘Call him at 0315,’ which meant that would
be my exact time of death. I remember him saying that and my
cardiologist said, ‘Not on my watch!’
“I lost interest and moved my head over to the right. I saw a cloud
come in and (a male voice) began to communicate with me in some
way or another. It was a mental conversation. He made his point.”
To cut to the chase, he led the design of a computerized method for
making and printing M&Ms.
Getting the Point
From that “candy-coated road” he went to the General Electric
Company, where Jack Welch hired him to turn around the quality
programs for jet engine production.
“It’s all about love,” he said. “That’s what my angel told. I wanted to
be seen as being really good, doing all the right things for my own
benefit.”
And these are just a few of the “high roads” in Giddens’ successful
business management career.
Suddenly, he did a U-turn on his road of life. He got, as he says, “rereligioned” and began devoting his life to making a difference for
others. He had been in the military and “had carried a gun all my life.
I understood police officers and I wanted to do some good there.”
You have to fast forward on this life’s road to the year 2005. In
retirement, Giddens prefers taking the route that shows his love for
others, especially Houston police officers, and devoting his life to
helping them.
We have to recount what happened seven years ago to set the stage
for Giddens’ current unpaid job as assistant chaplain for the HPOU
and the Houston Police Department.
Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in September 2005. At the
time Giddens was senior vice president of Human Resources and
chief administrative officer for Quanex Corporation in Houston.
Giddens went through deacon training at the Catholic Church. He had
been well acquainted with HPD Sgt. Darrell Robertson, going back to
Robertson’s days at Fondren Division (now Gessner), and served as
a volunteer chaplain in the area. He eventually became the unofficial
volunteer assistant to HPD Chaplain Monty Montgomery.
When he learned that the local Catholic Diocese assigned chaplains
to various hospitals in the Texas Medical Center and the rest of
Houston, Giddens took the job nobody wanted – he volunteered as a
5/29/14 12:17 AM
Continues from Page 1B
Charles Dallas was to be buried in Mississippi where services were
set with a long-time pastor friend presiding. But the Dallas family
wanted a service scheduled in New Caney.
“We didn’t know a pastor here,” Dallas said. “We didn’t want anybody
from the funeral home to do it. We wanted somebody we at least
knew. I reached out to Paul.
“He came all the way up here and met with the family ahead of time
so he would know what was going on. He didn’t charge anything. He
didn’t require or want anything.
“We were very appreciative of what he did for us. He said, ‘Sure, no
problem at all’ when we asked him for his help. He never asked for
a dime.”
Dallas cited another apparent characteristic of Paul Giddens –
his faithfulness.
“He was so faithful,” she said. “When an officer or family member
first got into the hospital, he would check in with them. But after that
he would keep checking in on them all the time. It was unbelievable
that he was going and checking on officers after the initial meeting
with them.”
Giddens avoided politics at all costs and left one ministerial group he
thought was dishing out too much politics and not enough spirituality.
“He told me he would like to visit our officers and family members
and provide teddy bears for their kids,” Hunt recalled. “He wanted to
talk about spiritual things and we said that was okay.
“The board voted for him. He never received compensation from us
in any way, shape, form or fashion. We allowed him to put the HPOU
chaplain at Ben Taub General Hospital, one of Harris County’s two
charity hospitals.
This special road led HPOU President Ray Hunt and the
Union board members to provide Giddens with the necessary
identification to make his “assistant chaplain” title a bit more official.
He now walks the halls at Ben Taub and any other hospital carrying that
official designation.
“Paul has been volunteering for the city of Houston for many years,”
Hunt explained. “He really wanted to have a closer relationship with
this organization, so we named him second chaplain.
“He texts me at 3 or 4 in the morning while he’s visiting injured
officers. He never wants praise.
“Monty is ecstatic about it and appreciates anybody who can help him
out this much. Paul texted me when he went to Ben Taub at 3:30 in the
morning to visit two officers injured in a car accident. He left at 4:45.”
logo on the teddy bears and approved some money to help him. He
never would give us an invoice.”
The volunteer chaplain always headed to Ben Taub General and
the other hospitals in the Texas Medical Center around 4 a.m. from
his Pearland home. Quite often he would call or text Hunt about an
injured officer even before the HPD investigators arrived.
Giddens had parking privileges throughout the TMC and kept extensive lists of patients for one follow-up visit after another. He always
seemed to have the details about the sickness of the children, spouses and parents of many officers.
His wife Barbara was on a cruise at the time of his death. He died on
May 12, a Monday, but wasn’t found until the following Thursday when
a friend saw him on a recliner in the sunroom of the family home in
Pearland.
Barbara Giddens said her husband of 40 years – “a marriage made in
heaven” – apparently died peacefully. She said he and a friend were
scheduled to do some sports shooting on Thursday but Paul Giddens
had not responded to phone calls. When the friend learned that he
hadn’t been to the hospital in two days, he knew something serious
was going on. That’s when he discovered Giddens had passed away.
“He will be missed,” Barbara said. “He was obviously needed
somewhere else more. It was time for him to go home.”
Besides his wife, Paul Giddens leaves behind three daughters and
five grandchildren.
The daughters are Linda Mitchell, a store owner from New Jersey;
Michele Giddens, a lawyer from San Antonio; and Katherine Honeycutt,
an audiologist from Atlanta.
“I’ll do anything for a police officer and his family that needs to be
done,” he said. “When I go to Ben Taub, I usually see five or six
officers, say hello to them and ask them if they need coffee.”
Giddens was present in the Medical Center after Officer Eydelmen
Mani was critically injured in an automobile accident while on duty
May 19, 2010. “I was there when he died,” he said. “I was able to get
him a priest before he died. I did his funeral. He was a Catholic.
“If a police officer is involved, I’ll go to any of the hospitals. If an
officer is down, I go directly to the hospital and report to Monty.
“If they’re at St. Luke’s or M. D. Anderson, I’ll walk over there, go
in and see them. I leave my card and sometimes give flowers to
the nurses.
“I was with Jason Leal when he died (of cancer at MDA) and at the
funeral and the fundraiser we had for him. Anything I can do for
an officer I will do it. I go in every day and check. People get better
treatment if somebody comes in and takes an interest in them.
Giddens works 60 hours a week for no money. He routinely arises
early enough to reach Ben Taub and the TMC at about 3 a.m. and
returns to his home in Pearland about 2 p.m., at least four days a
week. He also goes in on Sundays to help a priest with Mass and the
visitation of Catholic patients.
“I want to do this for my own benefit, my own salvation.”
The assistant chaplain doesn’t confine his work to Ben Taub, not by a
long shot. He has a special parking place on premises and walks to
other hospital venues such as Memorial Hermann, M. D. Anderson,
Methodist and St. Luke’s.
“My whole life changed for the positive since I retired from everything
and started doing what I’m doing,” Giddens said. “This is the high
point of my life.”
The assistant chaplain is usually identifiable by his white coat and the
small teddy bears stuffed in his pockets. They are special gifts for the
people he sees and ministers to, especially in Intensive Care.
5/29/14 12:17 AM
POLICE WEEK HONOREES
Rookie of the Year
Officer John Stroble
Since Officer John Stroble completed his probation he set
himself apart from his peers. In one case, the suspects told Officer
Stroble that the man who had reported them to the police knew the
location of a missing juvenile. Officer Stroble questioned the man who
admitted to picking up the juvenile on Halloween night. Officer
Stroble noticed a police jacket in the backseat of the man’s vehicle
and when the juvenile was found, she stated she had been forced into
a vehicle by suspects wearing police jackets. She identified the man’s
vehicle and said she had been sexually assaulted in the backseat. The
suspect confessed to sexually assaulting the juvenile and was
charged with aggravated kidnapping.
Instructor of the Year
Officer Rebecca Brown
Houston was one of six police departments nationwide to be
selected as a learning site for the specialized policing tactics used
for responding to incidents involving the mentally ill. Officer Rebecca
Brown has taken the initiative as an instructor to develop and put into
practice a comprehensive crisis intervention training curriculum as
part of the onsite regional training offered through HPD. During 2013
Officer Brown has taught 525 individuals from over 136 agencies.
Patrol Officer of the Year
1st Officer Rudy DeLeon
If Officer Rudy DeLeon is not on dispatched calls or assignments, he
is constantly engaged in gathering criminal intelligence and tracking
wanted suspects. Officer DeLeon has a unique ability to talk with the
citizens, establishing a trust and rapport with them and he receives
calls almost daily notifying him of sightings of wanted suspects. He
has the ability to obtain information and in the past year he has been
able to identify nearly all the major players in the local gangs. Officer
DeLeon’s performance has been an inspiration and outstanding
example for other officers.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Patrol Officer of the Year
2nd Officer Wilfred Della
Officer Wilfred Della Jr. is not only the consummate patrol
officer, but also a field trainer and evaluator who ensures his
probationer officers are well trained. He willingly participates in the
retraining and counseling of officers who experience difficulties in work
performances and investigations. He volunteers for calls for service,
checks by with coworkers, initiates field activities, issues citations,
demonstrates excellent decision making skills and makes arrests
on a daily basis. It’s not just one thing Officer Della does well; it is
everything he does well on a daily basis.
Patrol Supervisor of the Year
Sergeant Paul Weido
Sergeant Paul Weido was on patrol when he saw smoke coming
from some condominiums. Sergeant Weido notified dispatch and
went to the complex to investigate, finding one of the condos totally
engulfed in flames. Sergeant Weido could not enter that condo due
to the heavy fire, but noticed the roof of the condo next door was on
fire. He breached the door of that unit and found it filled with heavy
smoke. Without regard for his safety, Sergeant Weido entered and
went upstairs to check for possible victims. Sergeant Weido found
a man asleep in an upstairs bed room woke him and escorted him
safely out of the residence.
Civilian Skilled Service
Employee of the Year
Stable Attendant Claudia Walter
Stable Attendant Claudia Walter is one of the most dedicated and
humble employees in the department. Being a stable attendant at
Mounted Patrol is a very demanding job, mentally and physically.
There are many days that Ms. Walter is the only person at the stable
taking care of 40 plus equines. She also provides medical care to
several of them. She has been kicked, bitten, and knocked down by
many of the horses, but instead of blaming the horse she always tries
to figure out how she needs to change herself and her approach so it
does not happen again.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Tactical Officer of the Year
Officer John Fisher
Officer John Fisher responded to a welfare check at an apartment
complex, where a man was holding his one year old child and a
woman hostage and threatening to stab the woman. The officers
could hear the woman screaming. Officer Fisher and other officers
kicked in the door and as they entered, the woman ran out. Officer
Fisher took the lead in trying to convince the crack smoking suspect
to drop the knife he was holding to his child. Ignoring the officers’
verbal commands, the suspect tried to move into the bathroom and
moved the knife to the child’s throat. Officer Fisher shot the suspect
and rescued the child.
Specialized Officer of the Year
Sergeant Michael McClane
Sergeant Michael McClane has been a member of the Hostage
Negotiation Team (HNT) for more than 20 years of his 38 year
tenure with HPD. He is responsible for training, scheduling, properly
equipping, coordinating and delegating responsibilities for 20
volunteer negotiators who are assigned to different divisions in the
department. Sergeant McClane responds to almost every special
threat situation the HNT is called to and supports all negotiators
on the scene as well as acting as one himself, and prepares all
documentation for after action critiques.
CIT Officer of the Year
Officer Reginald Dunn
Officer Reginald Dunn, a member of the Intervention Response
Team for five years, led the Mental Health Division in five critical
areas of service, handling 727 Crisis Intervention Team calls for
service and 241 emergency detention orders. Emergency Detention
Orders are critical because persons in crisis need medical and
professional attention and most persons in crisis almost never want
help. Officer Dunn’s professionalism and patience in these situations is
extraordinary. He has a calm demeanor and is able to diffuse
these unstable, often dangerous situations. Officer Dunn has been
complimented on how he treats persons who are in crisis and
mistrustful of authority.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Civilian Protective Services
Mobility Service Officer
Cawlyn B. Robinson
While Mobility Service Officer Cawlyn Robinson’s primary
responsibility is responding to dispatch calls for traffic control, he
volunteered to be the special event coordinator for overtime for
the Mobility Response Team. He is responsible for maintaining an
overtime rotation personnel roster, documenting overtime events,
to include resource expenditures and personnel accountability. In
2013 Mr. Robinson coordinated 229 events requiring the service
of the equivalent of 1,700 Mobility Service Officers. Without this
support from the Mobility Service Officers the Special Operations
Division would have had to use classified officers. Mr. Robinson
has also shown leadership during catastrophic mobility events,
demonstrating his commitment to the job.
Senior Police Officer of the Year
Officer Douglas Anders
After his assignment to the Mental Health Division, Officer Douglas
Anders began to identify serious issues with unregulated personal
care homes. Taking the lead in researching hundreds of known
locations with high call volumes, he identified commonly reported
complaints of financial fraud, physical abuse and neglect from
victims and citizens. Officer Anders worked tirelessly and
relentlessly with local community leaders, advocates for the
mentally ill and disabled and city council members to bring
awareness to this issue. Officer Anders’ initiative and passion were
instrumental to helping develop a new city ordinance regulating
Boarding Homes in Houston, which passed in July, 2013.
Proactive Investigator of the Year
Officer Michael Burdick
Officer Michael Burdick has been investigating a criminal street
gang that stole prescription drugs from pharmacies by smashing the
drive through windows of the stores to gain access. The gang was
targeting both national chains and small independent pharmacies in
Texas and other states. Officer Burdick developed informants who had
knowledge of the gang’s burglary activities and he used their
information to track the gang’s activities. Working with the
pharmacies’ loss prevention personnel and law enforcement
agencies in other states Officer Burdick was able to coordinate the
arrest and charging of several suspects. His sharing of information
has been paramount to this successful investigation on a local, state
and national level.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Reactive Investigator of the Year
Officer Chudy Onwuka
Officer Chudy Onwuka came to Burglary and Theft on a rotational
assignment and decided that was the type of Police work that he
wanted to do. He applied for a permanent position and became an
investigator in July, 2013. During the last six months of 2013, Officer
Onwuka conducted and concluded 118 burglary investigations. Officer
Onwuka is credited with the arrest of 28 burglary and theft suspects,
21 of which were felony arrests and filed 24 charges. He made 19
property recoveries with a total value of $47,655. Officer Onwuka
cleared 64 cases which resulted in a clearance rate of 54 percent.
Partners of the Year
Officer Adam Bock
and Officer Christian Dorton
Officers Christian Dorton and Adam Bock were looking at a series
of Burglary of Motor Vehicles where the incidents appeared to be
random. After numerous interviews, Officers Dorton and Bock
uncovered a common denominator. Each complainant told officers
that they had visited a bank to withdraw cash and left the cash in
their vehicle when they made another stop. The officers discovered
that these burglaries were part of a more sophisticated crime known
as jugging. Officers Dorton and Bock devised a plan to bait the
criminals into breaking into undercover vehicles and arrested numerous
suspects. They also helped educate the public by giving media
interviews about jugging and prepared a presentation to share their
knowledge with the department and other agencies.
Investigative Supervisor of the Year
Sergeant Lauren White
Sergeant Lauren White has been involved in the Sexual Assault Kit
backlog project since 2010. She became the Combined DNA Index
System or CODIS point of contact for the Juvenile Division and was
responsible for reviewing, tracking, and investigative follow-up
management of all CODIS hits linked to cases involving juvenile
complainants or suspects. In February, 2013, Sergeant White received
a CODIS match on a suspect in a sexual assault of a 12 year old and a
second match on the same suspect in a case involving a 16 year old.
Sergeant White ultimately found 19 cases connected to this suspect.
Sergeant White worked closely with Harris County District Attorney’s
office and charges are expected once the DNA testing is complete.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Technical Support Employee of the Year
Officer Elizabeth Scardino
Officer Elizabeth Scardino is responsible for the day to day operation
of the Robbery Division’s Video Forensic Unit. Her efforts are mainly
focused on the procurement and dissemination of video evidence
from robberies. The amount of work that goes into a final video/
photographic product is incredible. Potential video evidence must
be located, captured or converted into a compatible format. Once
in a usable form, many hours of video must be sifted through to
find the exact time in which the robbery occurred. Officer Scardino
picks up video evidence and processes it immediately so that a fresh
image can be released to media outlets. Officer Scardino regularly
processes over 1000 video requests a year.
Civilian Technical Employee of the Year
Senior Computer Operator Martin Lopez
Senior Computer Operator Martin Lopez was asked by his
superiors to help choose the most appropriate evidence management
system for the department. Today, the system which he assisted in
finding, known by the acronym BEAST, is used to manage the intake,
storage, and retrieval of over 414,000 items. Because Mr. Lopez
utilizes this system daily he is critical in ensuring proper
accountability and chain of custody of these items. As part of
the department’s DNA clearance project, Mr. Lopez developed a
database to identify and track the packaging, labeling, submission
and retrieval of over 18,000 evidentiary items from more than 9,000
cases sent to two different laboratories. He accomplished this with
100% accountability.
Civilian Administrative/Para Professional
Administrative Assistant Joe Zapata
Administrative Assistant Joe Zapata arrives each morning with
a positive attitude, despite an ever increasing volume of open
records. In 2013, Mr. Zapata handled approximately 825 Texas Public
Information Act requests with zero citizen complaints, all with very
stringent statutory deadlines. He diligently protected the integrity of
unsolved murder cases, the privacy of sexual assault victims, and the
confidentiality of juvenile records all while maintaining a sharp focus
on customer service. Always willing to come in early and stay late,
Mr. Zapata never lets an open records walk-in get turned away just
because it’s 5 o’clock. He selflessly inspires his peers with humor,
humility and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
POLICE WEEK WASHINGTON DC
As usual, the Houston Police Department produced a large group of representatives for the Police
Week activities in Washington, D. C. GARY HICKS PHOTO
Honor Guard members provide a dramatic pose with the Capitol in the
background. GARY HICKS PHOTO
Among the HPD contingent were, left to right, Mike Herb (former HPD), Steven
Dau, Tim Whitaker, Terry Wolfe, Larry Jaskolka, Don Egdorf, Tiffany Jefferson,
Gary Hicks, Sabrina Rocha, Ray Sanchez and John Brodie
5/29/14 12:18 AM
POLICE WEEK WASHINGTON DC
The panoramic view of the Nation’s Capitol grounds
at the special memorial service held during National
Police Week. GARY HICKS PHOTO
Vice President Joe Biden led the Police Week ceremonies observed in the
Nation’s Capitol. GARY HICKS PHOTO
No ceremony in Houston, Austin or Washington, D. C.
would be complete without the HPD Honor Guard.
GARY HICKS PHOTO
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Civilian Professional
Senior Community
Liaison Rhonda R. Holmes
Senior Community Liaison Rhonda Holmes is the Youth Police
Advisory Council or YPAC Program Coordinator. The first group of
its kind in the nation, YPAC was created in 1997 to recognize that
teenagers are often overlooked as a source of insight into youth and
law enforcement issues. While a typical YPAC year coincided with
the school year, Ms. Holmes’ commitment to the group prompted her
to develop year round activities. She has a sincere concern that all
youth become leaders and productive, successful young adults. Ms.
Holmes success with the group has generated attention and inquiries
from around the country. Rhonda Holmes was unable to attend the
presentation. Her daughter, Alexandria Law, accepted the award on
behalf of her mother.
Civilian Supervisor of the Year
Police Telecommunicator Supervisor
Tonica Weathers
Police Telecommunicator Supervisor Tonica Weathers is an
excellent dispatcher and supervisor. Her primary responsibility is
working Watch Command, where she clears calls for service, makes
call backs to obtain additional information for field units, assists her
subordinates and assists citizens on the phone. When called upon,
she is more than willing to sit in and dispatch calls for service. PTS
Weathers was a part of the MSG1 Project, where she assisted in
creating a protocol for MSG1 Audits and wrote the SOP for this
protocol. She and another supervisor are compiling material for
training in the MSG1class and conducting the training.
Administrative Classified
Sergeant George Mixon
When the Mental Health Division was elevated from unit to divisional
status, Sergeant George Mixon transferred into the division with the
goal of setting up and establishing HPDs newest addition. Sergeant
Mixon began drafting new Standard Operation Procedures and
assisted with updating General Order 500-12, Persons Affected with
Mental Illness. Additionally he worked on circulars noting legislative
changes as they affected the divisional operations. Sergeant Mixon
established various monthly reporting mechanisms for internal and
external accountability. He is meticulous, dedicated and consistently
maintains a professional demeanor. Sergeant Mixon has displayed
exceptional work ethic as he has ensured that the Mental Health
Division is being set up with the future in mind.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Mid-Manager of the Year
Lieutenant Lisa Bujnoch
Lieutenant Lisa Bujnoch manages the Major Offenders’ Inter-Agency
Task Forces which target Major Organized Federal Crimes. In
2013 Lieutenant Bujnoch was instrumental in continuing the great
working relationship between the department, FBI and the ATF. She
often represents the department in meetings with Federal agency
personnel to assure that all policies and procedures are being
followed for the successful outcome and prosecution of complex
investigations. A consummate professional, she is consistently
involved in the management of all inter-agency operations and was
hands on during several major Federal arrests of robbery suspects.
These operations required an extensive amount of manpower and
were operations that were complex, dangerous and required a
consistent management overview.
Civilian Manager of the Year
Division Manager Francisco Rodriguez
Division Manager Francisco Rodriguez is responsible for all aspects
of HPD procurements, purchasing, contracting, P-Card control, and
requisitioning of temporary services. He has complete mastery of
the field and is able to motivate, direct and teach staff on the correct
and approved methods of procurement. He provides expert guidance
with development of complex contracting issues and counsels HPD
executives on appropriate acquisition and contracting processes. Mr.
Rodriguez has established himself not only as HPD’s resident expert
in this field but he is also recognized as one of the top experts in the
entire city, and is a key participant in the Procure2Pay project.
Manager of the Year
Captain Larry Baimbridge
Captain Larry Baimbridge exemplifies the epitome of the
professional police manager. He always approaches his job with
the utmost enthusiasm and energy and relays this attitude to his
subordinates. Captain Baimbridge regularly schedules ride-alongs
with street officers and encourages his lieutenants to do the same.
He has increased his involvement with the community and has
regular meetings with the community groups, professional
organizations and other government agencies as well as
attending numerous department meetings. Under his
management the Highway Interdiction Unit has become the only
municipal unit in the nation to receive a National Unit Citation Award
from the United States Department of Transportation Federal
Motor Carriers Safety Administration in conjunction with the Drug
Interdiction Assistance program.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
FTO of the Year
Officer Barbara Gastmyer
Officer Barbara Gastmyer has trained and evaluated probationary police officers for more than twenty years. Her dedication to the field
training program and knowledge of the job have helped numerous probationary officers successfully complete the program, fully equipped
and prepared to serve the citizens of Houston. Officer Gastmyer instructs officers in obtaining arrest warrants, search warrants, handling
the mentally ill, vehicle pursuits; and other routine tasks such as traffic enforcement and municipal code violations. Officer Gastmyer is a
perfect example of dedicated, highly skilled, field-training officer who daily leads by example setting the standard for all officers to follow.
Undercover Investigator of the Year
Officer Marshum D. Sinegal
Not available
DRT/CSO of the Year
Officer Mary Young
When Officer Mary Young transferred to the Southwest Division she began preparations for a community backpack give away for
disadvantaged children to start the school year. Over 1,400 backpacks filled with school supplies were collected and distributed. She
coordinated the first annual “After Dark in the Clarke” event so area children had a safe environment to trick or treat during Halloween.
During Thanksgiving she organized Gratitude for Giving in which 300 people were fed a Thanksgiving meal. The event had entertainment
and speakers. In December Officer Young teamed up with Target and provided bicycles and gift cards to purchase clothing and toys for
area children.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
5/29/14 12:18 AM
By NELSON ZOCH
January 10, 2001
Lest We Forget
Officer Dennis Holmes Suffers Heart Attack
During Arrest of Suspect on Northwest Side
Dennis Edward Holmes was born on May
1, 1955, in Washington, D.C. He grew up in
Dansville, New York, graduating from high
school there in 1974. He earned a Criminal
Justice degree from the Community College
of the Finger Lakes in Canandaiqua, New
York, in 1976. Holmes began his police career
with the Veterans Administration Medical
Center in Batavia, New York. It continued with
a tour of duty with the City of Dansville, New
York. From there, he served as an officer with
the State University of New York in Genesco,
New York. He then worked for the U. S.
government in Hot Springs, South Dakota.
gathered about the principals involved. This
was the case on this Wednesday night in
early 2001. Surveillance of a suspect brought
all investigative units involved to an area
near Willowbrook Mall. While this shopping
mall was in the jurisdictional area of the City
of Houston, the suspects whose activities
were being closely monitored were in the
unincorporated areas of Harris County.
Shortly before 10:35 p.m., a suspect in this
Holmes was assigned to a case outside the
realm of routine auto theft assignments. An
ongoing investigation was being conducted
into the auto theft activities of a group of
suspects strongly suspected to be involved in
other organized criminal enterprises such as
forgery and counterfeit currency activities.
As a result, county and federal authorities
were involved.
Investigations of this type involved an
extensive amount of surveillance in which
detailed amounts of intelligence was
The officers took the suspect from the vehicle
and were attempted to handcuff him when
he resisted. A struggle ensued and officers
finally got him on the ground and in custody.
They observed Officer Holmes step forward,
then backward, and fall to the ground. As the
suspect was quickly turned over to the county
officer, the Houston officers turned their
attention to their fallen comrade.
He did not appear to be breathing and the
officers detected no pulse. Sergeant Gerlich
began CPR while medical assistance was
summoned. An ambulance arrived before
LifeFlight Helicoptor was able to fly in and
land. Officers deemed Holmes’ condition
serious enough to require the Cypress Creek
Medical Service ambulance to rush the
officer to Houston Northwest Medical Center.
Despite all the efforts made to revive him,
Officer Holmes was pronounced dead at
11:45 p.m. He was forty-five years old.
Holmes joined the Houston Police Department
by way of Police Cadet Class No. 101 on
November 2, 1981. After taking his oath of
office on March 5, 1982, he began his career
with an assignment to the Northeast Patrol
Division-Night Shift. He wore Badge No. 717.
His career was honorable in every respect.
In 1992, with the departmental wide acceptance of police officers for assignment to the
investigative divisions, he was selected for
assignment to the Auto Theft Division. In each
of Officer Holmes’ varied law enforcement
assignments, he bettered himself with each
move and had truly found his niche with HPD
and the Auto Theft Division.
All law enforcement officers go to work
each day with someone expecting them to
come home safely. The officers themselves,
while being fully aware of what could happen
during their shift, expect the same – to finish
their tour of duty and return home safely. On
the night of Wednesday, January 10, 2001,
Officer Dennis Holmes left his family to do
his tour of duty in the Auto Theft Division
– just another routine night. But he never
came home.
led the other officers as they approached the
suspect vehicle from the rear and side.
Officer Dennis Edward Holmes
investigation made his move. The team of
investigators on duty consisted of Officer
Holmes and Sergeants Craig Newman and
Colin Gerlich of the Auto Theft Division, all in
separate vehicles. Assisting them were two
Secret Service agents and a marked Harris
County Sheriff’s Department unit.
The county unit attempted to make the stop,
but the suspect initially balked at pulling
over to the curb despite the unmarked units
rolling in front and to the rear of the
suspect’s vehicle. The marked unit used its
emergency equipment to attempt to stop
the suspect, who had been speeding. The
suspect then attempted to pass the unmarked
units in front of him. When officers finally
made the stop in the 6400 block of Bourgeois
Road in Harris County, Officer Holmes was
still in front. Sergeants Newman and Gerlich
Officer Dennis Edward Holmes was
survived by his wife Mrs. Kym Holmes and
two daughters, fourteen-year-old Kristen
Nicole Holmes and nine-year-old Ashley
Ann Holmes. Also surviving him were his
parents, Edward Holmes and Alta Holmes of
Dansville, New York; one sister and brotherin-law, Elaine Holmes Frew and Kenneth
Frew of Dansville; and two brothers and their
wives, Kenneth Holmes and Linda Holmes
of Hawaii and John Holmes and Theresa
Holmes of Dansville; and numerous nieces,
nephews and other relatives.
Kingwood Funeral Home was in charge of
arrangements. Visitation began at 11 a.m.
Sunday, January 14, 2001 and continued with
the family present from 5 to 7 p.m., at
which time a vigil was held. Funeral services
were held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 15 at
the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church,
527 South Houston Avenue in Humble, with
the Monsignor Paul Procella officiating.
Entombment followed at the Calvary Hill
Cemetery Mausoleum, 21723 Aldine Westfield
Road in north Harris County.
There were no obvious previous health
conditions that might in some way explain
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Nasa Honors Fallen MIT Officer,
‘Family Member’
By BARBARA A. SCHWARTZ
NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston honored the memory of
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Police Officer Sean
Collier in Mission Control on April 25.
One year and one week after the Boston Marathon bombing suspects
assassinated Officer Sean Collier, his brother Andrew Collier visited
the space center for the surprise tribute.
JSC and MIT
On the main screen in front of the flight controllers’ consoles, the
International Space Station (ISS) Mission Control Center displayed a
photo tribute featuring Officer Collier and the words: “In Memory of
Officer Sean Collier, Badge #179, End of Watch, April 18, 2013.”
JSC has a long association with MIT dating back to the 1960s and
the Apollo lunar landing program. MIT’s Draper Labs developed
the navigation and guidance software that made the moon landings
possible. Draper Labs also contributed to the Space Shuttle
rendezvous software.
This is NASA’s special tribute to MIT Officer Sean Collier, who was assassinated
by the Boston Marathon bombers.
Andrew admitted that the full impact of the honorarium for Sean
didn’t set in until after the tour of JSC. “Knowing what goes on in that
room, that astronauts’ lives are on the line, and they stopped what
they were doing to honor Sean was really amazing.”
Norm Knight, chief of the Flight Director Office, welcomed Andrew
and his fiancé, Tori Tornatore, into mission control and hosted a tour
of the ISS control center and the historic Apollo mission control room
from which the lunar landing flights were managed.
Knight noted that not many people are honored in the Mission
Control Center.
“This was special. A unique circumstance of a high visibility event in
this country. Andrew’s visit allowed us to show our appreciation to the
brother of an officer who gave his life protecting us,” Knight explained.
Astronaut Mike Fossum (middle) explains a mockup of a space station module to
(l to r) Rico Garcia from The Thin Blue Line Foundation, Andrew Collier, Patrick
Buzzard from JSC’s Emergency Preparedness Office who escorted the tour, and
HPOU’s Tom Hayes.
Hundreds of MIT graduates work at NASA centers throughout the
country, and MIT researchers have flown science experiments
onboard the ISS.
JSC considers MIT part of the NASA family. Officer Sean Collier lost
his life protecting that family.
The loss hit home at Houston’s space center.
Overwhelmed at just being in Mission Control, Andrew was taken
back when the trajectory plot map on the center screen disappeared
and Sean’s photograph appeared.
“Really cool to see Sean up there like that,” Andrew said.
“Coming so close to Police Week,” Norm stated, “we felt that Sean
symbolized everyone who has given their lives in the line of duty.
This was our way of saying thanks to the men and women who
serve and protect us every day and allow us to do our jobs here in
mission control.”
An Impressive Tour
Andrew’s tour included training mockups of the ISS, the Russian
Soyuz, and the last remaining Space Shuttle Crew Trainer.
Astronaut Mike Fossum, who flew on the Space Shuttle and spent
six months onboard the ISS, escorted Andrew through the mockups.
“Andrew’s life was forever impacted by this national tragedy,”
Fossum said. “I was honored to be part of his tour and share the
exciting things that we do. I hope the tour eased some of his pain from
losing his brother. Andrew had another surprise in store for him on
the tour – driving the Mars Exploration Rover.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
5/29/14 12:18 AM
“I’m a car guy, gear head, and like anything with a motor,” Andrew,
who works in the engine department for Hendrick Motorsports, a
NASCAR team, said. “Actually being able to drive the rover was way
beyond anything I thought I’d do in my life.”
Jodi Graf, a robotics engineer, facilitated the rover ride on a
simulated Mars surface complete with craters and a bouldercovered hill.
“I’ve bragged about it at work,” Andrew beamed.
The Thin Blue Line Foundation invited Andrew to speak at the Texas
Association of First Responders Wild Game cookoff on April 26.
The Thin Blue Line Foundation sponsored the trip after reading in
the Badge & Gun about Andrew’s efforts to pass Congressional
legislation for a national holiday devoted to honoring first responders
around the country.
Andrew spearheaded the First Responders Day legislation as a way
to honor his brother’s sacrifice.
The Crusade Continues
In February, Massachusetts Congressman Michael Capuano
introduced the legislation on the floor of the House of Representatives
and the legislation has gone to committee.
While in Washington, D.C., for this year’s Police Week, Andrew spoke
to Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. She asked Andrew to send
this tragedy. An autopsy showed that Officer Holmes’ sudden
death was natural due to cardiomyopathy. In layman’s terms, this
happens when there is a tremendous amount of fibrosis or
scarring on the heart muscle, which causes damage to the nerves
as well as enlargement of the heart. This complicated diagnosis
was well documented in correspondence to the chief of police in the
investigation that resulted in Holmes’ death determined to be IN THE
LINE OF DUTY. This death was very similar to that of Officer James T.
Gambill on December 1, 1936.
her information about the legislation. Andrew hopes Sen. Warren will
sponsor the bill in the Senate.
“Right now it’s a waiting game.” Andrew referred to the status of the
First Responders Day holiday. “It’s about getting the word out and
more public support.”
The Houston Police Officers Union (HPOU) and the Badge & Gun
continue to publicize the need for signatures on an online petition
to support the First Responders Day legislation. The petition can be
accessed at: http://www.change.org/firstresponders.
HPOU furnishes a laptop at monthly general membership meetings
for officers to sign the petition.
Following his trip to Houston and the speech at the cookoff, Andrew
saw an increase in Texas residents signing the petition, making his
trip to Houston a success.
Both Norm Knight and Astronaut Mike Fossum were impressed and
inspired by Andrew’s quest to enact a First Responders Day holiday.
“Takes courage to do that,” Norm pointed out.
The same courage that led his brother Sean into a career in law
enforcement.
Andrew thanked all those who made his trip to Houston possible
and memorable. Andrew continues to be awed by the response and
support he and his family have received from Sean’s law
enforcement family.
to Washington D.C. for this solemn occasion during National Police
Week in our nation’s capital.
As for the suspect, the state filed no charges relating to the death of
Officer Holmes against him. He did face counterfeiting charges.
In 2006, Mrs. Kym Holmes still resided in her home in northeast
Harris County. Daughter Kristen was attending a local community
college, while daughter Ashley was a local high school student. The
rest of the Holmes family remained basically where they were at the
time of Holmes’ death. Sergeants Craig Newman and Colin Gerlich,
both very close friends of Officer Dennis Holmes, were still assigned
to the Auto Theft Division in 2006. The Auto Theft suffered two
tremendous losses in a very short time period. First came Officer
Troy Blando in May 1999 and then, less than two years later, Officer
Dennis Holmes.
NOTE: Through the joint efforts of Family Assistance Officer Michael
Newsome and Nelson Zoch, the proper correspondence was
forwarded to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington,
D.C. It seems that due to the unusual circumstances surrounding
the death of Officer Dennis Holmes, he had never been properly
recognized on the National Memorial. This oversight was corrected
and in May, 2014, Officer Dennis Holmes of the Houston Police
Department was officially recognized in Washington as a DEATH
IN THE LINE OF DUTY. Mrs. Kym Holmes, her daughters, as well
as a number of family members and a group from HPOU, traveled
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Obituaries
Aguilar
Agnes Aguilar passed away May 4. She is the mother-in-law of Senior
Police Officer Russell R. Ruth, assigned to the Kingwood Station.
Services were held May 2 with burial in Houston National Cemetery.
Alvarado
Andres Alvarado passed away April 20. He is the grandfather of Jail
Attendant Isael Alvarado. Services were held April 22.
Bollier
Mrs. Sandra L. Bollier passed away on April 23. She is the wife of
retired Sgt. Wilber W. Bollier, who retired in 1999, while last assigned
to the South Central Division. Services were held April 26.
Canales
Isabel Canales passed away April 18. She is the mother-in-law of
Senior Police Officer Peter Razo, assigned to Southeast, and Car
Attendant John S. Mokarzel Jr., assigned to the Fleet Unit. Services
were held April 24.
Carrasco
Hector Carrasco passed away April 29. He is the father-in-law of
retired Lt. David J. Brem, who entered phase down March 21, 2009,
while he was assigned to the Airport/IAH Division. Services were
held April 30.
Doreck
Lawrence D. Doreck passed away May 1, 2014. He is the father of Sgt.
Larry E. Doreck, assigned to the Robbery Division.
Escobar
Mrs. Maria Garcia Escobar passed away May 2. She is the mother of
Senior Police Officer Norman J. Escobar, assigned to the Northeast
Division. Services were held May 6.
Gomez
Maria M. Gomez passed away May 12. She is the grandmother of
Police Officer Mark A. Gomez (North Division) and Police Officer
Francisco R. Gomez (Traffic Enforcement). Services were held May
15 with burial in Houston National Cemetery.
Harris
Mrs. Lizzie Harris passed away. She is the grandmother of Jail
Attendant John K. Harris assigned to the Jail Division. Services were
held April 25 in Arkansas.
Ho
Yen Thi Ho passed away May 6. She is the grandmother of Joanne
H. Tran, an executive police administrator assigned to Budget and
Finance. Services were held May 10.
Joswiak
Bernard Joswiak passed away April 29. He is the father of Sgt. James
G. Joswiak, assigned to the Auto Theft Division. Services were held
May 2 with burial in Houston National Cemetery.
LaSalle
Retired Houston Health Inspector Jim V. LaSalle, 83, passed away
on April 22. He is the grandfather of Sgt. Bryan Moseley, assigned
to the Jail Division, and father-in-law of retired Sgt. John Cliff “J.C.”
Moseley, who retired in 1991. Mr. LaSalle served in the United States
Army and Air Force. Services were held April 28 with burial in
Houston National Cemetery.
Mitchell
Retired Micro Computer Analyst Willie Jay Mitchell passed away
April 29. Mr. Mitchell joined the Department Dec. 2, 2002 and was
medically separated Nov. 10, 2010. He was assigned to Technology
Services at the time of his retirement. Services were held May 3.
Price
Mrs. Edna Gertrude Price, 91, passed away on April 20. She is the
surviving spouse of Police Officer Carl Price, who retired on Jan.
3, 1977, and passed away on March 29, 1983.Carl’s brother, retired
Police Officer Sanford A. “SAP” Price passed away on Jan. 15, 2014.
Carl’s other brother Jerrel A. Price, graduated HPD Class No. 7 with
Carl on Oct. 12, 1951. The Price brothers had a brother-in-law follow
them to the Houston Police Department. Troy R. Driskell graduated
HPD Class No. 12 on Aug. 8, 1955 and retired as a sergeant on April 2,
1979. Carl Price had two nephews that followed him to HPD. Michael
G. Price graduated HPD Class No. 70 on June 9, 1975 and retired as a
sergeant on April 24, 2004. The final nephew that followed Carl Price
to HPD is Capt. Carl W. Driskell (Phase Down C). Services for Mrs.
Price were held April 24 with burial in Lovelady, Texas.
Reyes
elso A. Reyes passed away May 9. He is the brother of Police Officer
Iris P. Loya, assigned to Central Patrol. Services were held May 17
with burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Rogers
Mr. Jack Rogers passed away on April 24. He is the father-in-law of
Evidence Tech Supervisor Kerry Palmer, assigned to the Property
Division. Services were held May 3 with burial in Golden Gate Cemetery.
Sills
Retired Sgt. Jay B. Sills passed away May 17. Sills joined the
Department Nov. 6, 1961 as a member of Academy Class No. 25.
He was assigned to Southeast, Emergency Communications, Traffic
Enforcement Northeast, Northwest and North Division. He promoted
to sergeant on Oct. 3, 1969 and retired from the Department March 6,
1985. Graveside services were held May 24.
Torres
Mrs. Juanita B. Torres passed away on May 14. She is the mother of
Senior Police Officer Merced C. Torres, assigned to the South Central
Division, aunt of Police Officer Robert F. Garcia, assigned to Crime
Analysis, and sister-in-law of Senior Police Officer Ernest M. Mireles,
assigned to the Airport/IAH Division. Services were held May 21 with
burial in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
Woolsey
Retired Police Officer Thomas M. Woolsey passed away on May 12.
He joined Police Academy Class No. 51 on Aug. 23, 1971. During his
career, he served at the Central Division and the Fleet Unit, and retired
on Jan. 31, 1992 while last assigned to the Special Operations Division.
Services were held May 15 with burial in Houston National Cemetery.
Wright
Mrs. Essie White passed away on April 16. She is the mother-in-law
of Staff Analyst Janet G. White, assigned to the Criminal Intelligence
Division. Services were held April 22 with burial in Houston National
Cemetery.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
In Memory of…
June - Houston Police Officers
Slain in the Line of Duty
Davie Murdock 06-27-1921
Worth Davis 06-17-1928
Oscar Hope 06-22-1929
Noel R. Miller 06-06-1958
Floyd T. Deloach, Jr. 06-30-1965
Ben E. Gerhart 06-26-1968
Bobby L. James 06-26-1968
David E. Noel 06-17-1972
Jerry L. Riley 06-18-1974
Timothy L. Hearn 06-08-1978
James B. Irby 06-27-1990
Gary Allen Gryder 06-29-2008
Jeter Young 06-19-1921
George Edwards 06-30-1939
Let us Never Forget...
Henry Canales 06-23-2009
If anyone knows of friends or family members who might have photographs that we are missing, please call The Badge & Gun at 713-223-4286.
5/29/14 12:18 AM
5/29/14 12:18 AM
Transportation
2010 Harley Davidson Road King, 19000 miles, Full One Year HD
Warranty transferable. Black with pin stripping and Cobra Pipes.
Excellent Condition. $14,700. Call Bill at 713-725-6559.
2011 Custom BBQ Concession Trailer $17000 OBO Perfect
for Catering, Events, BBQ Competitions, Concessions, etc.
Trailer features 2 Pits & 1 Rib Smoker (fit up to 18 briskets),
Outside Firebox, Air Conditioner, Breaker Box, Double Sink,
1 Separate Hand-Wash Sink, Waste Holding Water Tank, Fresh
Water Tank, Water- Pump, Serving Window, Washable-Formica
Laminated Counter Tops, Vinyl Linoleum Flooring, cabinets for
storage, Lockable Entry Door, tandem Axle, and Briggs Stratton
900 Generator. For more information please email Jennifer at
hefnersemail@gmail.com
2001 Yamaha V-Star 650 custom paint job with airbrushed skulls.
Hard chrome exhaust, Baron Drag handle bars, Forward Controls,
Shaved rear fender, license plate side mount, Hypercharger
intake, skull hand mirrors and much more. Firm on price, cash
only, no trades, no payment plan, no test drive. $5500 cash. Text
Juan 713-269-4222. Serious buyers only please.
2006 Suzuki Hayabusa 1300cc Silver/Blue color, 1300cc, it has
full Muzzy exhaust, Rear LED Tail light, HID headlight, Lowering
Kit, Rear steel brake line, rear wave rotor, license plate side
mount, current mileage is 6,194 miles. Firm on price, cash only,
no trades, no payment plan, no test drive. $7500 cash. Text Juan
713- 269-4222. Serious buyers only please.
2005 Harley-Davidson FatBoy 15th Yr. Edition Black with silver
pin stripe, 16K miles, Great condition!! Python staggered dual
pipes with Stage 1 kit installed by H-D sounds great! lowering
kit, side license plate mount LED brake light, some custom parts,
$9,900 obo. Call or text Augustine 832-577-4373 pls leave msg.
08 CVO Road King $21,000 obo. This bike is gorgeous, must see In
person to appreciate. It has 33K well taken care of miles. Contact
Josh 281-704-0176
2008 BMW R1200 RT-P (police) Motorcycle Original owner,
ridden daily and maintained parade spotless throughout, within
past 1500 miles new tires (oem Conti RoadAttack), 4 new spark
plugs, new brake pads front and rear. $12,000. Contact Wil
832-922-7820 or willywilborn@yahoo.com
2008 Roadmaster Trailer, 27', V-Nose, Tram axle 7,000 pd,
GWVR 14,000 pds, 8' wide. Ramp and side door, sky light, air
vent, E-Torec system with connectors, Sway bar weight disc
system, electric brakes with safety cable, new spare, all like new
$10,000.00 Call 936-635-9326
Project Truck 1955 Chevy Pickup No motor or transmission,
painted pearl white and sub framed, new window seals and
glass, new rims and tires. $8000.00 Call Thomas for more details
281-703-7521
2007 Harley-Limited Production Screaming Eagle Road King.
Black with factory custom flame paint. Less than 5K miles. Bike
has $20,000 in factory extra asking $35,000. J.T. Templeton
817-480-1543 or 817-321-8645
For Rent/Lease/Sale
Bay Home - Matagorda Bay Area. Listed with Keller Williams,
Sharon Gilmore. $99,500
House and land for sale off Hwy 105 between Cleveland and
Conroe. Custom built house on 21.5 fenced acres. House is 3/2
with double detached garage. Price includes a Kubota tractor.
If interested to see, contact Ford Realty at 936-756-3673.
9305 Faulkner Road, Cleveland, TX. Owner is retired HPD officer
J.D. Middleton. Price has been reduced. MLS # is #30683353
Country living in Brazos County between Navasota and College
Station. This home on 6 beautiful acres is the perfect setting for
those wanting to live in a quiet rural setting that is close to the
city. The main house is a 2,800 sq. ft. 3 Bdr. 2.5 Ba. with a large
office area and a 2 car garage. The guest house is a newly built
1 Bdr. 1 Ba. detached home that is ideal for the Mother-in-law
or visiting friends or family. Additional features include a large,
enclosed tractor bay and hay barn as well as horse/cattle pens.
Good producing well and domestic water provided by Wellborn
Water. Neighbors include active and retired firefighters and
police officers. Price just reduced to sell; $347,500. Call for
details. Tim Gallagher (979)676–1621
7.81 Acres in the Texas Hill Country Great Building Site for your
Dream Home or Heavenly Hideaway! Wolf Creek Ranch in Burnet
County! 1 BR, 1 Bath, 4-Sided Rock Apartment attached to 2-Car
Garage! Metal Roof, 50-Gallon Water Tank, Septic large enough
for 4000 sf home. Call Debbie with Highland Lakes Real Estate at
512-796-0187. Owner is an HPD Retiree
10.079 acres of land between Brenham and Chappell Hill, Texas.
Cleared and ready to build. Pecan trees and fenced. $169,000 and
owner will finance with 20% down. Call Ray 281 701 5428.
Apartment Specials! Licensed Real Estate Agent with Texas Apt.
Locators. Tammy (HPD wife) 281-507-9405 or Tammy@texashomeagent.net Free service! Houston/Galveston area. Ask about
rebates. Sorry, can’t help with free apartment extra jobs but, I
do have a database full of apartments offering officer discounts.
I work with bad credit, broken leases, large dogs, students, & all
price ranges. Save time and money going with a locator.
For Sale. 6320 Westcreek Pearland. Unrestricted on .75 acres,
remodeled interior, separate workshop. Prudential Gary Greene,
Realtors. Diane Mireles, 281-723-2888.
Colorado River property 35 min from Houston. Beautiful 24+
acre tracts of land on the bank of the Colorado River. Covered
with huge Live Oak trees and County Rd access. Each tract has
more than a hundred yards of river frontage for fishing, swimming, boating or waterfowl. Tracts are 100% wooded and covered
with Whitetail deer, hog and other wildlife. This Riverfront
property is absolutely gorgeous and an awesome location for
a weekend getaway, permanent residence or merely an investment property. Property had same owner for last 50 years and
is basically undisturbed. 12k acre, property will not be broken up
in small tracts to maintain all land owners privacy. If interested
in owning your own riverfront property for personal or family
recreation, please call or text 361-208-4055
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo for rent (2nd floor).North West;
7402 Alabonson #708, Houston, TX 77088 "Inwood Pines"; 290/
Bingle area. Available for move in 12-01-2011, very quiet complex,
minutes from downtown. $685 per month. Officer M. Douglas
832-687-4985 after 10:30 am.
4000 sq ft Home on 2+ acres - 3 minutes from Lake Sam Rayburn
access. Must see $250,000.00 Phone 936-635-9326
Wooded Interior Lot in Westwood Shores on Lake Livingston,
golf, camping, tennis, swimming, and boating $1200, Please call
Kim 832-768-6612
New Listing! - $259,900 Charming custom built brick home
finished in 1999 on 1.5 acres of oaks, cedars, youpons and abundant wildlife. 3/2/2, CH/CA, recent upgrades including Silestone
Countertops, Polywood Plantation Shutters throughout, Tile and
Laminate flooring, some carpet. Well, Septic, and La Grange ISD.
Six miles South of La Grange off FM 609 on Valenta Rd., one mile
down, red brick house on left. Owners relocating. Offered by
Realtor/Owner Vickey Grieger (979) 249-667
Great country get away. Small 2 bd/2 ba house near Hearne Tx.
Near plenty of hunting leases, golf course, and brazos river fishing. 450/month plus deposit. Greg @ 281-330-7778
2 Bedroom 2 Bath Condo Tapatio Springs in Boerne, Texas
Completely furnished. Call Retired Sgt H.A. Stevens 877-522-4455
One Acre Lot in Elgin, TX Off Hwy.95, Near 290. The lot is in an
exclusive and restricted gated community (The Arbor of Dogwood
Creek). The subdivision has paved road, tennis court, jogging
trail, pavillion and more. This wooded lot is located in a cul-desac. Asking $26,000. Contact M.L. Sistrunk 281-788-0256
Great Home in Rockport, TX Built in 2005, this Comfortable 3/2
bath single story stucco home is located in a gated community on
12.33 acres. Amenities include: tile roof, heated pool and hot tub,
attached oversized 3 car garage (30x35), and a large detached
metal workshop (36x36) with large garage doors and a 15 ton
hoist, covered patio areas both in front and back, a circle drive,
and plenty of room for parking. There are two stocked fishing
ponds, and horses are allowed. Priced to sell. For info contact
Rebecca Lee @ 361-729-4404, Coldwell Banker MLS ID#113208.
What an amazing deal! Charming three bedroom two bath patio
home located in a great gated community at 3123 Lavender
Candle Dr. Spring, TX. Property includes a two car attached
garage, master suite, cozy fire place and much more for only
$1,300.00 month. Price is negotiable. Please contact Officer
Edith Maldonado at 832-434-4266 or edi2m@aol.com.
Classifieds
New Listing For Sale solid wood twin bedroom set, many pieces
Call 713-459-8111
Cemetary Lot, Grand View Memorial Park in Pasadena. Lot 157.
Garden of Devotion $1,200. Contact Amy 832-729-1975.
Crypt For Sale Forest Park Westheimer Excellent location
“Inside” Ready to sell 281-686-9490
Brookside Cemetery Spaces 2,3 $2750 per space. Section 234
(old section) catdog02@gmail.com C.V. Thompson 254-947-8524
Remington 700 .243 Win caliber. BDL Custom Deluxe model
Bolt Action rifle with 22” barrel, gloss finish, 5-shot capacity,
and walnut stock. Mint in box. Paid $925 in 1996. Asking $675.
Call James 713-503-5107
Garden Park Cemetery, Conroe, Texas. Lawn Crypt section 4,
lot 30, spaces 7&8. Very well kept Cemetery, 4,000 ea. Call Doug
Bell 817-573-1675
Two cemetery lots. Grand view Memorial Park 8500 Spencer
highway in Pasadena. The cemetery sells the lots for $4495 each.
We are asking $6500 for both. Call Charlie Everts 409 739-1206
Handcrafted leather cross key chains tooled and personalized,
$1.50 each (including shipping). Limit 5 letters, chain included.
Other products available. For more info or to order call Justin, 14
year old son of an HPD Officer, at 936-499-4385
Westwood Campng Club Membership, Trinity, Texas, $3,500.00
/ OBO Retired Officer A.L. Albritton 936-890-4374 or 830-221-5152
FREE MONEY: $2,000 COMMISSION REBATE to HPOU members
when they buy or sell a house. James Cline, Realtor, 281-548-3131
or www.2cashback.org
Magnetic Signs white 24”x6” with “POLICE” in bold 21”x5” black
letters. Pair $25. Call 936-327-3205 HPD Parents company
Services
Mediation “Solve your problem before you go to court” was
taught over two thousand years ago. Disputed issues were
re-solved by honest communication and responsibility. This
re-duced costs, time and stress of fighting legal issues
in court. Problem-solving mediation v. Negotiation-based
mediation (Problem-solving mediation with or without
attorneys) www.PaulRodriguezMediations.com 713/785-8181
Officers: Thank you for your service.
BUSINESS OWNERSHIP- THE NEXT THING IN FITNESS, MASSAGE
& NUTRITION Own you Business and Start Taking Advantage of
the Coming Tipping Point with Insurance Mandates. "Efficiency
Wellness” is an all inclusive approach to wellness that addresses
today’s busy lifestyle. You Retain 100% control of Your Business,
No Franchise or Royalty Fees. TEXANS HELPING TEXANS - U.S.
Headquarters in Brookshire Texas. Master Territories Still Open
to include Houston and U.S. Locations. Start and Fund this
Business using Tax Free Monies from your Retirement Accounts.
Come see our Studio in Katy Texas and experience the Next
Generation in Self Directed Health and Wellness. Husband to a
23 year Police Veteran and my hopes are to have short 2-way
learning conversation. Please contact troy@ wellnesscenterdevelopers.com visit the website www. WellnessCenterDevelopers.
com or call 713-253-2923
De’Vine Events Planning a wedding is stressful, but it doesn’t
have to be. For all your wedding needs, Contact Diana, Certified
Wedding Consultant at (713) 598-4931.
For All Your Gun and Ammo Needs Black Gold Guns & Ammo.
Buy, Sell & Trade 713-694-4887
1 Bedroom Unit For Rent Village Wood Town homes 1529 Wirt
Rd/Spring Branch. Utilities paid. Basic cable. Excellent Location.
Joe Scott 713-935-9137
Aurelia E Weems, CPA formerly Dumar Consulting returns to
HPOU for its 9th Year to provide discounted tax services for
officers and their families. Please watch for us on Mondays and
Thursdays from 9:00am-2:00pm at the Union building at 1602
State Street. We are available to meet at any HPD location for
the ease of the officers as well as accept information via email or
fax. If you have any questions please contact Aurelia E Weems,
CPA at (936) 273-1188 or (281) 363-4555 or visit us on the web at
www.aewcpa.com
Lake Livingston Townhome 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bath For rent Call
832-876-5511 or 713-459-8111
TAX PREPARATION From Home Office. Low Fees - $65 up.
L. Dexter Price, CPA. ldexterprice@ comcast.net 713.826.4777
House for Rent: Bear Creek Area. 3 Bedroom/Game room.
Cy-Fair School District. Swimming Pool. $1095.00/month. Call
832-282-5216.
Are you tired of making the same New Year's Resolution? Are
you ready to take control of your life? We have solutions, take
control of your health, time & finances! For more info. Please
call: Stacy @ 832-651-5739
Summer Rental Galveston Beach House. 3br 2 bath. Sleeps
8-10. Great Gulf view just steps from the beach. Newly renovated/
updated. H.L. Richter HPD (ret) 936-329-1456
Miscellaneous
Glock 17 9mm with two clips $325. Call Tim 281-731-8450
2 pair of HPD Motorcycle boots 9 1/2 - 10. Very good condition.
$150.00 obo 832-731-0900
Rest Haven section 21, lot 180, spaces 1, 2, and 3 monument
valued at $3595.00 asking for $2800.00 each. 713.501.3824 Willie
Residential and Commercial Remodeling Kitchens and
counter tops, ceramic and wood floors, interior and exterior
painting, handyman services, with discount prices for the Law
Enforcement family. Larry Baimbridge, Sr. 281-655-4880
All natural skin care products for the whole family. Handmade
soaps, lotions and body scrubs will nourish you skin. Great for
gifts and everyday use. Ask about our Mother’s Day special.
Call Lisa and Jim at 936-648-6145 or www.goodcleanlivin.com.
Gold Rush Tax Service 281-399-3188 Same Day Refund Special
Police Officer Rates Brenda Webb (retired officer’s wife) brenda@
goldrushtax.com
Main Street Builders Residential and Commercial Construction
Licensed and Insured. David Webber (owner) Rt HPD 832-618-2009
Tax Preparation From Home Office 40% - 50% Lower Fees.
Contact for estimate L. Dexter Price, CPA ldexterprice@comcast.net
832.243.1477
Gone Fishing wantafishtx.com Jim Hobson retired 936-615-2777
or love2fish@suddenlink.net Vickey Grieger, Realtor Cell:
(979) 249-6675 Fax: (775) 373-5048 texashousemouse@yahoo.com
TSR Country Properties 115 West Fayette Street, Fayetteville,
TX 78940 Office (979) 378-2222 Fax (979) 378-2240
Hunting Weekend Expedition Affordable prices, private
property. Whitetails, exotics & pigs. Call for details Officer Mike
Gonzalez 713-702-5838 or email gmiguel@att.net
Why rent when you can own while keeping your monthly
payments about the same. For more info call 281-914-7351
Houston’s Wedding People Wedding Services, Wedding cakes,
Decorations, Chair covers, Favors Call today for free taste testing
and consultation 281-881-5027 www.houstonsweddingpeople.com
Mini Storage Police officer discount. 290 area. Call Dave for
details 713-460-4611
MOMs Helping MOMs Work from Home! Computer Required.
www.myhomebiz4u.com Paula A. Weatherly Independent Avon
Representative To buy or sell AVON, contact me! Lots of great
products at unbelievable prices! Start your AVON career for only
$10! a97ag@earthlink.net or www.youravon.com/pweatherly
281-852-8605 Smile! Jesus Loves Us!
Discount on Moonwalk Rentals Rent a moonwalk for your
special occasion. We deliver and pick up so you don’t have to!
Please call Officer Chris DeAlejandro at 713-922-8166 or Carla
DeAlejandro at 713-384-5361. Please let us know that you’re Law
Enforcement Personal.
Home Inspections by TexaSpec Inspections. Free foundation
evaluations and alarm systems for HPD. State Licensed ICC
Certified Inspector. 281-370-6803.
Have a special day coming up? Let us make it even more special
with Eten Candy custom chocolate candies. From birthdays, weddings, and every holiday. We even do bachelor and bachelorette
parties. Why not have party favors that everyone will remember
and talk about. Just e-mail Jessica at etencandy@sbcglobal.com
for more info. Candies are made to suit your needs
Need help in forgiving or forgetting. Call Linda McKenzie for
more info on Christ centered counseling services 282-261-2952
or 832-250-6016 where everyone is given the opportunity for a
fresh start
Your Travel, Tax, Health, & Nutritional needs. We can get you
where you want to go, and keep you healthy doing it. Contact Greg
& Cathy Lewis 832-969-0502 or 832 969 0503
“Photos to Albums”. Your memories creatively designed in an
album. Any occasion, celebration, family trips. Call Theresa Arlen
at 832-229-6292.
Piano Lessons: 30 minutes for $15.00.Student Recitals. Call
Daniel Jones at 281-487-9328 or cell: 713-557-4362
Calling All Mothers of Houston Police Officers. As a proud
mother of a Houston Police Officer, I am interested in starting a
support group of Mothers of Houston Police Officers (MOHPO). I
need your support. Please call me for more info: Frances Runnels
at 713-436-0794 after 6 p.m. weekdays.
Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers A place for Christians to
come together and encourage one another. For information about
other activities visit www.fcpohouston.org.
Wanted
In search of Artex, liquid embroidery dealer. Please contact
Donna at 281-782-3144
Widow of police officer looking for vehicle used/good condition
under $2000.00. Could owner carry notes. 281.782.3144
HPD Commemorative Pistols I'm looking to buy one or two
of the HPD commemorative pistols. I seem to recall they were
offered around 1978-1982. Joe Salvato (Ret.) 281-728-0131
Wanted Beretta 9MM FS “Police Special” (Black or Stainless)
Please call Zach (832) 457-0647.
Wanted Top CA$H Paid for your used or unwanted guns.
Blackgold Guns & Ammo 713-694-4867 Police Officer Owned
Colt .45 HPD Commemorative Pistol Call Paul 713-240-4672
2 Horse Trailer or 14 - 16 ft. Stock Trailer. Bumper Pull. R. Webb
281-399-1212 Cell 713-822-1867
Looking for a home or bare land? Contact retired officer,
DALLAS BINGLEY at Kerrville Realty - in the Heart of the Texas
Hill Country: (O) 830-896-2200 or (M) 830-739-1766 dallasb@
dallasb.name
5/29/14 12:18 AM
5/29/14 12:18 AM

PDF - Houston Police Officers Union

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