Members of that great organization known as the HPD family always seem to step forward with the ultimate thoughtful gestures when a grieving family member is involved.

Such was the case at the 2008 memorial service for Senior Police Officer Gary Gryder, killed in the line of duty by a drunken driver at the site of an extra job on the Katy Freeway.

According to standard operating procedure, the HPD Honor Guard provides officers who participate in the traditional 21-gun salute in tribute to the fallen officer.

Twenty-one shots result in 21 spent shells. Then-Honor Guard leader David Freytag picked up the shells. Ever-thoughtful, Freytag knew that Gryder’s widow, Debbie, herself a retired HPD officer, would want these special mementos for the family.

Freytag, now retired, has a reputation for acting accordingly in circumstances involving a family’s grief. The job of comforting the surviving family of a fallen officer as he presented a family member – usually the widow – with the Stars and Stripes that had draped the officer’s coffin before burial or entombment.

In this case, Freytag didn’t produce the shells directly to Debbie Gryder – he had other plans. He pulled aside Narcotics Officer Bubba Caldwell, a long-time HPOU board member, and presented them to him for safe-keeping. He knew that Bubba would know what to do.

And he did.

Retired Officer Monte Fogle of Magnolia, a 25-year officer who – as it turned out – spent practically every one of those duty years on night patrol. Fogle retired in 2003. He loved his job but admitted through a smile, now 14 years later, “I was doing so much stuff on the side that work was really getting in my way.”

One might describe this retired member of “the family” as a father, grandfather, singer, framer, eBayer, resale specialist, plumber, electrician, builder and last but certainly not least, a deeply committed Christian compelled to the Lord’s work every day. He and wife Jonie have three grown daughters, two of whom are married to Baptist ministers.

When Fogle is asked for something, someone is about to receive.

Bubba Caldwell knew what to do with the 21 shells.  Fogle recalled:

“After Gary died, Bubba wanted to do something (as a memento). He got the shotgun shells from the memorial service. He came to me and said, ‘Can you make a display with them?’ He gave me the shells and a picture and said, ‘Can you come up with something?’ ”

You can guess what happened, given Fogle’s background.

Around the late 1990s he began framing flags and maps, some of them rare, and selling them on eBay. He always grew concerned about mailing the huge items with enough glass to cut through the Post Office bureaucracy if it ever broke.

Fogle graciously constructed a barn wood shadowbox (at no charge, of course), literally planting the shells on the left alongside a picture of the officers involved in the 21-gun salute and, of course, a close-up inset picture of fallen officer Gary Gryder, a devoted husband and father.

“We have this great framed picture of the 21-gun salute with the shotgun casings implanted on the left,” Austin Gryder explained, describing the one-of-a-kind memorial to his dad. “The picture is hanging in the house.”

“It’s a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man,” Debbie Gryder said after supplying the Badge & Gun with snapshot of the special memorial. “We would much rather have him alive and with us, but – ”

Policing is the bedrock of this family and likely will extend into a third generation. Debbie Gryder’s father is renowned HPD officer Alfred B. “Lightning” Lewis, a member of HPD Academy Class No. 6 who retired in 1981 after a storied career. Then came Debbie, a juvenile officer who married the love of her life, Gary Gryder. She was retired when Gary was killed. Now, Austin, the son and grandson of HPD officers, is enrolled at Sam Houston State University closing in on a criminal justice degree. He plans to get a masters degree and is eyeing a law enforcement career.

Fogle, like Freytag and the Gryder-Lewis families, can recite a long list of HPD family experiences. This Lord’s servant pointed out that he will continue to give because of the blessings he’s received from his HPD family.

He joined HPD in Academy Class No. 89 in 1979. Since about that time he and his family have called Magnolia their home. When the first family home burned down in 1985, the officer had a new challenge. He and the family decided to build a custom home consisting of logs imported from  Pacific Log Homes in Vancouver, Canada. In addition to Jim Carmichael, the log company owner who supervised construction, Fogle had 10 or 12 officers from Northeast and Northwest participate in the house-raising. He and these guys had pitched in to help others build homes. “I can do electrical and plumbing,” he said. “I can build a house from the ground up.”

“We started rebuilding the current house in May of ’85,” Fogle explained. “That is when the guys from Northeast and Northwest (Patrol) came to help. They spent three days helping me along with a 50-ton crane to put up the logs and roof purlins. My wife and I finished it in June of ‘86.

“For the entire year, I worked nightshift. Every day I got home at 8 a.m., ‘til noon or 1 p.m., got up and worked on the house ‘til about 8 or 9 p.m., got a shower and something to eat and headed back to work at 10 p.m.”

The distinctive home became a unique attraction since Carmichael had no previous “model homes” anywhere in the southwestern United States. When he referred potential customers to the Fogle home, they traveled from Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma to view it on-site. A couple from Clear Lake City saw it and was so impressed with the neighborhood that they built their log house near the Fogles. Now Carmichael can claim two model homes in the same neighborhood.

The Fogle family consists of Joni, three daughters and their husbands. And they are, in chronological order, Rachel, married to Jesse Hardy; Rainey married to Seth Westmoreland; and Rica, married to Stephen Allison. Jesse and Seth are both assistant pastors at the First Baptist Church of Magnolia. Stephen is a superintendant at a commercial construction company.

You might get the impression that the Fogle family is deeply involved in the Lord’s work. And you would be correct.

Retired Officer Fogle and he and Joni were Young Life sponsors for 13 years. Active in their church, they have hosted many Christian-oriented events. Fogle has actively led a healing/mentoring ministry that spotlights “the miracles of the Lord,” both in Magnolia and throughout the world.

Monte Fogle projects the same determination while doing the Lord’s work and other “family business” as he once did working night patrol for HPD. He speaks assuredly – as if to say he’s willing to keep building onward and upward, whether it’s a special frame of memories for special people or a home from the ground up.

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That event known as Super Bowl LI kept the Badge & Gun on an HPD family-oriented roll that spotlights an unbelievable opportunity, quick thinking and great seats at one of the greatest games ever played in Houston and the NFL, for that matter.

As so often is the case, our story starts with an extra job. There were plenty of those going around during the Super Bowl week leading up to the big game that became a Tom Brady production.

Sgt. Nick Wilson of Narcotics got the exciting job of protecting and driving a fellow by the name of DeMaurice F. “De” Smith, a down-to-earth individual who wants people to “call me De.” De is the executive director of the NFL Players Association. We don’t have to tell you that there was plenty for Wilson to do that represented a direct contrast to serving 30 of his 38 HPD years in Narcotics. We’re talking fun here.

Wilson got the daytime job, while his fellow narc, Blake Alorfo, drew the nighttime duty. They encountered more than their share of players, parties and excitement. “Between the three of us it became a family and a fun week to spend with these guys This was the head of the players association. Every team had a player rep and they reported to De, who handled off-the-field and on-the-field issues that the NFL has.

“He was back and forth on the phone with all the reps, with owners of teams. It was a whole different perspective of the NFL. I met quite a few players. De would say to me, ‘This is so-in-so.’ There were current and former players.

“But I tried to give those guys space. I was in plain clothes and was De’s security and took him to different functions every day. For instance, we went to the UH law center to talk to sports agents. That was just one. There was a constant flow of places and people.”

As the exciting week dwindled down to the day before the Big Game, De Smith popped Wilson the big question.

“Do you know any family of a fallen officer that I could treat? Smith asked Wilson. “I’d like to give them the opportunity to come to the Super Bowl and see the game from the NFL Players Association’s suite.”

Wilson beamed with excitement. In hindsight the least of his concerns was that “there was only a one-day notice,” a condition that caused him to laugh heartily as he recalled “the problem” and how it was solved.

He had to act fast. He quickly turned to fellow narc and HPOU board member Bubba Caldwell. These narcs are in tune with quick decisions that get the job done.

Caldwell was close friends with Senior Police Officer Gary Gryder, who was struck and killed by a drunken driver while he directed traffic at a construction site on the Katy Freeway in an extra job situation on June 28, 2008. The driver was charged with manslaughter and found guilty by reason of insanity. Now committed to a state mental hospital, he has been consistently denied parole.

Gryder was survived by his wife, Debbie, a retired HPD officer, a son Austin and a step-daughter Jennifer.

When he got the details from Wilson, Caldwell immediately knew what to do. He called Debbie Gryder to tell her about the tickets and the details about the new HPD family member named De Smith.

“The game was on Sunday and when I called it was Saturday,” Caldwell recalled. He was preparing for a Super Bowl party and, without hesitation, “I thought of the Gryder family. I was personally attached to them because of my relationship with Gary. I immediately caled Debbie. What an honor this was to be able to be a part of this. And they (survivors of a fallen officer) deserve so much. We could never repay what that family – and others like it – has given this city.”

Wilson was lavish in his praise of De Smith’s unselfishness, thoughtfulness and genuine concern for the families of fallen officers – particularly those from the Houston Police Department during Super Bowl festivities in Houston.

Caldwell made the call. He said, “Debbie, we got three Super Bowl tickets that the executive director of the NFL Players Association is giving away to the family of a Houston officer killed in the line of duty.

“I know this is short notice . . . but that’s how we work – we work better under stress.”

The entire Gryder family was awed by this honor and expressed their heartfelt feelings that they were representing the families of each Houston officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice while keeping Houstonians safe.

Caldwell voiced the simple, to-the-point instructions: have Austin, Jennifer and a third person to the Marriott Courtyard in the Galleria by noon on Sunday.

“We went to the hotel where we met De,” Austin Gryder said, referring to him, his girlfriend Samantha and sister Jennifer. “I gave him a pamphlet and the news articles all about Gary Gryder. I also gave him a Pray For Police bracelet – an entire packet. You could see it in his eyes that he was honored. He teared up. We have a picture of him holding it.”

And so began the royal treatment. They met Smith’s family and headed to the NRG Convention Center where they were among 20,000 excited fans taking part in shopping amongst the vast array of souvenirs and mementos in what amounted to the city’s biggest pre-game Super Bowl party.

“I have never experienced anything like that in my life,” Austin Gryder said. “I felt so honored and felt I was representing Tyler Martin and others like him. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m so glad they did this for us.”

Young Gryder, a criminal justice student at Sam Houston State University, seemed to be reaching deep in his heart when he told the Badge & Gun that he sincerely felt honored “that somebody would think of you and give you the opportunity to see the Super Bowl in person. If we could have taken everybody who had a fallen officer we would have done it in a heartbeat.

“I feel bad in a sense that only we were going. At the same time I was honored. We were doing it for all the fallen officers’ families. There were only so many tickets. We were going to represent all of them.”

Tyler Martin is the son of Officer Richard Martin, the latest and 113^th Houston police officer to die in the line of duty. Chaplain Monty Montgomery has taken Austin and Tyler to Astros games on several occasions and the two young men have become friends. The son of another fallen Houston officer, Henry Canales Jr. also has been a part of Montgomery’s Astros fan contingent. They sit in the close-in seats often provided by state Sen. John Whitmire, the dean of the Texas Senate and an ardent supporter of the Houston Police Officers Union.

As we all now know, the game called Super Bowl LI was one of the most exciting in history. Austin said he was as thrilled as the other cheering fans present but throughout the game couldn’t help but think of the people he was honored to represent and wish they could have been there with him.

Caldwell added:  “The Gryders represented every family who has lost a mom, brother, father – any family member – in a line of duty death, who has had to deal with this before. I know Gary is so proud of this boy. He bragged on his son so much and Austin is keeping the tradition going.”

The post Super Bowl tickets for Gary Gryder’s son Austin served to honor family members of all Houston fallen officers appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the Houston Police Officers Union or the Badge & Gun.

Recently I attended a class at the academy which was taught by a supervisor of mid-level rank. Overall, I believe the message was positive and the instructor had a passion for what was being taught, which is always refreshing. However, I took issue with a comment that was made about policy, namely our general orders. I’d like to detail the aforementioned class before I detail by analysis.

The instructor maintained the belief that our general orders are a set of guidelines, which exist to protect us as officers. When I stated that the general orders exist to protect the department, the instructor denounced my opinion by stating, “Wrong! Wrong!” and proceeded to validate their point by stating that as long as you follow the “guidelines” you are protected.

The instructor added that these “guidelines” help to thwart any civil law suits that may occur as a result of not having those “guidelines.” The instructor furthered their disposition by stating that it is economical because by not having to pay large sums of money for losing in court, the department saves money, which means more money for officers, better shops, etc. It should be noted, I appreciate this line of thought, but it is not entirely accurate.

First, the general orders are not a set of guidelines. The general orders are a set of rules. By definition, guidelines are more of a suggestion, because guidelines do not result in harsh punishment if not followed. To the contrary, rules, if not obeyed, are accompanied by harsh punishment and/or consequences. Based on that fact, I do not believe that rules and guidelines should be used interchangeably.

Secondly, if the general orders are there to protect us and guide us, then why are there so many? The department has made it nearly impossible to digest the amount of policies that have been created. If the department wanted to guide officers, it would create policies that were more palatable. That would require fewer policies that are easier for officers to follow and understand.

Instead, the department uses the same legalese that you might find in a lease agreement, which you probably never read, because of the length and dry nature of the text .This explains why a large portion of officers are violating policy every day, most of which do not even realize they are violating policy (similar to the Traffic Code). If the general orders existed to truly protect officers, then I would imagine more officers would be aware of their content.

Thirdly, it is borderline comical, if not tragic, that the department disciplines officers for “bias policing” when the department enforces its own set of biases. The general orders contain policies that prohibit how you can wear your hair, your hair color, facial hair (mustaches only), and your nail color. Our general orders tell us that those with tattoos look less professional and as a result they need to cover those tattoos. This department promotes conformity, not individuality. Even if there is extensive research that shows that officers who appear to be individuals, not robots, receive a much better response from the citizens they serve in their perspective communities.

Lastly, the instructor alluded to the fact that it was economical to create what I believe is an egregious amount of policies. The reality is that by creating so many policies you have essentially handicapped your patrol officers. This department, on the patrol level, has found a way to make the simplest tasks arduous. A prime example of this would be completing a “simple” tow slip. Not so simple (not referring to tow slips as being complex).

Not only do you have to complete a hand-written carbon copy of the tow slip, you also have to place that exact same information into the vehicle screen on RMS. Oh, and don’t forget to do this within one hour so you are not violating policy.

The fact that we are required to write the same information over and over is not just time-consuming, it’s annoying. As a result, you have less efficient and less effective patrol officers. This means decreased customer satisfaction due to response time and a more frustrated and cynical police force. This would directly affect the instructor’s economical argument because unhappy officers equal unhappy citizens, which would mean less support from taxpayers.

It is my suggestion that certain policies be reviewed and revised to better suit a more intelligent and open-minded department.  Additionally, the department needs to find a better way to function on the patrol level. This can range from taking away unnecessary steps in certain processes, that exist in our general orders to adopting better and newer technology (the next time you see a DPS trooper ask them how he completes an accident report).

I cannot speak for everyone on this department, but a majority of my classmates in the academy claimed they joined this career because they did not want to be at a desk. I hate to break it to you, but you are at a mobile desk. With the way things are going, our title, Police Officer, should be changed to mobile data entry unit.

We, as a department, have forsaken the role of the knight and become the squire. This is due in great part to continuous general orders that hinder patrol officers. Such orders are generally created as a result of a knee-jerk reaction by management.

On the bright side, the new chief has the opportunity to potentially correct these issues and find a creative way to make the patrol officer a desired position on this department.

The post Opinion: Department’s ‘guidelines’ are really strictly-enforced rules appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

July 13, 1982

James Donald Harris was born in Syracuse, New York, on October 17, 1952. He grew up in the Syracuse-Auburn area and graduated from Auburn High School in 1971. He served his country honorably for three and a half years in the United States Air Force as a military policeman. Harris joined the Houston Police Department in Police Cadet Class No. 74 on March 29, 1976 and graduated on July 16 of that year. His first assignment was to the evening shift at the Park Place Substation. He later transferred to the K-9 Corps. He wore Badge No. 2973.

On Tuesday night, July 13, 1982, Officer Harris and his newly assigned canine partner, a German shepherd, were working the evening shift out of Park Place. Even though nearing the end of their shift, they were still on patrol in the east end of Houston in Officer Harris’ blue and white marked police unit. While in the area of Dumble and Polk, a citizen flagged down the officer to report that he had almost been run over by a recklessly driven automobile. The citizen gave Officer Harris a description of the car. Harris searched the area and found a stalled vehicle fitting this description at the intersection of Walker and Edgewood.

Harris ordered two suspects to get out of the stalled car. Both did so and came toward the officer as ordered. He placed both of the suspects up against his car in order to search them, a procedure used for his own protection. As he was searching one, the other suspect pulled a 9mm pistol and fired at the officer from close range, striking him three times in the head. These men then disarmed the fallen officer. As they were leaving on foot, a citizen, Jose Francisco Armijo (Hispanic male, 33) was driving westbound on Walker. Armijo was accompanied by his three-year-old daughter and ten-year-old son. For some unknown reason, the suspect who shot J. D. Harris fired a round at Armijo’s vehicle, striking Armijo in the head. His daughter received a wound from either flying glass or a bullet fragment.

The suspects fled on foot north on Edgewood toward Rusk Avenue. HPD Sergeant E. Cavazos was off-duty visiting his parents in the 4900 block of Walker. Upon hearing the shots, Cavazos retrieved his weapon and identification from his vehicle and ran west on Walker to investigate. There, he found the mortally wounded Harris and used the downed officer’s handheld radio, to call in an “Assist the Officer.” He also reported the shooting of Armijo. His assistance was invaluable in preserving the scene from the growing crowd of neighborhood onlookers.

The Houston Fire Department ambulance paramedics assessed the officer’s condition and immediately called for LifeFlight Helicopter. Another HFD paramedic team treated the wounds of Armijo as patrol units cleared a nearby baseball field for LifeFlight. When the medical helicopter landed, the doctor on board declared J. D. Harris dead. He was twenty-nine years old. Armijo died from his head wound a week later on July 20, 1982.

Evening Shift Lieutenant R. D. Cain initiated an immediate Homicide response by assigning Detectives Richard W. Holland, Greg T. Neely, Eugene T. Yanchak and Alfred T. Hermann to the investigation. At this time, the Night Shift was coming on duty to assist. In addition, Homicide Officer Shooting Team Detectives Larry E. Webber, Vernon W. West and Douglas R. Bostock were called in for duty.

The Homicide Division Chicano Squad, under the field leadership of Detective Jim Montero, provided their usual able assistance. Assistant District Attorney Terry Wilson, then head of the DA’s Civil Rights Section, also arrived on the scene. None of these investigators could ever imagine how much more involved this tragic event would become. While investigating the original scene, information surfaced that the suspects had fled to 4907 Rusk, just one block north of Walker. As a result, detectives and numerous uniformed officers surrounded this location. This clue produced no immediate results.

The search then moved next door to 4911 Rusk. While these police officials checked this house from the front, Officers L. J. “Larry” Trepagnier, Antonio Palos, Martin Rodriguez and Michael R. Edwards went around to the back. Numerous other officers also were nearby. As officers rounded the corner at the rear of the house, they were greeted by a hail of gunfire that erupted from an open garage-type building detached from the house. Trepagnier, Palos and Rodriguez returned the gunfire. Officer Edwards was unable to fire at the suspect since the other officers were in front of him, restricting his line of fire. Trepagnier was shot five times in the battle, suffering serious wounds.

After the gunfire ceased, the suspect, Roberto Carrasco Flores (Hispanic Male, 27), was dead at the scene from numerous gunshot wounds caused by Officer Rodriguez’ shotgun, Officer Palos’ .45-caliber automatic and Officer Trepagnier’s .357 revolver. An HFD ambulance took Trepagnier, also twenty-nine years old, to a hospital. He was soon listed in critical condition. Found under Flores was a 9mm automatic later determined to be the weapon used to murder Officer Harris.  Stuck in Carrasco’s beltline was the slain officer’s .357 revolver.

As other officers and Assistant DA Terry Wilson began yet another crime scene, Wilson observed movement from under a horse trailer in this garage. The officers then arrested Ricardo Aldape Guerra (Hispanic Male, 20). Near his hiding place was a .45-caliber automatic.

Officer J. D. Harris was survived by his wife Pamela and two daughters, four-year-old Rebecca Brooke Harris and twenty-month-old Megan Annette Harris. Other survivors were his father and stepmother, Nelson and Ruth Harris of Auburn, New York, grandparents Nelson and Gerry Harris and Robert and Carla Pierson of Syracuse, New York. There also were a sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and David Ruetsch, and nephews Jeff and Todd Ruetsch of Marcellus, New York. He was predeceased by his mother, Beverly Jean Harris.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 16, 1982, at the Forest Park Lawndale Chapel with the Reverends Paul Carlin and Brad Ottosen, a former police officer and friend, as well as Police Chaplin Harold Hannah, officiating. Interment was at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tommy Olin and Officers Woody Phifer, Russel Hoffard, Jack Holloway, Richard Puckett, Ronnie Collingsworth and R. C. Smith.

On the extremely hot summer night of the deadly shooting, blood had been shed at four different locations, only several blocks apart. A fine young officer was dead, another seriously wounded, an innocent citizen received wounds from which he later died and an illegal Hispanic emigrant was dead as a direct result of his own actions. Officer Trepagnier received gunshot wounds that damaged his diaphragm, liver, colon and arm. In addition, he suffered the loss of a kidney. After undergoing a number of major surgeries, his survival was a miracle in itself.

While it was quite evident that the deceased suspect Flores had shot Officer Trepagnier, there was some initial concern as to whether Flores or the arrested suspect Guerra had shot Officer Harris. Diligent work by Homicide detectives produced witnesses who identified Ricardo Aldape Guerra as the suspect who shot the slain officer. The clothing description and different hair length of both suspects left no doubt in the minds of the investigators and prosecutors. The witnesses clearly described the shooter of Officer Harris as having collar-length hair and wearing a green military-type fatigue shirt. This fit Ricardo Aldape Guerra’s description. The dead suspect, Flores, had shorter hair and was dressed in maroon pants and shirt and white and maroon athletic shoes.

There was an absolute clear distinction in the clothing of the two suspects. Even though Flores had the slain officer’s weapon in his possession as well as the 9mm automatic that killed Officer Harris, the witnesses spoke for themselves in this part of the investigation. Ricardo Aldape Guerra was charged with capital murder in the death of Officer J. D. Harris. Unfortunately, this was not the end of the story.

Guerra was tried in the 248^th Criminal District Court in Harris County for this offense and on October 14, 1982, found guilty and assessed the death penalty. The usual automatic appeal process began and what followed was yet another bitter pill for police officers to swallow.

For whatever reason, Guerra became a cause celebre. History shows it definitely was not his lack of guilt. On May 11, 1992, his conviction was overturned. This case fell into the jurisdiction of U. S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt in Houston. Working for Guerra throughout the appeal process were not only the Mexican state department, the Roman Catholic Church, the American Civil Liberties Union and several volunteer legal foundations well known for their “bleeding heart” attitude, but also an HPD Assistant Chief.  Yes, the defense received support from one our own, from one of the leaders of Officers Harris and Trepagnier.

Judge Hoyt severely chastised the District Attorney’s Office and the Houston Police Department for their actions in the initially successful prosecution of this capital murderer. In some instances, the original prosecution witnesses, after developing their own problems in obeying the law, became uncooperative. Also, some of them were harassed by the individuals involved in the joint effort to free Guerra. Eventually, Guerra was released and returned to his native country. He was killed in an automobile accident a short time later.

There were numerous Homicide personnel involved in the massive investigation that covered four separate but related crime scenes. Other officers made important contributions but there simply were too many to mention every name herewith. Two of the primary scene detectives, Richard Holland and Greg Neely, became Homicide Captain Holland and Homicide Lieutenant Neely. Holland served as commander of the Homicide Division from 1994-2004 after serving in the Recruiting and Internal Affairs Division.  In 2007, he was commander of the Criminal Intelligence Division.  Captain Hollland retired in 2009.  He worked in the private sector for several years and recently completed four years of service as Chief Investigator of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Lieutenant Neely retired in 2006.   Lieutenant R. D. Cain was the long-time leader of the HPD Hostage Negotiation Team and was  respected throughout the country for his expertise in that area of police work. He was later assigned to the Helicoptor Division and retired from that assignment.  Detective A. T. “Alfred” Hermann retired from Homicide in 2000 and passed away in 2014.   Detective E. T. “Gene” Yanchak retired from Homicide in 2005 after nearly thirty years of investigating murders and Officer Involved incidents. Detectives Bostock, Webber, Montero and West retired from HPD while actively working murder cases. West died in 2001. Webber passed away in 22009.

Sergeant Eddie Cavazos, who worked out of North Shepherd Patrol Station at the time of this tragic event, retired in 1999 after more than twenty-eight years of service. He went to work in the private sector. In 2002, Officer Antonio Palos was assigned to the Recruiting Division after working a number of years in SWAT. Officer Martin Rodriguez made sergeant in 1982 and worked out of the Northeast Patrol Division. Officer M. R. Edwards remained an ever-present steady street officer assigned to Central Patrol and is now retired.

While many lives were altered on this hot, sweltering July night in 1982, the life of Officer L. J. “Larry” Trepagnier was severely changed forever. After undergoing six surgeries, amazingly enough, Officer Trepagnier remained a Houston police officer. He was assigned to South Central Patrol. As a result of his wounds, Trepagnier suffered the loss of a kidney and eight feet of intestines. Had he not been a young, strapping, strong twenty-nine-year-old, there is no way he would have endured the aftermath of his injuries. While painful for him, he later recounted some details that were not on the original police report.

Trepagnier recalled lying there on the ground and after realizing how many times he was hit, thinking the logical thing: I am going to die right here. Officer Palos said he and another officer were on the scene and found Trepagnier on the ground. Both officers were fond of Vellamints. Not knowing what else to do while awaiting the arrival of HFD and LifeFlight, they used the cellophane wrappers from these candies to cover the “sucking” chest and abdomen wounds of their fellow officer and friend.

In 2002, Officer Trepagnier also shared something very likely unknown to most: As he was lying on the ground, he saw a familiar face above him – that of Sergeant Walter J. Stewart, who had been one of Larry’s training officers. Walter was telling him something like, “Boy, if you are going to make it, you had better suck it up and get tough.”  He got tough all right, and served HPD for another thirty-four years and retired in 2017 and passed away in 2017.

Stewart said he was called out on the shooting of Officer Harris as part of his training assignment as a Northeast Patrol Division Internal Affairs investigator, only to also find one of his previous rookies down and possibly out. A veteran of many Narcotics shootings in the 1970’s, Stewart knew that Larry’s wounds looked extremely serious. He had two gunshot wounds to the stomach and chest and one to an arm. The wounded officer remembered being given the last rites by well-meaning officer friends and hearing the HFD and LifeFlight personnel speak of his diminishing vital signs, even when he was en route to the hospital.

Pamela Harris remarried in 1990 and was a fixture at court proceedings throughout the years. In 2007, she resided in East Texas. Rebecca Brooke Harris is now Rebecca Brooke Marshall and she and her husband, Wayne Marshall, live near Waco. Megan Annette Harris is now Megan Walber and she and her husband, Shannon Walber, live near Harper, Texas.  They have made Pamela Harris Raines and her husband, A.C. proud grandparents of Jace Walber, who is seven months old.   Nelson Harris, J. D.’s dad, died in the 1990s.  Stepmother Ruth, Grandmother Pierson, sister Beverly and nephews Jeff and Todd resided in New York State in 2002. The other three grandparents are deceased.

Pam Harris later spoke of the identity of the New York state trooper who attended J. D.’s funeral. This stiff and starched trooper in full dress wool uniform appeared at the funeral, his identity unknown to HPD personnel. The officer’s widow later explained that he was Jim Campbell, a childhood friend of Officer Harris who had encouraged him to enter law enforcement after his stint in the Air Force. Campbell stayed with the New York State Police and was helpful and supportive of Pam Harris and her daughters throughout the years since his friend’s death.

The post Fallen Hero: Officer James Donald Harris appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

For those of you who remember the tragic night of July 13, 1982, and if you have in your possession the book, FALLEN HEROES OF THE BAYOU CITY, I would ask that you update your recollection of that incident.

For those of you who were not with HPD at that time, this article will provide a brief summary of the events   of that night.  The actual account of that tragedy, as written in that book, also will be featured in this issue.

On Tuesday night, July 13, 1982, HPD Officer James Donald Harris was shot and killed on a traffic stop at the intersection of Walker and Edgewood in the near east side of Houston.  There were two suspects and while Officer Harris was in the process of conducting his investigation, one of the suspects pulled a 9mm pistol and shot Officer Harris in the head three times.

Harris’s weapon was taken from him while he lay mortally wounded in the street.  Viewing the offense was an innocent citizen who was driving by along with his two children, both under the age of ten.  One suspect then fired a round at the driver, 33-year-old Jose Armijo, seriously wounding him and also wounding his three-year-old daughter.

The suspects fled on foot north on Edgewood.  An off-duty HPD officer, visiting his parents nearby, responded to the scene after hearing the shots.  He found the mortally wounded Officer Harris and called in an “Assist The Officer.”  HFD responded and after the officer was loaded onto a LifeFlight helicopter, the officer was declared dead by the medical personnel.  He was twenty-nine years old, married and the father of two young daughters.  Mr. Armijo, also shot in the head, married and the father of two, passed away a week later in the hospital.

The Homicide Division responded to this officer death in their usual efficient fashion.  No stone was left unturned.  After several hours passed, information surfaced that the suspects had fled on foot to 4907 Rusk, as they had abandoned their vehicle after the shooting of Officer Harris.  The investigation there produced nothing and was moved to next door at 4911 Rusk.  Homicide Division’s Chicano Squad was at the scene as were a number of radio patrol officers.

While going to the rear of this house, the officers were met with a hail of gunfire, which was immediately returned.  When the shooting ceased, Patrol Officer L. J “Larry” Trepagnier had been shot five times in the chest, arm and abdomen.   One suspect was shot at the scene and was killed.  Another suspect was arrested as being involved in both shooting incidents.

The story of the tragedy of that night did not end quickly.  There was a seemingly never-ending controversy over the prosecution of this offense and the complete story, as documented by this writer and published in FALLEN HEROES, will accompany this account of Officer Trepagnier’s injuries.

Officer Trepagnier had been seriously wounded and eventually underwent six surgeries.  In the process, he lost one kidney as well as eight feet of intestines. He also suffered damage to his liver, diaphragm, colon and arm.   He underwent a lengthy rehab and healing period of time, naturally being shown on the payroll as Injured in the Line of Duty.

He, like Officer Harris, was only twenty-nine years of age at the time of the shooting.  While this writer is not sure of his options after his recovery, he chose to continue to serve as a City of Houston police officer. Fortunately, the newly-opened South Central Police Station was in need of a night shift desk officer.  Officer Trepagnier jumped at this opportunity and served in that capacity until the summer of 2016, 34 years after he was seriously wounded.  He retired from HPD at that time with over 38 years of service.  It is very likely that he could have taken a medical retirement, but that apparently was not his nature.  He strongly desired to continue to serve as an officer, albeit in a limited capacity.

And, serve he did.  During these many years, Officer Trepagnier worked at the Medical Towers of St. Luke’s Hospital, a fixture there on the 6 a.m.-noon shift.

After retirement, Larry resided in Humble where he enjoyed life with his two sons and their families.  He had four grandchildren and they were the light of his life.  On Feb. 10, 2017, Larry suffered a medical episode and was hospitalized for what was initially believed to be related to the failure of his remaining kidney.  He passed away the day after that attack.  The exact cause of death is not known at the time of this writing.  He was just two months away from his 64th birthday.

Larry is survived by his mother, Mrs. Frances Trepagnier, two sons, Jeremy Trepagnier and wife Lindsey, and Jonathan Boswell and wife Joanie; sister  Francel Leonard; brother Paul and wife DeAndra; grandchildren Conner and Tanner Trepagnier and Finley and Morgan Boswell.  He was preceded in death by his father Harold Trepagnier and brother Anthony Trepagnier.

This is being written to bring to the attention of ALL as to how Officer Larry Trepagnier’s injuries, even though some 34 years previous, COULD HAVE LED TO HIS DEATH.  This is and has been somewhat unsettled ground.  However, an HPD officer was badly beaten in a large disturbance in 1986.  He was rightfully medically retired due to his extensive internal injuries and passed away from those injuries 14 years later in 2000.

That officer’s death is correctly classified as IN THE LINE OF DUTY.  Should Officer Trepagnier’s death also be so classified?

No matter what the answer to that question, Officer Lawrence J. “Larry” Trepagnier SERVED HPD WITH HONOR AND SHOULD BE REMEMBERED WITH PRIDE!

The post Officer Larry Trepagnier: After 34 years we respectfully ask the question: Should this officer’s death be classified as happening in the line of duty? appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

IN THOSE OLD WESTERN MOVIES THE POSSE ALWAYS GOT THE cattle rustlers. Today’s version – the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble Posse – always gets its calf scramblers every year at NRG Stadium. This year the posse took a different trail to the winner’s circle and honored a special “hard luck” scrambler.

Let’s talk about how this happened. The posse members always do everything they can from the start to the finish of every scramble to ensure that the ambitious teenagers who participate in the nightly event learn the character-building exercises that come with the experience. Those who capture a calf and rope, drag or tug it to the finish line earn $2,000 from a calf sponsor to use to buy their own calf, feed it and groom it for the next year-long period. The yearling is then auctioned at the next edition of the HLSR with the proceeds used for the calf scrambler’s college tuition.

Posse leader – and HPOU 1^st Vice President – Doug Griffith led this year’s effort to sponsor a calf that would be earned by a hard-luck scrambler; that is, a participant who showed extraordinary courage scrambling for that gold but fell short due to prevailing circumstances such as getting stomped on or kicked and thus got fell short of getting that four-legged prize where it needed to be. The posse members raffled off an AR-15, the proceeds from which enabled them to sponsor a calf in the March 20 edition of the nightly scramble. The proverbial “hard luck calf scrambler” was chosen by posse members who have seen more than their share of highly disappointed hard-luck participants who deserved to win but got thrown around or run over and “knocked off the calf” at the finish line.

They picked the hard-luck winner that Monday night. “At the end of the scramble we got together and chose the hard-luck scrambler,” Posse Member Griffith explained. “We provided this courageous young person with the $2,000 necessary to purchase and raise a calf over the next year and bring it back to the show next year for sale.”

The first-ever HPOU Hard Luck Calf Scrambler is Mr.Zachary Boggs of the Humble FFA. Congratulations, Zachary!

Over the years the Posse has been known to put the best boot forward for the Houston Police Department and HPOU. This year the posse rode that extra mile into the Livestock Show & Rodeo’s corral.

Ya’ll done good! Thank you, partners!

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OPENING

Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer by Corey Wilson.

MEETING DEDICATION

Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Michelle Groves who was killed in the line of Duty in 1987.

GUESTS:

Ray introduced Liza who is giving St Michaels medals out to Officers and she explained her mission to the Members. She stated after the Officers in Dallas were murdered she felt a calling to show support for Police. She stated with twenty blessed St. Michaels medals and to date has passed out over 18,000.

PATROL OF THE MONTH

Ray then advised the membership that Officers Krantz and Ware from North was this months Officer of the month and were presented the award by Joe Gamaldi

INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH

Ray also advised the Membership that Sgt. Terry Seagler and Det. Carol Calabro from major offenders are the investigators of the month. Capt. Ready presented the award.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Ray informed all in attendance that the treasurer’s report was on the tables and asked if there were any questions. Ray then advised the membership that if they had any questions to contact Tim Butler and he would assist them.

Reminders that the minutes are at HPOU.org

COMMUNICATIONS

Ray then provided a pension update and advised he believed the Pension Bill as presented to the membership would be passed. Ray also stated the rumors about Mark Clark and Terry Bratton Rumors are not true.

Ray advised the membership that he does not believe that investigators will not have to ride patrol once a month.

Ray then advised the Membership that Questions for Ogg have always been answered.   Ray advised he did not have any questions for Ogg but encouraged anyone who had one to email him and he would redacted the Officers information and forward the email.

Ray told the Membership that Lt. Governor met with Ray and Eric Carr in regards to the Law Enforcement Advisory Board, and Eric Carr from APOL was appointed to that board.

Ray advised the board that Tillman donated his winnings, over $160,000 from the NCAA final four to the Houston police foundation.

Ray advised the Membership that the policy regarding tattoos should come out this month. Ray advised Officers could have visible tattoos as long as they were no inappropriate as deemed by the Chief.

Ray then reminded the Membership to turn the body cameras ON.

Ray reminded Officers who pass the Physical Agility test who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 you get $800, and hired after that date get 40 hours of PD time.

Ray advised that a luncheon would be held this Sunday from 1300-1500 by the Compassion Outreach Team and all members were invited.

Ray then advised the Membership that the Scholarship Breakfast would be on April 18^th at 1030. He also advised that $40,000 has been given in Scholarship.

Ray advised the Membership that the Cookout at SC was a success but stated that this Month’s cookout was cancelled due to the Wild Game Cook off being on the same day.

Ray reminded the Members that open enrollment will end on April 7^th.

Ray then reminded the membership of the upcoming Stars and Stripes Golf Tournament, which was approaching. Ray stated it was April 20^th at Kingwood Country Club and is anyone wanted additional information contact Captain Freemin.

Ray then advised the membership that the ATO will host a fundraiser at Under the Radar Brewery on May 6,2017 where 10% of the proceeds would go to Assist the Officer.

REMINDERS

Ray reminded the membership to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty. Ray advised this would save a lot of headaches in the future dealing with workers compensation.

Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.

Ray reminded to the membership that you can still fill prescriptions at the HEB, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sam’s or Kelsey but NOT Target. Target and CVS have been removed from the approved locations to get medication filled.

Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones, both Apple and Google. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.

Ray then reminded the membership if they were in the market for a home loan or refinancing to use Mickey Keys with Fairway mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.

Ray then advised the membership if they needed a Realtor to use Michael Bedner who advertises in the Badge and Gun.

Ray advised the membership that HOPA the Peer support group is live 832-200-3499 and that if any Officer was in need of assistance or knew of an Officer who needed help, to please call for assistance. Ray mentioned to the membership that there have been 3 suicides this year.

Ray advised the membership that there are guns for purchase from Tim Butler. Tim has AR-15s in stock, which will be sold at cost.

Ray then told the members to remember to KEEP YOUR FIELD NOTES! Ray advised we would address this in the legislature but for now officers need to keep them.

Ray Hunt reminded everyone to restrict his or her HCAD and voter registration information.  Spouse may restrict voter information as well.

HPOU.org – Please update your address and/or email address at the HPOU office or by visiting www.HPOU.org (member tab).

Public Safety Financial Group (PSFG) –Thinking of retiring go see PSFG for a free financial analysis. The analysis is valued at approximately $500 and there is no obligation to join PSFG.  Contact PSFG at 832-200-3440 for an appointment.

URGENT CARE vs. ER – Ray advised the membership to use urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms.  Urgent care facilities are $65 compared to the ER visit of $400.  Because the city is self-insured, the ER visits increase the costs to the COH.

Ray Hunt reminded everyone to wear seat belts at all times and to watch your speed.

Sobering Center – Ray asked all members to support and utilize the sobering center.  Utilizing the sobering center helps the city and is an easy process for officers.  Most officers are unsure of the location so encourage officers to look up the area before having to transport a person to the facility.

Facebook/Twitter – Ray Hunt asked members to invite officers to “like” the HPOU Facebook page.  Additionally, HPOU is now on Twitter at @hpoutx.  The HPOU is working to increase communications to members.

The next meeting will be on May 4, 2017.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None

NEW MEMBERS

None

DOOR PRIZES

Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.

ADJOURNMENT

Colton made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Joe Gamaldi seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership

Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary

The post Minutes from the April 6 Membership Meeting appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

Dave and Busters has extended a generous offer to Houston Police Officers to show they appreciation for law enforcement. They are having a law enforcement appreciation day at their Galleria location on Tuesday May 2nd, with free gaming and food for officers and their families. Please be prepared to show ID upon arriving.

Thank you to Dave and Busters for supporting our officers.

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The Assist The Officer Foundation – an HPD institution since 1991 – will hold an exciting fundraising event at the Under the Radar brewery at 1506 Truxillo in Midtown on Saturday, May 6.

“Come join us for what is going to be an annual event,” Tom Hayes, HPOU 3^rd vice president, said. “The purpose is to raise funds to further Assist The Officer Foundation’s endeavors to support injured officers in their time of need.”

The ATO Foundation has a rich history for providing support for officers and their families.

Under the Radar is “family- and dog-friendly and will be providing food trucks, games and a raffle as well as a “craft beer experience” for the adults in the crowd. Hours are 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Hayes particularly singled out the fundraising raffles and suggested that attendees would be treated to “all the beer they can purchase and consume.” The chair of this event is Renee Craven, a member of the ATO Foundation board.

Hayes stressed that the stated goal of the ATO Foundation has become more highly focused in recent years with the serious injuries and wounds in the line of duty suffered by HPD officers.

“The key factor here,” Hayes said, “is that we need strong support in order to pay for these needs for officers and their families. Usually the necessary response happens in an unexpected, unplanned situation. ATO needs these funds to be ready for any emergency adversely affecting a Houston police officer.”

The sergeant also touted the food trucks, commemorative pint glasses that will be for sale as well as special-issue ATO t-shirts. “Given the location at the edge of Midtown,” he said, “parking will be sporadic but there is amble parking in around this location. Some of it is free.”

Articles of incorporation established ATO as a non-profit organization that would provide benefits to officers seriously or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. When an officer is seriously injured ATO provides immediate funds, which are generated from events like this one.

When an officer was seriously injured, ATO provided $1,000 cash and assisted in other fundraising activities. By the mid-1990s, the organization successfully sought to change state legislation so that permanently disabled officers and their families receive the same state-sponsored benefits as those killed in the line of duty.

Besides financial help for their medical needs, affected officers also are entitled to college tuition at a state college or university for each of their children.

Mike Mitchell, executive director of First Responders Benefit Trust, was one of the founding members of the ATO Foundation and serves as a board member. Hayes currently serves as ATO Foundation chair as well as chairman of the First Responders Benefit Trust.  Besides Hayes and Mitchell, other members of the ATO Foundation Board are:

Vice-Chair- Michael LaReau
9-year veteran as Police Officer of the Houston Police Department.

Treasurer- Drew Doebbler
Spirit of Texas Bank, Office President – Clear Lake.

Secretary- Robert Sandoval
20-year veteran as Sergeant of the Houston Police Department.

Board Member- Renee Cravens
HR Manager with Vallen Distribution, Inc.

Board Member- Fulton Broemer
Principal in the law firm of Broemer & Associates

Board Member- William Booth

32-year veteran as Sergeant of the Houston Police Department.  He also serves as a Director of the Houston Police Officers’ Union and Secretary of the First Responders Benefit Trust.

Board Member- Terry Seagler

 18-year veteran as Sergeant of the Houston Police Department. He also serves as a Director of the Houston Police Officers Union.

Board Member- Gabriela Joyce
Executive Assistant at Texas Police Trust.

Board Member- Lisa Marino
Executive Assistant at HPOU.  28+ years in Marketing, Promotions and Computer Graphics.

Board Member (HPOU Rep)- Doug Griffith
26-year veteran as Police Officer of the Houston Police Department.  He also serves as Vice President of the Houston Police Officers’ Union.

Board Member (TAFR Rep)- Tim Butler
23-year veteran as a Senior Police Officer of the Houston Police Department.  He also serves as Treasurer of the Houston Police Officers’ Union.

Board Member (HPOU Rep)- Luis Menendez-Sierra
10-year veteran of the Houston Police Department.  He also serves as a Board Member of the Houston Police Officers’ Union.

Board Member (HPD Rep)- Matt Williams
15-year veteran as Sergeant of the Houston Police Department.

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Bloomberg’s “Brackets for a Cause” March Madness charity contest returned for another year, giving the biggest names in American business and finance a change to make their picks for the NCAA tournament to benefit charity.

Bloomberg brought together a group of titans from the worlds of business and finance once again to take their best shot at creating the perfect March Madness bracket.

Each of the invited participants donated $10,000, amassing a total pot of $380,000. Rules called for that amount to go to the charities of choice for the three participants with the most accurate brackets.

Tilman Fertitta, chairman of the Houston Police Foundation, participated in the event and selected – yes! – the Houston Police Foundation as his benefitting charity.

Fertitta, the CEO of Landry’s, Inc., shared the top winning bracket with Bill Ford, CEO of General Atlantic. He beat out other participants like Michael R. Bloomberg, Bloomberg LP Founder; Tom Farley, NYSE Group President; and Steve Ballmer, Los Angeles Clippers owner – just to name a few.

Bloomberg will present a check in the amount of $161,500 to the Houston Police Foundation to go toward funding the “Tactical Training Facility” for Houston Police Officers.

The post Tillman Fertitta ‘brackets’ $161,500 for Houston Police Foundation! appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

It was a picture-perfect Cougar day on Saturday, April 8, when HPOU Board members, participants and their families and friends met at the University of Houston Recreation Center to participate in their fourth HPOU-sponsored Wheelchair Rugby event.

Co-hosted by the UH and Adaptive Athletics, a student-led organization dedicated to promoting athletic programs for students with disabilities. They provide unique programs and events throughout the year according to their stated mission.

About the Game

Initially known as Murderball due to the aggressive nature of the sport, Wheelchair Rugby is a team contact sport since all players have a combination of impaired upper and lower extremities. Most players suffer from cervical spinal cord injury and have some sort of quadriplegia as an effect.

The sport was first introduced to the U.S. in 1981 by Brad Mikkelsen and the object of the game is to score a goal point by crossing the goal line with possession of the ball while an opposing team is defending the goal. The team with the most points at the end of regulation time wins.

Adaptive Athletics UH partners with the Texas Institute of Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR), which has supported seriously injured First Responders on numerous occasions in the past. The UH is the only university in Texas to offer wheelchair rugby and other Adaptive Athletics sports as a merited part of their sports programs.

Speaking to Adaptive Athletics, co-founder Sergio Brereda said, “Since its founding Adaptive      Athletics at the University of Houston has been a big part in my life. I saw a need at UH and that need was to form a bond with students with disabilities. I wanted to create a legacy here on campus for such a community.

“The SMASH Tournament does just that. Students on campus rallied together to make this tournament possible. A friendly tournament that people from all walks of life and abilities, coming together, creating lasting memories through Wheelchair Rugby. It’s just a way to get people to know more about the sport, people living with disabilities, and a chance to spend a few minutes, where there are no disabilities; recognizing that everyone has abilities.”

Past rugby events were keen on the minds of veteran participants “Chargin” Charlie Vasquez (HPD assistant chief), Luis Menendez-Sierra and his wife Myrna, and Rosalinda Ybanez as they all vowed to place high in the winner’s circle this year. Menendez-Sierra and Ybanez are HPOU Board members. AC Vasquez sported a head cam to record the team’s efforts, which he later posted on YouTube under the banner HPOU Wheelchair Rugby 2017.

The HPOU lineup included Sierra-Mendez and wife Myrna, Sgt. Francis Dominguez (Human Resources), Officer Cassie Dominguez (South Central), AC Charlie Vasquez, Leonard “Lenny Smith” (Narcotics), Linda and Michael Ybanez and son “Mikey,” and Christian and Casey Falls.

Together they formed the nucleus of the HPOU wheelchair warriors and teamed with veteran wheelchair athletes Juan Rodriguez, Greg Cortez and Carl Williams, all of whom served as coaches and mentors as well as inspiration to the able-bodied athletes as they proved that people with “handicaps” can be just as motivated and athletic as any person.

Many Teams Participated

Teams from across Harris County who participated included Adaptive Athletics Alumni, Trustmark Bank, Catholic Students Association, Texas Obesity Research Center, HPOU, Bunny Bowl Rejects, One Step Closer Foundation, and Raising Canes.  Support staff for the games included Dr. Michael Cottingham, AA co-founder Sergio Bjereda, Elyssa Davila, Chelsea Nad, Breann Wilson and Sarah Hoffman, who kept score and timekeeping duties.

Officer Lenny Smith squeezed into a multi-thousand dollar competitive wheelchair specially designed for wheelchair rugby and played his initial game. “This has changed my mind about handicapped persons,” Smith said, “They play on such a higher level, both physically and mentally. They are true athletes.”

Assistant Chief Vasquez was unofficial team captain and led the charge on many plays, giving strategic advice to both veteran and first-time players. Vasquez is an accomplished athlete in his own right who recently finished the Houston Marathon in full uniform!

Despite this, he continues to be amazed at the strength and mental determination of wheelchair athletes. “They are some hard-charging and very determined athletes who don’t let their disabilities keep them from enjoying a full life,” Vasquez said. “They embody the never-quit attitude shared by our law enforcement community.”

First-time players Christian and Casey Falls made some pivotal plays throughout all three games and vowed to remain avid supporters of Adaptive Athletics. Another first-timer, Cassie Dominquez, vowed to put together a team from South Central Patrol if the event is scheduled for another year since UH falls into this patrol area.

Team HPOU won two of three games and ended its final game with a 41-19 win over the Adaptive Athletics Alumni to claim the consolation championship.

HPOU has given constant support over the past years to individuals and organizations that deal with disabilities and will continue to do so as a vital part of community involvement.

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The Eastside DRT/Community Service Unit has increased its presence in the East End community with various new initiatives.

One particular example is the “School Outreach Project” in which officers from the unit met with students, teachers and administrators at elementary schools in the area and answered questions from these groups as well as parents.

While eating lunch with some of the students at Gallegos Elementary School, Eastside officers were challenged to a soccer match against the students. Captain Cantu graciously accepted and the game was on!

The rest is history! The Eastside team had a friendly soccer match with the Gallegos Elementary School “Firefighters.”

The unit organized the event and worked with the school to get the word out about the friendly match, Unit members also coordinated with City Councilman Robert Gallegos, who represents the area, HISD officials and Police Chief Art Acevedo.

Various officers from the Eastside station volunteered their time to take part in the match. Eastside Officer Michon sang the National Anthem, and the Eastside Explorer Post No. 7525 posted the colors.

Officer Jason Cisneroz, who took the lead in the event coordination, said, “The collaboration between the community and the police is very important, especially within Hispanic areas, like the East End.

“This soccer match was made possible because of the tireless efforts of officers at the Eastside DRT/ Community Services unit. Just days before the event, Chief Acevedo held a press conference in regards to recent statistics that show that the Hispanic community has shown a decline in calls for service to the police.”

The soccer match was planned months prior to the announcement, so the timing was perfect. The officers at Eastside have taken the issue seriously, and work wholeheartedly in the community to help bridge the gap between the community and the police, as well as building more rust between the two, Cisneroz explained.

“The soccer match is a prime example of the hard work and dedication of the Eastside station,” he said, “and stay tuned as there will be other dynamic events with the community soon!”

Oh, and what about the final score? While the fun was happening, it was tough to keep count but at the end of play Eastside eked out a narrow victory. However, the worthy opponents from Gallegos vowed to seek a rematch.

The team issued special thank yous to Capt. Cantu, Lts. Lopez and Nava, Sgts. Tapia, Villanueva, Aguirre, Fick, Ruiz and Teter, and Officers Robles, Salazar, Rodriguez, Palacios, Cisneroz, Yanez, Ramirez, Irving, Michon and Silva.

Special note: Chief Acevedo, Councilman Gallegos and HISD official Rudy Trevino also participated in the game. Each was duly thanked by Eastside.

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A new term has emerged in HPD’s stepped-up efforts to effect improvements in the investigation of sexual assault and family violence cases. The term: the neurobiology of trauma(.)

The Department has an ongoing in-service class to foster officers’ improved understanding about what is happening and how investigators can better handle these types of investigations.

When an individual is sexually assaulted, for instance:

“The brain goes into survival mode,” one instructor, Lisa Levine, explained. “The stress hormones in the brain affect memory and rational thought and decision-making.

“Consequently, trauma memory is not recorded and stored in a linear fashion. Instead, memories of the trauma are encoded and stored as sensory images or information. The memories are scattered rather than stored in orderly sequence.

“This makes it difficult for trauma survivors to recall the event in proper order, context and sequence.”

The purpose of the in-service course is to increase investigator awareness of this condition and how to better conduct interviews and investigations with traumatized family violence and sexual assault victims.

One of the course instructors, Sgt. Melissa Holbrook of the HPD Special Victims Division, uses neurobiology to outline why and how it accounts for  a victims’ tendency to change her story, not readily remember crucial details or become rattled and sometimes just flat refuses to cooperate.

Holbrook believes these circumstances often lead investigators in the wrong direction. With a better understanding of what’s taking place in the victim’s brain, officers should be better able to process an effective investigation.

One might say that it ain’t brain surgery but only because there is no operation on a table.

The in-service neurobiology course is co-sponsored by the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) in a promising new partnership between HPD and HAWC initiated by Capt. Dana Hitzman, former head of the Special Victims Division.

Holbrook and Levine, one of Holbrook’s course co-authors and the clinical director at HAWC, take great pains to keep the definition and ramifications of neurobiology as simple as possible for easy understanding. They also use real cases to make key points and quote national experts.

Definition: Neurobiology — the study of cells of the nervous system and the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate behavior.

In the course, Holbrook points out the way the brain works in the aftermath of trauma makes it more difficult to answer investigators’ detailed questions about “what happened?”

“In times of danger,” she said, “the brain stops filing memories and stops us from feeling pain. These brain emanations are the body’s clever way of protecting us.”

Again, to put it as simply as possible: The flood of stress hormones in the brain cells (take out cells – it is too scientific – leave it just “in the brain”) in the wake of trauma cause the hippocampus to stop filing memories. Because this part of the brain goes “off-line,” the victim just may not be able to remember details of the event.

Levine said, “These memories are jumbled up in the brain. The victim may not be able to be able to put them in logical sequence” while she is being asked for details in the initial interview.

As time passes, the brain returns to normal, freer of the influx of survival hormones that prompt confusion.

Holbrook, a veteran investigator, emphasized the importance of patience and common sense in the early stages of the investigative process. To ignore the neurobiology in the investigative equation will likely result in faulty judgement of the victim’s credibility, thus leading down the wrong trails in the compilation of a case file.

The investigator’s tendency should not be to press for details, for in the post-traumatic stress period the victim might well provide the wrong answers to key questions.

Holbrook said when a victim is traumatized there is bound to be inconsistencies in the interview. The point she and Levine underscore is that being traumatized and not remembering details should be considered “normal” by investigators.

“When you ask somebody traumatized, ask about sensory fragments,” she explained. “This is not the right person to be asking chronological questions in the context of being a sexual assault survivor.”

Instead of pressing for details, a more relaxed, open-ended approach will work better. “I would say, ‘What can you tell me about what happened to you?’ It’s a non-threatening, open-ended question that allows the victim to fell as relaxed as she can be under the circumstances.”

An apt follow-up might be: “What else do you remember?”

Victims may behave in ways that seem counterintuitive to investigators (that is, zoning out, showing little or no emotion, shifting emotional displays quickly, verbally attacking the officer, etc.). This neurobiology course teaches that these reactions – instead of reigning as the bane of the job that somebody has to do – should be, in essence, “normal.”

This special in-service course gets down to the specifics about how trauma affects not just the sexual assault victims of all genders but also family violence victims. Capt. Dana Hitzman, former head of the Special Victims Division and now head of the Clear Lake Division, said neurobiology courses are trending in law enforcement agencies across the country.

It was Hitzman’s suggestion that the in-service course be a requirement of every HPD officer.

The course has attracted other law enforcement agencies far beyond the Houston area. Holbrook and Levine recently conducted a class for other agencies from surrounding areas. They both stay excited about the HPD/HAWC partnership and believe these ongoing efforts will result in improved investigations and getting the bad actors off the streets at a steadier rate – with less risk of re=victimizing the complainant.

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Perhaps the most prevalent police investigation myths center around sexual assault and family violence cases.

HPD works hard to figuratively shoot down the myths with lessons on the latest realities found in case studies and ardent criminal justice research.

Herewith, the Badge & Gun attempts to sort out a few of these common myths by bringing the realities to the forefront.

Myth: Most sexual assault victims are committed by strangers.

Reality: Studies based on police records throughout the nation show almost 80 percent of rape victims knew the identity of their attacker. Their attacker was either an intimate, other relative, a friend or an acquaintance.

Myth: Because of a growing public awareness of sexual assault and family violence cases, a growing number of these cases are reported.

Reality: What is described as “a very small minority” of female sexual assault victims ever report the crime to law enforcement officers. The current estimate: only 16 to 19 percent.

Myth: In the most recent annual report covering family violence in Houston, there were 27,963 cases. The report showed the victims suffered injuries but only a few died from them.

Reality: Houston/Harris County has a way of being at the top of too many statistical categories. In 2015, the most recent statistical compilation year, 158 family violence victims were killed in Texas. Houston/Harris County led the state with 34 deaths. The second highest total was Dallas County with 13.

Myth: The most effective investigative approach to sexual assault cases is to press the victim for the pertinent details while they are fresh on her mind.

Reality: After a victim suffers from a traumatic event, his or her ability to recall details becomes difficult. To press the victim for details will seldom be productive and is likely to make an investigation inconsistent and more difficult.

Myth: Most rapists have common personal characteristics that are easily detectible.

Reality: As one veteran investigator puts it, “Ninety-nine percent of them look like you and me.” However, they are more apt to turn out to be wolves in sheep’s clothing. They come from all walks of life, all ages, all cultures, education and socio-economic levels, religions and even genders.

   Myth: Most perpetrators of sexual assault undertake one violent event, then withdraw and can go long periods of time without committing another attack.

Reality: The majority of sexual assault and family violence suspects are repeat offenders.

Myth: Because of greater public awareness of sexual assault and family violence, suspects in these cases are more likely to be charged and convicted.

Reality: Not so. The suspects chances of getting away with crimes like these are still overwhelming in his/her favor. So far there is no effective deterrent outside of more effective investigations.

Myth: The number of false reports of sexual assaults are much higher than those for other alleged crimes.

Reality: No. The percentage is 2 to 8 percent – the same as the average number of false reports for all other crimes.

Myth: Rape victims “act a certain way” during the ensuing investigation.

Reality: Each will act differently, especially during questioning in the aftermath of the event. Investigations should focus on the actions of the suspect instead of the actions of the victim.

The post HPD focuses on replacing sexual assault and family violence myths with today’s realities appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

When a major theft occurred at the nation’s top sports event, HPD investigators responded and put more points on the proverbial scoreboard than the New England Patriots.

We all know the circumstances and what happened. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady led his team to the most exciting come-from-behind Super Bowl victories in the history of the immortal game.

The trouble was someone stole his game jersey in the celebrative aftermath in the locker room.

The date was Feb. 6 and the Major Offenders Division got the call, specifically to Sgt. Terry Seagler and Detective Carol Calabro.

Major Offenders Capt. Dwayne Ready outlined what then happened as he presented the HPOU Investigators of the Month honors to Seagler and Calabro at the Union’s April general membership meeting.

“Seagler and Calabro immediately began tracking down and investigating numerous leads, along with dozens of tips coming in through Crime Stoppers and the Texas Rangers.

“With the assistance of other MOD personnel, several subpoenas were issued for video evidence and material with evidentiary value.”

Calabro traveled to Boston to meet with team security, NFL security and the Boston FBI.

“After a thorough review of the video evidence and a painstaking review of Super Bowl-issued credentials, a suspect – who was already a person of interest through an HPD informant – was developed,” Ready explained.

“Detectives interviewed Tom brady and other members of the Patriot organization and, subsequently, were confident the suspect was the one who committed the theft.”

Further investigation revealed that this suspect resided in Mexico.

Mexican authorities exercised a search warrant, resulting in the suspect handing over Tom Brady’s extremely valuable piece of history sports memorabilia from Super Bowl LI as well as his jersey from Super Bowl XLIX from two years ago.

Ready pointed out that “it was the HPD investigation that revealed the suspect was also in possession of the SB49 jersey, which was stolen in Phoenix in 2015.”

Mexican law enforcement officials handed over both jerseys to the FBI, which in turn ran them through its crime lab in Boston for evidence collection and to be authenticated.

“The suspect faces federal charges for transporting stolen items across the border as well as potential felony theft charges here in Harris County,” Ready explained.

The captain turned to the two honorees and said, “I know you worked tirelessly on this case of national notoriety. Your diligence in solving it reflects well on the entire Houston Police Department. Congratulations on receiving this award for investigators of the month.”

The post Tom Brady’s Super Bowl LI jersey stolen! Who you gonna call? HPD Major Offenders! appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

On Feb 20 of last year, Officers Shane Krantz and Ryan Ware conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of 34^th Street, little knowing that they would soon encounter a dangerous felon who was not willing to go back to jail.

As Officer Krantz was dealing with the driver of the traffic stop, Officer Ware approached the front passenger. Ware had the passenger exit the vehicle when the suspect immediately pushed off and began to run away.

Krantz and Ware were able to take the suspect to the ground, but he continued to actively fight both officers. Ware struck the individual with his flashlight, a tactic that proved to be ineffective.

While the officers were on the ground wrestling with the suspect, he attempted to take Officer Ware’s pistol out of its holster.

Fearing for his life, Ware attempted to roll over onto his holster to secure it, but was unsuccessful. At this point, Ware felt his only option to keep the suspect from taking his pistol was to bite him on his shoulder.

When Ware put the bite on him, the suspect released his grip from the pistol. But he continued to swing his fists wildly at both officers, ripping the radio and lapel off Krantz’ shirt. The suspect then broke free and attempted to run away from the officers.

They gave chase and the suspect was eventually struck with a ced. The suspect was then taken into custody.

The suspect was arrested for attempting to disarm a police officer, patrol violation, evading arrest and possession of narcotics.

HPOU 2^nd Vice President Joe Gamaldi presented the honor to the officers, saying, “Due to their drive and deep commitment, Officers Krantz and Ware have distinguished themselves by apprehending a felon under dangerous circumstances. They are an asset to the Houston Police Department and should be recognized for their effort.”

The post Officers Krantz and Ware honored as Patrol Officers of Month appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

You run toward danger while everyone else runs away.

When an assist is dropped, you rush to the scene lights on, sirens blaring.

That takes bravery and courage.

Dropping an assist when things hit the fan on the streets is considered good, sound, safe tactics in law enforcement culture and training–not a sign of weakness or cowardice.

You wouldn’t hesitate to ask for help in the field when you need it.

Are you brave enough to drop an assist for emotional help? Brave enough to support a brother or sister officer facing an emotional or personal crisis?

Do you have the courage to ask another officer if he or she has thought about or planned suicide?

Too many officers run away from their problems rather than toward them.

Time has come to shatter the stigmas, break down the barriers, change the culture that keep officers from seeking, receiving, or giving help.

For too long, officers have considered asking for help a sign of weakness or a sign that they are not capable of doing the job.

You are paid to control chaos. You are expected to solve problems in other peoples’ lives. Because of that job responsibility, officers view the inability to solve their own problems as a mark of failure.

Don’t let shame spoil your game.

Shame keeps many officers from seeking assistance. They feel ashamed that as a police officer they couldn’t handle issues on their own, by themselves, and may appear weak.

By asking for emotional assistance, officers worry that other officers will treat them differently. If they can’t handle their own problems, how are they going to solve problems on the street?

Asking for help can be the healthiest thing you do for yourself. Asking for help doesn’t mean you are “ill.”

Officers worry that seeking help, admitting to an emotional or personal issue, will make them unfit for duty. Officers worry that the department will find out or that their gun will be taken away or they will be removed from their assignment and put on light duty.

Officers fear being labeled that they can’t handle the stresses of the job or can’t deal with problems in their life.

That’s hogwash.

Officers need to see past the shame, see beyond the stigma of appearing weak, and get the help required to turn their lives around.

Asking for help is handling the problem and takes courage and bravery.

Seeking help, another opinion, is handling the problem in a healthy and mature way.

As a police officer you step into situations and keep the peace by calming others who are so wrapped up in their issues that they can’t see through to the other side.

When you are struggling to survive a life crisis, you may not see clearly; your perspective may be distorted because you are close and personally involved with the problem. Seeking advice from another person–a therapist, member of the clergy, trusted friend, mentor, or peer support team member–can help you shine new light on the situation. Gaining this insight can steer you through rough waters.

If confidentiality is your concern, if you fear that using Psych Services will come back and haunt you on the job, then seek a counselor/therapist in the community and pay out of your own pocket.

There will be no paper trail if you don’t file insurance. No credit card receipts or checks clearing the bank if you pay in cash. Many therapists offer a discount or a payment plan for people who choose to pay cash and not use insurance.

Officers worry about being put on medications that will make them unfit for full duty.

New therapies exist that don’t require medication such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), talk therapy, mindfulness training, and exposure therapies.

Cops heal when they talk to other cops.

You have officers’ backs on the street. Do you have their backs when they are hurting emotionally? Depressed? Feeling hopeless? Are you brave enough to reach out to another officer?

Do you make yourself available for other officers to come talk to you?

Research has shown that social support provides healing to those in pain.

Having our pain seen by another, acknowledged, and validated is healing. We do that all the time in our society for the grieving by showing up at funerals and supporting the surviving family members.

We must do that for our brother and sister officers who are struggling or in emotional pain.

Be The Change

Asking for emotional or personal help is a sound tactic.

You may only need an emotional tune-up. Something you would readily do for your automobile, but hesitate to do for yourself.

Are you brave enough to change the stigma attached to officers seeking help?

Let’s make talking to another officer who has survived on the same battlefield as you–both the personal and professional battlefield–an accepted practice.

Let’s make it okay for officers to reach out for an assist.

Any kind of assist.

The change starts with you!!

Resources include:

Local: Houston Officers Peer Assistance (HOPA) staffed by trained retired HPD officers 832-200-3499, HPD Psych Services 832-394-1440, HPD Chaplain 832-596-8083

Hotlines (staffed by cops): Safe Call Now 1-206-459-3020 and Copline 1-800-267-5463

Websites: www.copsalive.com, www.badgeoflife.com, www.woundedbadge.com, www.safecallnow.org, www.wcpr2001.org.

Video: http://code9project.org/the-film

Books: “I Love a Cop” by Dr. Ellen Kirschman, “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement” by Dr. Kevin Gilmartin, “Spiritual Survival for Law Enforcement” by Rabbi Cary A. Friedman.

Copyright©2017 Barbara A. Schwartz.  All Rights Reserved.

Barbara A. Schwartz writes exclusively about police officers. She is certified in first responder peer support by the Law Enforcement Alliance for Peer Support (LEAPS) and the International Critical Incident and Stress Foundation (ICISF). She can be reached at bschwartz(at sign)hpou.org.

The post How Brave are You? appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

WHETHER IT’S TOUTING THE HOUSTON COUGARS, THE HOUSTON Police Foundation or even his businesses, entrepreneur Tillman Fertitta stays at the top of his game.

Lately that game was NCAA basketball, particularly the March Madness bracket that’s always the highest level of sports excitement between the Super Bowl, the NBA Championship and the World Series.

Just like his policing priorities, the police foundation chairman knew the right choices. Like numerous titans of business and finance from across the nation, he submitted his personal bracket and anted up $10,000 for charity. For a second consecutive year, it was an event set up by Bloomberg. Termed “Brackets for a Cause,” it enables two or three winners to win “the pot” for their favorite charity.

Fertitta split the pot with a co-winner and thus deposited $161,500 into the ever-growing Houston Police Foundation coffer – which is ever and a day dedicated to helping HPD purchase equipment and facilities the city budget is unable to cover. This latest contribution will be bracketed for the HPD Tactical Training Facility

The HPOU and the Badge & Gun can’t say enough about Fertitta’s dedication and support of HPD officers in particular and the Houston area law enforcement community in general. His annual fundraising extravaganza at his River Oaks residents stands out as a top-of-the-line tradition.

And Police Week is coming up this month. You will see Tillman Fertitta out front, honoring the year’s top officers, police administrators and civilian employees as well as taking the lead in remembering those who have given the ultimate in the line of duty.

Yep, Tillman Fertitta is a true winner in both the March Madness and the May kudos and remembrances!

The post Editorial: Tillman Fertitta proves one more time (as if he had to) That he has no brackets when it comes to HPD’s benefit appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

OPENING

Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer by Corey Wilson.

MEETING DEDICATION

Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Kevin Will who was killed in the line of Duty on May 24, 2011. Alisha Will and Kevin Will Jr. were in attendance for the dedication.

GUESTS:

Ray introduced the Humble National Technical Honor Society from Kingwood High School and allowed them to share information about their program, Books and Beard for Children. Ray told the membership there were teddy bears on stage and patrol officers were encouraged to take some and place them in the trunks of patrol vehicles to share with children on calls.

Captain Edwards spoke about the new North Belt Division, which was being created. Captain Edwards stated if anyone had question to contact him and he would provide additional information.

Ray then allowed the Citizens Police Academy to present the Lynn Clooney award. Sgt. Melissa Holbrook was presented the award.

PATROL OF THE MONTH

Ray then advised the membership that Officers Jordan and Ramirez from North East was this months Officer of the month and were presented the award Luis Mendez-Sierra.

INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH

Ray also advised the Membership that Detective Wesley Jones would be the investigator of the month, and Lt. Jessica Anderson would present the award.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Ray informed all in attendance that the treasurer’s report was on the tables and asked if there were any questions. Ray then advised the membership that if they had any questions to contact Tim Butler and he would assist them.

Reminders that the minutes are at HPOU.org

COMMUNICATIONS

Ray then provided a pension update and advised he believed the Pension Bill as presented to the membership would be passed. Ray also stated this Saturday at 9am they will meet at the Capital in House Chambers.

Ray spoke to the membership regarding the constitutional carry, Sanctuary city bills. Ray advised the HPOU was not in favor of either of these bills. Ray advised that both bills were not good for the Police.

Ray advised the membership that there is no mandate by the contract regarding the academy classes. Ray stated he has received many questions in regards to the Academy being closed because of the Pension bill. Ray sated there was no contractual mandate keeping the academy classes going.

Ray then advised the Membership that there were no questions for District Attorney Kim Ogg for this past month. Ray advised her office still has an open line of communication and quickly responds to any issues our officers have.

Ray told the Membership that Tim Whitaker has been appointed as the new TCOLE commissioner.

Ray advised the Membership that the IAD complainants for 2016 were the following:

Total complaints: 1085

Citizen Complaints: 257

Officer vs. Officer: 828

Ray reminded the Membership that if you have a body camera to TURN THEM ON.

Ray reminded Officers who pass the Physical Agility test who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 you get $800, and hired after that date get 40 hours of PD time.

Ray advised the membership there was an error in the Badge and Gun with the picture of Ronnie Cortez. Ray advised his brothers name was inadvertently used for the caption. Ray advised the error was corrected and the family was provided the corrected edition. Ray advised there are also corrected copies available at the HPOU front desk.

Ray advised that Back the Blue event at the Omni Galleria would hold a breakfast for all Officers on May 15^th.

Ray advised the Membership that the next Cookout will be at NW on Wednesday May 24^th noon till 11pm.

Ray then reminded the membership of the upcoming First Responder Fishing Tournament on May 31^st. Ray also advised that if there are any questions to direct them to Tom Hayes.

Ray reminded the membership that the deductibles for insurance started all over May 1st.

Ray then advised the membership that the ATO would host a fundraiser at Under the Radar Brewery on May 6, 2017 where 10% of the proceeds would go to Assist the Officer.

REMINDERS

Ray reminded the membership to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty. Ray advised this would save a lot of headaches in the future dealing with workers compensation.

Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.

Ray reminded to the membership that you can still fill prescriptions at the HEB, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sam’s or Kelsey but NOT Target. Target and CVS have been removed from the approved locations to get medication filled.

Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones, both Apple and Google. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.

Ray then reminded the membership if they were in the market for a home loan or refinancing to use Mickey Keys with Fairway mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.

Ray then advised the membership if they needed a Realtor to use Michael Bedner who advertises in the Badge and Gun.

Ray advised the membership that HOPA the Peer support group is live 832-200-3499 and that if any Officer was in need of assistance or knew of an Officer who needed help, to please call for assistance. Ray mentioned to the membership that there have been 3 suicides this year.

Ray advised the membership that there are guns for purchase from Tim Butler. Tim has AR-15s in stock, which will be sold at cost.

Ray then told the members to remember to KEEP YOUR FIELD NOTES! Ray advised we would address this in the legislature but for now officers need to keep them.

Ray Hunt reminded everyone to restrict his or her HCAD and voter registration information.  Spouse may restrict voter information as well.

HPOU.org – Please update your address and/or email address at the HPOU office or by visiting www.HPOU.org (member tab).

Public Safety Financial Group (PSFG) –Thinking of retiring go see PSFG for a free financial analysis. The analysis is valued at approximately $500 and there is no obligation to join PSFG.  Contact PSFG at 832-200-3440 for an appointment.

URGENT CARE vs. ER – Ray advised the membership to use urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms.  Urgent care facilities are $65 compared to the ER visit of $400.  Because the city is self-insured, the ER visits increase the costs to the COH.

Ray Hunt reminded everyone to wear seat belts at all times and to watch your speed.

Sobering Center – Ray asked all members to support and utilize the sobering center.  Utilizing the sobering center helps the city and is an easy process for officers.  Most officers are unsure of the location so encourage officers to look up the area before having to transport a person to the facility.

Facebook/Twitter – Ray Hunt asked members to invite officers to “like” the HPOU Facebook page.  Additionally, HPOU is now on Twitter at @hpoutx.  The HPOU is working to increase communications to members.

The next meeting will be on June 1, 2017.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None

NEW MEMBERS

All of class 230 and Erasmo Garcia from NW. Tom Hayes made the motion to accept the new members and Doug Griffith made the second. The motioned carried.

DOOR PRIZES

Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.

ADJOURNMENT

Will Reiser made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Colton Peverall seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership

Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary

The post Minutes from the May 4 Membership Meeting appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.

The Omni Hotel will be having a “Back the Blue Breakfast” for National Police Week on Monday May 15th. They will serve officers free breakfast and coffee as a thank you for everything we do for the community. Thank you Omni for supporting officers and Backing the Blue.

The post Back the Blue Breakfast at the Omni Hotel appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.