January 2017
In this issue:
Editorial: The big HPD history question still being asked: Can a chief from the outside become a success?
Tom Kennedy
Time to count ‘em and do some numbers. Chiefs of the Houston Police Department have been appointed since 1901. Over that 115-year period 34 individuals have served as the so-called “top cop,” not included four who served in acting capacities as mayoral administrations changed. Mayor Sylvester Turner’s appointment of Art Acevedo marks only the fourth Read More Read more
This year’s HPOU Scholarship topic addresses proper student reaction when stopped by police
Tom Kennedy
The topic of this year’s HPOU Scholarship essay prompts applicants to present opinions about how students should conduct themselves when stopped by police. Officially, the essay question is: Texas State Senator John Whitmire plans to introduce a bill to teach high school students how to conduct themselves when being stopped by the police? Are Read More Read more
HPOU Scholarship Instructions
Tom Kennedy
2017 HPOU Scholarship Instructions/Application To qualify for a scholarship, a student must: Be a dependent of an active or retired member in good standing with the HPOU Be a high school senior who will be entering college for the first time Submit the application along with a copy of his or her official high school Read More Read more
HPOU Scholarship Application
Tom Kennedy
2017 HPOU Scholarship Application NAME__________________________________________ Last First Middle Initial ADDRESS_______________________________________ ______________________________________________ HOME PHONE NUMBER_____________________________ HPOU MEMBER NAME/PAYROLL NUMBER____________________ YOUR HIGH SCHOOL_______________________________ YOUR HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ YOUR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TOPIC: Texas State Senator John Whitmire plans to introduce a bill to teach Read More Read more
HPOU Scholarship Commitment Letter
Tom Kennedy
Scholarship Commitment Letter I, , commit to use the scholarship money awarded to me by the Houston Police Officers’ Union, towards my tuition, housing, books, or any other education related expense that may arise following my graduation from High School. By signing below I also understand that all scholarship documents must be submitted Read More Read more
The Dream Hunt: Jorge Gomez’ son Clint takes down hunting trophies like namesake Clint Eastwood takes down suspects!
Tom Kennedy
We now know without a doubt that Clint Gomez has some Clint Eastwood in him. While that one Clint always got his man as “Dirty Harry,” the younger Clint – the son and obvious pride of HPD Officer Jorge Gomez – got his trophy while on a once-in-a-lifetime deer hunt with his dad. As Badge Read More Read more
It might take a third oak tree but North Patrol will once again dedicate the Johnny Bamsch Memorial
Tom Kennedy
On Monday, Jan. 30 – 42 years to the day Officer Johnny Terrell Bamsch, 27, died in the line of duty – a special memorial will be rededicated to his memory at the North Patrol substation at 9455 West Montgomery. The third dedication of the Bamsch Memorial represents the oft-stated goal of the Houston Police Read More Read more
The 5th Annual HPOU Family Picnic drew a record crowd Of bouncing fun-invested, hunger-busting kids of ALL ages
Tom Kennedy
The dedicated planners of the Fifth Annual HPOU Family Picnic really knew how to draw a crowd. The Saturday extravaganza on Nov. 12 drew a record number of HPD officers and their families to partake of the fun, excitement and prizes for which the event has become known. “We had more people than last year,” Read More Read more
Union recognizes C. K. Overstreet as Patrol Officer of Month
Tom Kennedy
The HPOU honored Officer C. K. Overstreet as Patrol Officer of the Month at the November general membership meeting. Officer Overstreet was issued a “cool car” (an undercover vehicle) because North Houston was having multiple break-ins during the night and the officer’s job was to on-view burglaries and respond to alarm calls quickly to apprehend Read More Read more
Smash and the Smash girls prove they can ‘make it anywhere,’ especially when a special book receives recognition in New York
Tom Kennedy
If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. And the latest is that Smash, the celebrated HPD Mounted Patrol horse, has made it in New York, New York. So, too, have the equally notable “Smash Girls,” who with this great steed are the subject of a non-fiction book that now can be Read More Read more
The Trouble with Trauma
Barbara A. Schwartz
Editor’s Note: This article orginally appeared in American Police Beat and is reprinted with permission from the author. Traumatic stress is misunderstood. That is why police officers and military veterans suffer alone and in silence. Experiencing a single traumatic incident, or years of exposure to “little traumas” over the course of a police career, produces Read More Read more
Fallen Heroes: Officer Isaac Parsons
Nelson Zoch
May 24, 1914 In the afternoon hours of Saturday, May 23, 1914, there was a great deal of difficulty involving one suspect in the near Fifth Ward area. An unknown Negro male had been terrorizing the neighborhood and on several occasions, this suspect had fire shots. Police Chief Chauffeur Granger and Police Secretary Edmund Read More Read more
Obituaries of HPD Family Members
Tom Kennedy
AUTHIER Mr. Arthur W. Authier passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at the age of 86. He is the father of Retired Senior Police Officer Stephen W. Authier, who retired on July 19, 2014, out of the Southeast Division. Services were held November 3 with burial in Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. BARRETT Retired Read More Read more
Thank You Notes to HPOU
Tom Kennedy
HPOU, The Family of Constable Ruben G. Davis Jr. sends thanks and appreciation to you the family, friends and constituents of Fort Bend and Harris counties. We especially appreciate those of you who traveled across the nation to support us as we celebrated the life and legacy of a wonderful husband, father, friend and Constable. Read More Read more
