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

The Presidents Message

Christmas provokes thoughts, prayers for officers’ families

As we approach the Christmas holidays and reach the end of 2016, I frequently pause to think about those 113 Houston police officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

While opening gifts and spending time with family, I am reminded that many of the 113 HPD families will have an empty seat once occupied a loved one who served as one of Houston’s finest.

I still recall like it was yesterday that Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008. I was getting ready for church when I received the call that my friend Tim Abernethy had been killed. I think of Stephanie and the couple’s two children every Pearl Harbor Day. I pray that their pain has eased.

Who can ever forget learning on Christmas Eve 1995 that Dawn Erickson was killed while directing traffic at a Christmas Eve church service? I’m sure that on day of every year the Erickson family remembers getting the news no one wants to hear.

As I write this and look over the list of the other 111 names which hang right next to my desk, many of you know exactly where you were when you learned of the passing of one of our heroes. I know your memories of them are ever-lasting and I hope you say a prayer for each of those families who