June 2016
In this issue:
Editorial: HPOU supports Brady’s bill to enhance Social Security Benefits for police officers, firefighters, school teachers
Tom Kennedy
HOW MANY TIMES DOES EACH AND EVERY congressman from the Greater Houston/Southeast Texas area agree unanimously on a House bill that enhances the retirement benefits for police officers, firefighters and even public school teachers? Not very often, particularly in this day and time when so many politicians and pundits take their shots at public servants Read More Read more
Officer Kim Miller’s stalwart investigations take two Houston area serial rapists off the streets
Tom Kennedy
This past year has seen a veteran Westside robbery officer lead an impressive, persistent effort to take two serial rapists off the street. These individuals were responsible for at least 20 sexual assaults – that we know of – in three jurisdictions. The officer’s lieutenant highly praised her “tenacious investigative efforts” that put the suspects Read More Read more
Kim Miller and husband Jeff form good-cop, bad-cop Husband/wife confession team in Westside Robbery
Tom Kennedy
You can argue if you want but some officers are just born to be investigators. It so happens that this particular officer also knows how to take serial rapists – also known to rob their victims – off Houston streets and in the harm’s way they created. Officer Kimberly Miller said she wanted to be Read More Read more
Union staunchly backing Kevin Brady bill requiring that officers receive fairer share of Social Security benefits
Tom Kennedy
The Houston Police Officers Union stands in full force behind H. R. 711, a current measure in Congress designed to restore more fair and equitable Social Security benefits to police officers, firefighters and teachers – public servants covered by their own pension programs. If passed, the measure would make sure that police officers and their Read More Read more
HPOU awards scholarships totaling $34,000 To sons and daughters of Union members
Tom Kennedy
The HPOU awarded 77 college scholarships to the sons and daughters of Union members who will be experiencing their first semester of college this fall. Overall, the Union’s 2nd Vice President Joe Gamaldi presented a total of $34,000 in scholarships to the next members of freshman classes. The special awards ceremony took place on April Read More Read more
Patrol Officer of the Month Laureano Goes well beyond the call of his duties
Tom Kennedy
As stated in the April general membership meeting, Officer Leon Laureano, assigned to Central storefront, was not being honored for heroism in the face of danger or solving a major case. Instead, Laureano was recognized for his heart and compassion for his fellow man and how he put that strong heart to use to go Read More Read more
On the HPD Range: Don’t take this personally but police gun safety is important!
Robert Sandoval
As supervisor of the dayshift qualifications range at the academy, I have a message I’ve wanted to get across to everybody. It has to do with gun safety, which begins at the ballistics clearing barrel at the door and extends through the annual qualification rounds required of every officer during his or her birth month. Read More Read more
Our hats are off to the Houston Police Foundation During each and every Police Week during May
Tom Kennedy
Police Week activities in Houston always accentuate the strong, dedicated fundraising role the Houston Police Foundation constantly plays to support the every-day operations of the Houston Police Department. This role always seems to see the brightest light every May, especially at the Police Week Heroes Luncheon at the Downtown Hyatt Regency, honoring the finest of Read More Read more
May 16-20 Police Week activities will be highlighted By annual awards ceremony, Police Memorial Service
Tom Kennedy
Truly one of the HPD highlights of each year is the Police Week Awards ceremony at5 the Hyatt Regency Hotel, just a block or two away from headquarters at the Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis. This year’s event, one of several highlights of Police Week, May 16-20, will be held on Monday, May Read More Read more
Here’s a history of the HPD Patrol Cars, All of it in black and white – well, almost
Earl Musick
During my lifetime the color of Houston’s police cars changed many times. As a Houston teenager, I was constantly looking out for the police blue and whites that patrolled our neighborhoods. Obviously, from the number of traffic tickets I received during my teenage years, I wasn’t very good at spotting the police before they caught Read More Read more
Stars and Stripes Tourney flooded out but rescheduled for June 1, same place
Tom Kennedy
The 6th Annual Stars and Stripes Charity Golf Tournament, originally set for April 28, was rescheduled for Wednesday, June 1 at the Clubs of Kingwood – having been postponed due to high flood waters. Coordinator Capt. Greg Fremin said, “Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. The new June 1 date will be at Read More Read more
Fallen Heroes: Officer Harry T. Mereness
Nelson Zoch
October 16, 1933 On Monday night, October 16, 1933, Houston Motorcycle Officer Harry Talcott Mereness was on duty and driving his motorcycle inbound on Old Galveston Road. He was attempting a left turn onto Broadway when his motorcycle was struck by an automobile driven by sixteen-year-old Owen Barry of La Porte. The side of Young Read More Read more
Psych Services: COPS’ retreats a Godsend for line-of-duty death survivors
Lisa Garmezy
There is a place where bereaved kids can go just to be kids. The advocacy group Concerns of Police Survivors offers camps for children and spouses of fallen officers, retreats for family members and co-workers, free training on trauma, and a variety of other services. Among us there are HPD officers and family members who Read More Read more
June 2016 Obituaries of HPD Family Members
Tom Kennedy
BARNER Mr. Clarzell Barner passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2016. He is the father of Senior Police Officer Charles C. Barner, assigned to the Burglary & Theft Division. Services were held April 187 with burial in St. Louis, Missouri. BARNES Mr. Earl James Barnes passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2016. He is the Read More Read more
Thank You Notes to the Houston Police Officers Union
Tom Kennedy
HPOU, Thank you so much for the spate (of flowers). They are beautiful. Thank you for your sympathy and prayers for the Ernest Mireles family. God bless you all. Mrs. Mireles HPOU, Your kind expression of sympathy is gratefully acknowledged and deeply appreciated. Sharon L. Richardson HPOU, Thank you for the prayers, love and support Read More Read more
