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

The Presidents Message

The City’s paycheck fiasco saw Mayor and Controller stay on top of crisis situation to see that it won’t happen again

Last month’s paycheck fiasco was alarming that a city the size of Houston, Texas was unable to accurately pay around 2,700 public servants (all HPD) on time.

There is plenty of blame to go around regarding this mess, but the elected city controller, Chris Brown, and the duly elected mayor, Sylvester Turner, are not to blame.  Both of these officials stayed on top of the issue while many figured out a way to get persons paid as quickly and accurately as possible.

Both officials are investigating where the problem lies and both also pledged to make sure it never happens again.  We are appreciative for that!

This fiasco was also no fault of the HPOU, but the HPOU agreed to assist with getting the paychecks out.  I want to thank HPOU 1st Vice President Doug Griffith, Treasurer Tim Butler and Administrative Assistant Lisa Marino for leading the charge to make sure paychecks were disbursed as quickly and efficiently as possible following the mess.

Board Members Chad Crawford, Kawanski Nichols and Rhonda Williams along with others on staff at the HPOU also assisted in this endeavor.  Thanks also to 2nd Vice President Joe Gamaldi for keeping everyone

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