June 2018
In this issue:
Editorial: HPD stays out front with its active-shooter training programs
Tom Kennedy
NOTHING BETTER THAN A WELL-TRAINED police force. And nothing brings home this point than an able response to a lethal crime scene. Let’s draw some comparisons. While at HPD, Officer John Barnes was well trained in the response to an active shooter. Now retired from the Department, Barnes was serving as school district police officer Read More Read more
Officer (now Sergeant) Donovan honored as HPOU’s Investigator of the Month
Tom Kennedy
Sgt. Lee Donovan was honored in the May general membership meeting for his successful work as an investigator in the Child Sexual Abuse Unit. Donovan was recognized as a dedicated officer and “accomplished investigator and trainer who always goes the extra mile with every investigation.” Then there is this example: Donovan was assigned to investigate Read More Read more
Three officers honored for thwarting machete-wielding suspect
Tom Kennedy
Three officers were recognized in the HPOU May general membership meeting as the Union’s Patrol Officers of the Month. The three were Officers L. Castillo, J. Perez and R. Luna. Sgt. Michael Reutzel read the citation at the meeting, detailing the details of a dispatch to a weapon disturbance where the suspect was armed with Read More Read more
20 HPD officers take part in carrying “Flame of Hope in Benefit run from here to Arlington for the Special Olympics
Tom Kennedy
Talk about rallying the troops! HPD Officer Tracie Mathews-Segura and her fellow officers rounded up more than 100 law enforcement personnel from throughout the Greater Houston area (and beyond) to start a three-day run all the way to Arlington to benefit the Special Olympics. Each officer will take turns carrying the lighted “Flame of Hope,” Read More Read more
District A’s HPD/HFD softball game will become tradition, Council Member Stardig vows after successful May 9 event
Tom Kennedy
District A Council Member Brenda Stardig was very pleased with the success of the first-ever “Battle of the Branch” softball competition between HPD and HFD on May 9 in her district. Stardig, a strong supporter of Houston police and the HPOU, said the event took place in the 8500 block of Pitner Road, where an Read More Read more
Citizens Police Academy Alum’s ‘Officer of the Year’ honor presented to Houston Senior Police Officer Kevin M. Hunt
Tom Kennedy
The Houston Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association has presented Senior Officer Kevin Montrelle Hunt with its annual Lynn B. Clooney Memorial Award as the 2017 Officer of the Year “in recognition of his outstanding leadership and tireless efforts to foster a strong relationship amongst HPD officers and the community.” The alumni association’s Andrea Schmauss read Read More Read more
Lynn B Clooney Memorial Award
Andrea Schmauss
Lynn B. Clooney was a founding member of the Houston Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. Lynn, along with 20 other citizens graduated from Citizens Police Academy Class One. She was inspired by the officers who taught the classes, and felt it was necessary to form an alumni association to assist police officers. The Houston Read More Read more
Past Clooney Award Winners
Andrea Schmauss
Previous Recipients of the Lynn Clooney Award 2016 Sgt Melissa Holbrook 2015 Ofc Suzanne Hollifield 2014 Sgt James B. Luplow 2013 Ofc Javier A Calvillo 2012 Sr Ofc James E Tippy 2011 Ofc Syed U. Bukhari 2010 Sr Ofc Ana Gorham-Maki & Sr Ofc. Jose Duran 2009 Sr Ofc David E Freytag 2008 Sr Read More Read more
Undies for Everyone continues expanding its crusade to the corners of the nation as HPOU provides an increased amount of support
Tom Kennedy
About four years ago the HPOU recognized the success of a unique non-profit organization dedicated to supplying new underwear to underprivileged school children in the Greater Houston area. The Union put some money where the need was. Today, Undies for Everyone has broadened its commitment in all directions. What once was directed at Houston students Read More Read more
HPD family support unit gets new, easier-to-remember name
Tom Kennedy
You probably know what this outfit does but might have trouble with recalling its name. Quite simply, it’s name “has been” the Houston Law Enforcement Officers Family Support Unit. That’s quite a mouthful and even gets difficult on second reference: HLEOFSU. Those days are over. The name has been shortened and is being touted with Read More Read more
Pearland Police Officers Association seeing fundraising success for new police memorial garden in honor of city’s fallen officers
Tom Kennedy
Pearland police association leaders believe their May 25 fundraiser will put over the top their drive to construct a $120,000 police memorial. HPOU fully supports the fundraising drive, which Pearland Police Officers Association President John DeSpain said should be declared a complete success with the latest public event, a benefit concert by the Spazmatics at Read More Read more
Texas Javelinas Hawgs honor teammate Gary Gryder and all fallen officers at Memorial Softball Tournament
Mandy Day
My father, Senior Police Officer Paul Day (retired HPD), used to drag me around softball fields every weekend of my life, and at the time I didn’t show any signs that I appreciated this particular family tradition. For this reason, my dad was rather stunned last year when I announced that I wanted to relaunch Read More Read more
Fallen Heroes: Officer James Gambill
Nelson Zoch
December 1, 1936 In 1936, with vehicles and gasoline being in short supply during the Great Depression, Houston Police Officers were on occasions referred to as Short Call Officers. This term defined them as not doing active patrol, but responding to calls for service as they were reported. On Tuesday morning, December 1, 1936, Officer Read More Read more
Psych Services: Let’s study some realistic responses to school shootings after our grieving, prayers and mental health studies
Lisa Garmezy
Metal detectors. Clear backpacks. Threat assessment teams. Age restrictions. Armed teachers. Assault weapon buy-backs. Red flag laws. More mental health care, or more prayer in the schools . . . Will any of these, alone or in combination, stop school shootings? We toss out ideas while America’s kids live with fear. This month’s column offers Read More Read more
Deacon Blue: How to Deal with an IAD Complaint
Sgt. David Cole
Officers of all ranks and years of experience get into trouble at times with the Department. When the complaint drops, the IAD machine cranks up, you get put on the conveyer belt and you get pulled through the heat, gears and noise of the beast. When you come out the other side and it’s over, Read More Read more
Obituaries of HPD Family Members
Tom Kennedy
ANDREWS Mr. Stanley O. Andrews passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at the age of 79. He is the husband of Retired Senior Police Officer Mary R. Andrews, last assigned to the Special Operations Division, retiring on December 31, 2008. Services were held May 19 with burial in Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery. Read More Read more
Thank You Notes to the HPOU
Tom Kennedy
HPOU, This month has been one full of searching for just the right calf to show in the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Although I have shown Brahmans for the past few years, I have decided that it would be best to try a different American breed after reviewing the structure of the classes. Read More Read more
Police Week HPD Award Winners — the Narratives
Shelly Molina
2018 POLICE WEEK REDUCED NARRATIVES ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Officer Pablo Flores Ramirez While in training, Probationary Police Officer Pablo Flores Ramirez responded to a call where a woman stated that her ex-boyfriend was coming to her apartment to kill himself in front of her. As the officers rounded the corner of Read More Read more
