OPENING

Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer by Chaplin Monte Montgomery.

 

MEETING DEDICATION

Randy Upton then read the meeting dedication for Officer Dawn Erickson who was killed in the line of Duty in 1995.

 

GUESTS:

Mayor Sylvester Turner

Sherriff Elect Gonzalez

New Police Chief Art Acevedo.

 

PATROL OF THE MONTH

Ray then advised the membership that Officers Jason Sweet and David Schlottmann from IAH were this months Officer of the month and were presented the award by Luis Menendez-Sierra.

 

INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH

Officers Alex Carmona and Carol Calabro were presented the award for Investigator of the Month. Captain Dewayne Ready presented this award.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Ray informed all in attendance that the treasurer’s report was on the tables and asked if there were any questions. Ray then advised the membership that if they had any questions to contact Tim Butler and he would assist them.

Reminders that the minutes are at HPOU.org

 

COMMUNICATIONS

Ray introduced new Board member Debbie Lahaie to the membership.

Ray then called Captain Freemin to the stage for the presentation of checks to the ATO and the Firefighters. Captain Freemin presented each organization a check for $18366 from the proceeds from the 9-1-1 run.

Ray then advised the membership of the Kubosh Christmas Party at Kim Son and advised all police officers were invited.

Ray then had called Jason from Watchguard to the stage to present the Police Foundation a check for $5000 to purchase new vests.

Ray then advised Amanda Day with the Law Enforcement Family Support Unit was in the lobby for any interested officer.

Ray then advised that the newly elected District Attorney would be at the next Union meeting.

Ray then allowed Sheriff elect Gonzalez speak to the membership. He advised he was excited about working with the HPOU in Harris County.

Ray then called Mayor Turner to the stage to address the membership. Mayor Turner told the members he appreciated all they do each day. He also stated he was committed to making sure the Pensions were funded and sustainable. He wanted to make sure when officers went to the mailbox they had their well-deserved pension checks. He then introduced the newly appoint Chief of Police Art Acevedo.

Chief Acevedo that made his way to the stage to address the membership. He advised he loved Houston and was very happy to call this home. He also stated that he supported his officers and demanded the command staff do the same. He addressed some rumors initially. He advised that officers were not loosing their extra jobs. He did state assistant chiefs would not be working extra jobs. Chief Acevedo then stated he did not walk with protestors against Trump. He was walking beside them monitoring the event where they arrested five people. He then stated in regards to the chase policy that he was the one who brought the PIT maneuver to Austin. He stated he wanted officers trained to do this. He then addressed training and wanted more training for his officers. He would like to see monthly shooting as opposed to once a year.

Chief Acevedo advised he had an open door policy and was very hands on. He thanked the membership for this opportunity and concluded his speech. He then remained at meeting talking to officers present.

REMINDERS **Not addressed at the meeting due to Chief and Mayor speaking**

Ray reminded the membership to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty. Ray advised this would save a lot of headaches in the future dealing with workers compensation.

Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.

Ray reminded to the membership that you can still fill prescriptions at the HEB, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sam’s or Kelsey but NOT Target. Target and CVS have been removed from the approved locations to get medication filled.

Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones, both Apple and Google. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.

Ray then reminded the membership if they were in the market for a home loan or refinancing to use Mickey Keys with PHH mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.

Ray reminded the membership that for in-service schools to please be on time. Ray advised the Academy is going to start enforcing the start times and if you’re late you will not be admitted to the class.

Ray reminded the membership that if you were not a member of the organization you would receive no member benefits.

Ray advised the membership that HOPA the Peer support group is live 832-200-3499 and that if any Officer was in need of assistance or knew of an Officer who needed help, to please call for assistance. Ray mentioned to the membership that there have been 3 suicides this year.

Ray advised the membership that there are guns for purchase from Tim Butler. Tim has AR-15s in stock, which will be sold at cost.

Ray then told the members to remember to KEEP YOUR FIELD NOTES! Ray advised we would address this in the legislature but for now officers need to keep them.

Ray Hunt reminded everyone to restrict his or her HCAD and voter registration information.  Spouse may restrict voter information as well.

HPOU.org – Please update your address and/or email address at the HPOU office or by visiting www.HPOU.org (member tab).

Public Safety Financial Group (PSFG) –Thinking of retiring go see PSFG for a free financial analysis. The analysis is valued at approximately $500 and there is no obligation to join PSFG.  Contact PSFG at 832-200-3440 for an appointment.

URGENT CARE vs. ER – Ray advised the membership to use urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms.  Urgent care facilities are $65 compared to the ER visit of $400.  Because the city is self-insured, the ER visits increase the costs to the COH.

Ray Hunt reminded everyone to wear seat belts at all times and to watch your speed.

Sobering Center – Ray asked all members to support and utilize the sobering center.  Utilizing the sobering center helps the city and is an easy process for officers.  Most officers are unsure of the location so encourage officers to look up the area before having to transport a person to the facility.

Facebook/Twitter – Ray Hunt asked members to invite officers to “like” the HPOU Facebook page.  Additionally, HPOU is now on Twitter at @hpoutx.  The HPOU is working to increase communications to members.

The next meeting will be on January 5^st.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

NEW MEMBERS

All of Class 227

 

DOOR PRIZES

Ray Hunt announced the door prizes. Ray then announced that he had a special door prize to be given out.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Chad Crawford seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership

 

Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary