My law enforcement department has been giving a "stage name" to our K-9 partners that honors local dignitaries and community leaders. The "stage name" is used in all public news releases and reports.
Not too long ago I got to wondering why they hadn't named one of the dogs for my mentor and good friend who hired me way back in 1981. So, I picked up the telephone and called the current Constable, who is also a good friend, to ask the question. His response was "good idea, I don't know how we overlooked that".
So today, I went back to my old office where I rarely venture anymore for the presentation.
The man of honor, Constable Dick Moore, gave me my first job in law enforcement in 1981 and I have remained with the department ever since. Although my commission is still real, it is mostly honorary since my retirement.
I said at the ceremony that Constable Moore has been the single person who has made my life what it has been for the past 41 years and is today. He trusted me with a 5000 lb. patrol car with lights on top and a really loud woo-woo turned loose on the public. Even scarier, he trusted me with a badge and a gun. I must have done something right because over the years he promoted me through the ranks to the rank of captain before he retired. His replacement kept me on and the current Constable promoted me to the rank of assistant chief where I remain retired, but still commissioned.
When I first started back in 1981, we had 45 employees. Today the department has grown to about 650 employees with about 600 of them being commissioned peace officers. It is the 13th largest law enforcement agency in Texas and the largest Constable's Office in the United States. It has a $70 million dollar budget!
The guy in the red shirt below is me. To my left in the dark suit is the current Constable, Mark Herman. The white haired man to my right is retired Constable Dick Moore standing with his wife.
The photo below is of the actual presentation. The made local television news in Houston.
I am extremely proud to have been able to honor Constable Moore in this way!
BTW, he will be 93 years old in a couple of months!
Harris Co. Constable, Pct.4 Facebook Page