FEB. 2025. Blues Vol 41 No.2

If you’ve been in law

If you’ve been in law enforcement inHouston for any length of time you know orhave heard of Alan. He’s donated and raisedliterally millions of dollars to help thefamilies of fallen officers and those injuredin the line of duty. He’s earned the title Mr.Philanthropy by numerous groups in Houstonfor his generosity and support over theyears. If you’ve toured the upstairs hallwayat the dealership off Kirby Drive, you’vewitnessed his efforts displayed in dozensof photos and awards from various groupsthroughout the years including the LifetimeAchievement Award from The BLUES in2021.Then of course, there’s the Board Roomthat’s more of a collection point for all thememorabilia Alan gives away to customers,as well as donations to organizations of allkinds who use the priceless pieces to raisemoney for their events and fundraisers.And one of those groups he has given sogenerously to over the years is the AstrosFoundation and therefore afforded him theopportunity to throw out the ceremonialfirst pitch at several games including theone on the ‘back’ cover of this month’s issuethat earned him the award for the highestkick ever in a pre-game pitchout when theAstros played the Rangers in April of ‘24.And while the rest of world might callhim Mr. Philanthropy, I simply know him asa friend and a fellow law enforcement officer.Fact is, I’ve known Alan since we wereboth teenagers. My uncle “Flo” worked forhis dad for over 25 years at the dealershipas did my mom.Soon after I graduated high school, I appliedfor the Harris County Sheriff’s Departmentand went to work for SheriffJack Heard, while Alan went to college. Afew years later, Alan enrolled in the HoustonCommunity College Police Academy tobecome a Reserve Peace Officer. (Much tothe dismay of his father if I remember correctly.He said I was a bad influence on hisson.) I don’t recall the reason, but he hadto complete his training at the University ofHouston Downtown, and has been a Peace92 92 The BLUES -- FEBRUARY ‘25 ‘25

Officer ever since. In fact, Helfman is one ofonly 36 individuals that continues to holda SPECIAL RESERVE peace officers licensetoday and as I mentioned, is now the AssistantChief Deputy for the Harris CountyConstables Precinct 7 office.Back in November of 2023, our Senior EditorDr. Tina Jaeckle had the opportunity tomeet Alan in person and here’s just some ofthat Tribute article about Alan:Like so many before me, I met Alan Helmanand was immediately drawn to hiskindness and unquestionable dedication tohelping others, especially law enforcementThe The BLUES - - FEBRUARY ‘25 ‘25 93 93