Nov 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 11

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK Alan Helfman, on the cover AGAIN! Trying to figure out why someone wearing an Astros Jersey, in a wide windup pose, is on the cover of this month’s BLUES? That someone is none other than Alan Helfman, president of River Oaks Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in Houston. If you’ve been in law enforcement in Houston for any length of time you know or have heard of Alan. He’s donated and raised literally millions of dollars to help the families of fallen officers and those injured in the line of duty. He’s earned the title Mr. Philanthropy by numerous groups in Houston for his generosity and support over the years, Back to the question. Why is he on the cover? Again? This is the second of our three-part anniversary issues and as we celebrate those that made our 40 years possible. In this issue, we honor Alan Helfman and River Oaks for supporting The BLUES with their advertising dollars for every one of those 6 The BLUES 40 years. In fact, River Oaks is The BLUES longest running supporter. Over the years, Alan has not only placed ads in the magazine, he has also supported us in nearly every project we’ve brought his way. His unwavering support for law enforcement over the years is quite remarkable. And trust me, if you’ve ever visited the dealership, Alan has given you the tour of the upstairs hallway, with dozens of photos and awards lining the walls to his office. On that wall you’ll find a few bits of history from The BLUES. The first is a framed copy of our first issue from December of 1984. (There are only 3 in existence today, the one on his wall, one in my office SGT. MICHAEL BARRON RET and one in a safe.) Then there is a framed copy of the first ad River Oaks ever placed in The BLUES and finally the issue when we awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award. Then of course, there’s the Board Room that’s more of a collection point for all the memorabilia Alan gives away to customers, as well as donations to organizations of all kinds who use the priceless pieces to raise money for their events and fundraisers. And one of those groups he has given so generously to over the years is the Astros Foundation and therefore afforded him the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at several games including the one on the cover when the Astros played the Chicago Cubs.

And while the rest of world might call him Mr. Philanthropy, I simply know him as a friend and a fellow law enforcement officer. Fact is, I’ve known Alan since we were both teenagers. My uncle worked for his dad for over 25 years at the dealership and I remember Alan when I would stop by on the weekends. Soon after I graduated high school, I applied for the Harris County Sheriff’s Department and went to work for Sheriff Jack Heard, while Alan went to college. A few years later, Alan enrolled in the Houston Community College Police Academy to become a Reserve Peace Officer. (Much to the dismay of his father if I remember correctly. He said I was a bad influence on his son.) I don’t recall the reason, but he had to complete his training at the University of Houston Downtown, and he has been a Peace Officer ever since. In fact, Helfman is one of only 25 individuals that continue to hold a SPECIAL RESERVE peace officers license in Texas and is currently a captain for the Harris County Constables Precinct 7 office. So, congratulations to my good friend and Brother in Blue, Alan Helfman for all you do for police officers and their families. Thank you for supporting The BLUES for the last 40 years with your advertising dollars and thanks for over 40 years of friendship. I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve both made and continue to make even today. God bless you, my friend. The BLUES 7