OCT 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 10.1

disappointment in not

disappointment in not receiving any form of payment for several weeks, with many of them having families that suffered due to lack of money. Hearing their stories motivated me to begin researching how other states look after their constituents who are active members of the Guard and Reserve. The general consensus was fifteen military days were provided, with the exception being 30 days. I drafted a proposal requesting an additional 7-days in the event of a disaster. In 2019, before the convening of the Texas Legislative Session, I drove all over North Texas to visit three State Representative’s to pitch my proposal, but my request fell on deaf ears. However, State Representative from Dallas, Yvonne Davis’ office contacted me and requested I go to Austin and testify in front of a committee who took up the proposal but wanted to hear more. I went to Austin, testified in front of the Committee and they voted on the spot, 9-0 in favor. However, it was at the end of the session and there were more pressing issues, so my proposal died on the vine. Fast forward to March 2021, I was again contacted by Representative Davis’ Office and asked if I was still interested in pursuing those additional days off. Of course I was interested and this time I had an ally who was excited to go with me. Police Officer Maria Cabrera is my counterpart with the Houston Police Department and between my testimony and her additional examples of the need for those additional days, the Bill passed unanimously both through the House and Senate, but was not signed until the 1st Special Session. For those in Texas who are unaware of this particular Bill and have Officers who are still active members of the Guard and Reserves, please share it with them: Sec. 437.202. LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EM- PLOYEES. (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), a person who is an officer or employee of this state, a municipality, a county, or another political subdivision of this state and who is a member of the Texas military forces, a reserve component of the armed forces, or a member of a state or federally authorized urban search and rescue team is entitled to a paid leave of absence from the person’s duties on a day on which the person is engaged in authorized training or duty ordered or authorized by proper authority for not more than 15 workdays in a fiscal year. During a leave of absence, the person may not be subjected to loss of time, efficiency rating, personal time, sick leave, or vacation time. (a-1) In addition to the leave provided under Subsection (a), a person described by Subsection (a) called to state active duty by the governor or another appropriate authority in response to a disaster is entitled to a paid leave of absence from the person’s duties for each day the person is called to active duty during the disaster, not to exceed seven workdays in a fiscal year. During a leave of absence under this subsection, the person may not be subjected to loss of time, efficiency rating, personal time, sick leave, or vacation time. For purposes of this subsection, “disaster” has the meaning assigned by Section 418.004. “Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind-accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers.” I began a mission at the beginning of the year to bring together Veteran Service Organizations and organizations who work with the First Responder community. The number of vendors grows each day as word gets out about an event being put on in October and I’m excited to invite anyone who is able to attend as it looks to be the first event of its kind here in the States. The Dallas Police Department in partnership with the VA North Texas Health Care System, Texas Veterans Land Board, and Dallas County Veterans Services is inviting all Military Veterans, First Responders, Active Military Servicemembers, and Spouses to a one-day Benefits & Resource Fair. The Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field is hosting this event on Tuesday, October 26th from 0845 – 1600. This is an excellent opportunity for Military Veterans, Active Military Servicemembers and their spouses to learn about the benefits afforded to them for their Military Service. It is equally important for our first responders and their spouses to learn about resources available to them for resiliency purposes, healing from post-traumatic incidents, and alternative counseling/treatment programs outside of those provided by their agencies. Although I am the Military Liaison for the Dallas Police Department, I am here to advise all law enforcement in the State of Texas to the best to my ability. I leave you with one parting thought, “I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uniformed.” Take Care of Each Other and Be Safe. BBQ Fundraiser for: Senior Police Officer William (Bill) J. Jeffrey & Sergeant Michael W. Vance Officer William (Bill) Jeffrey and Sergeant Michael W. Vance were shot in the line of duty on September 20, 2021, while serving a felony warrant. Tragically, Officer Jeffrey did not survive his injuries. Sergeant Vance was critically injured and has a long road to recovery. Please join us in supporting our extended family in blue by attending the upcoming BBQ fundraiser. What: BBQ Benefit per plate – sponsored by Goya Foods TICKETS AVAILABLE AT HPOU OR CONTACT: Lt. Jose Rosas 713-308-3170 Where: HPOU Building, 1602 State Street When: November 5, 2021 11am – 2 pm Live Auction will take place at NOON If you would like to donate an auction item, Contact Lieutenant Jose Rosas at jose.rosas@houstonpolice.org Or Sergeant Baron Glover at baron.glover@houstonpolice.org Live/Silent Auction will be announced at the event. Please send all donations to: The Assist the Officer Foundation 1600 State Street, Houston, TX 77007 All proceeds from BBQ/Auction will be split between the families of Off. Jeffrey & Sgt. Vance All donations are tax deductible, please make checks payable to ATO fbo Jeffrey/Vance However, if you would like to make a personal donation to either officer, please stipulate on the check in the memo line. ONLINE DONATION CAN BE MADE AT www.assistTheOfficer.com Funds raised from this event will go directly to the families of Off. Jeffrey and Sgt. Vance. 34 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 35