SEPT 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 9

family and his blue

family and his blue family in your thoughts and prayers during this devastating time. SOUTH HOUSTON PD REMEMBERING FIRE CHIEF DALTON GREGORY SR. Many a heart, are both broken and in a very real, compassionate sense, relieved this morning. For a great man, a stellar, steadfast rock of Tarkington Prairie, has passed. A man who, for over 50 years answered one call for help after another. Nights, weekends and holidays, this gentleman never faltered or failed to get up, leave his own family behind to help his neighbors. Never did he ask for a dime. In fact, truth be told, he spent a small fortune of his own money over all those years, just to keep the lights on in the firehouse along with fuel and water in the old fire trucks that leaked from every place a fire truck could leak from. This man was from a time where firefighters were like, “What the hell is an air pack?” And “Who’s got time to put on all the crap? Grab a 2 1/2 with a straight tip and let’s go!” He was a true founding member of The Old Guard of Firefighting. Beyond all this, he was a strong family man. Tragically, much loss did he endure in his personal life. Over the years I had the privilege of knowing this man, many a cup of coffee and biscuits and gravy did we share, I learned something about him I don’t think many knew. You see, all that pain and loss had made him tough, for sure. But brother, I’ll tell you, his heart was a big as Texas itself. He cared deeply for his family, friends and community. He would fret and worry about what would happen for his beloved Tarkington Prairie and greater Cleveland area. His sons continued the proud tradition of being a Public Servant and Firefighter. Both, in Education and Education in the Fire Service. Both, stellar men who, deeply care for others without question. I watched him grow older and I found that, I tried to be like a sponge when around the man. To listen more than I spoke. To watch more than not. He had after all, taken me in like I was a son of his own. Because this man just seemed on the outside to be a “grumpy old man.” But, on the inside and if you listened to what he said and watched what he did, he was probably more full of love and compassion for his fellow man and community than most whom I’ve ever met and known. Fire Chief Dalton Gregory Sr. (Ret). One of the truest, honest to God, greatest Firefighting Heroes to ever walk this Earth. You’re hurting no more. For that, I am grateful. Though I know there’ll never be another fella like you, I’m sure grateful for the time we had together. You’ll always be remembered as a true, quiet, and sincere hero. Not solely because of all the flames you faced and fought. But because you showed me a man can be as hard as a rock and still care more than anyone else in the room. You were and shall always be, a true East Texas Gentleman and a Fireman’s, Fireman to me. Yes sir. That’s how I’ll always remember you and all the while, I’ll never have biscuits and gravy again without sincerely hearing you say “You want some more? Get up and get yourself then!!” God’s speed, Chief. May you finally, rest easy in the arms of the Angels in Heaven above. REX REMEMBERING DARREN GOFORTH Good morning, brother. Well, today is the anniversary of the day we lost you. Doesn’t seem like six years has gone by, but I guess time escapes us all. Honestly, this was very personal and surreal for me. Like it was for many of us, I’ve no doubt. I chose to stop by the place we used to laugh, cut up, even cried once. Not the place where your life was so ruthlessly, violently, and needlessly taken. I thought of this place and how we solved all the problems of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the world. Only no one else knew it (grinning here). How you used to ask me as I was walking in a prisoner, “How many are you bringing in here tonight, Rexy?” Those times, we had some serious conversations. Life. Family. Work. You would tell me how you were going to get your “blue shirt” and get out on the streets and be just like me. I never understood why. You were such a better man, deputy, and friend. Brother, with tears in my eyes right now, I can still see your crazy grin, hear your voice and dearly miss your laughter. Though time and assignments shifted us towards different paths, you never were that far 18 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 19