Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, CLEAT

CLEAT is mourning the tragic loss of one of our own members earlier today—20-year-old Bexar County Sheriff's Office Deputy Meredith Portillo. 🙏 We extend our deepest condolences to Deputy Portillo's family, friends, colleagues, and the entire BCSO. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers during this incredibly difficult time. 🙏💙

It is with great sadness to report that Deputy Meredith Portillo, 20, lost her life earlier this morning as a result of a fatal accident involving a suspected wrong way driver along IH-37 S and Donop Rd in South Bexar County.

Deputy Portillo, who was off-duty, had two other occupants in the vehicle at the time when they were struck by the wrong way driver. Deputy Portillo and one passenger were killed upon impact, while one other passenger in her vehicle was seriously injured. The suspect driver was also killed upon impact.

Deputy Meredith Portillo began her law enforcement career with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at the age of 19, in September of 2023. Meredith graduated from the detention academy in January of 2024, and was at the beginning of her career.

At this time our thoughts and prayers remain with the Portillo Family. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced when they become available.

Sending prayers to Kaufman County Sheriff's Office on the loss of Sgt II Van Huss. We will keep his family and friends in our hearts as they process the sudden loss. May he rest in peace. 💙🙏🙏

We at Kaufman County Sheriffs Office are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected and tragic loss of one of our own.
Sergeant II Daniel Van Huss passed away on July 21, 2024, after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident. Daniel began his career with the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office in 2009, became a Deputy in 2011, was promoted to Corporal in 2013, and to Sergeant later that same year. He worked in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), DEA Task Force and the Street Crimes Unit. Daniel was promoted to Sergeant II on July 15, 2024. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Bryan W. Beavers
Sheriff
Kaufman County, Texas

A GoFundMe has been set up for CLEAT Member and Maverick County Sheriff Officer's Association member, Jose Perez, to assist in recovery after a motorcycle accident. Click below if you would like to help and are able to.🙏

Donate to Support Jose Manuel Perez's Recovery Journey, organized by Valeriano Perez Jose Manuel Perez is a 20-year-old who unfortunately suffered a motorcycl… Valeriano Perez needs your support for Support Jose Manuel Perez's Recovery Journey

CLEAT Executive Director Charley Wilkison & Executive Board Member George Aranda met recently with some officers from Carrollton PD 🙌

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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible law enforcement officers who assisted the Houston Police Department in the aftermath of . Your tireless efforts, courage, and compassion have made a profound difference in our community.

Thank you to San Antonio PD, Dallas PD, Texas DPS, Fort Worth PD, Corpus Christi PD, Allen PD, Grand Prairie PD, Plano PD, Trophy Club PD, McKinney PD, Carrollton PD, Mesquite PD, Irving PD, Garland PD, Wylie PD and Hudson Oaks PD.

Yesterday, CLEAT received a call from a member of the Austin PD who advised us that TMPA amended their constitution to drop members who engage in conduct unbecoming. The officer asked us what exactly “conduct unbecoming” could be defined as. Below is CLEAT Executive Director Charley Wilkison’s reply.

CLEAT Memo to Executive Board from Executive Director Charley Wilkison
RE: Texas Officers Assisting at Milwaukee RNC

🙏 Funeral services for Harris County Sheriff's Office Deputy Esqueda to be held later this week in Houston. 🙏

Details of Harris County Sheriff's Office Deputy Fernando Esqueda’s public funeral services:

A viewing will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 2405 Navigation Blvd. A rosary will occur from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

A funeral mass will occur Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy.

There is a GoFundMe in place for El Paso County Sheriff's Office - EPCSO Deputy Arrieta, CLEAT member, to assist him and his family with costs as he fights cancer. If you are able to give, and would like to help out, please visit the link here.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-hector-arrieta-overcome-cancer

Donate to Help Deputy Hector Arrieta Overcome Cancer, organized by Daniel Dominguez We are humbly reaching out with heavy hearts and ask for your support in h… Daniel Dominguez needs your support for Help Deputy Hector Arrieta Overcome Cancer

💙 POMF Proud! 💙

Show your support everywhere you go with the POMF specialty license plate! 💙 Click to design yours today ➡️ https://www.myplates.com/design/personalized/passenger/peace-officers-memorial-foundation/

A portion of the proceeds go toward programs honoring TX peace officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The Peace Officers Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)3 that organizes and provides benefits, scholarships, tribute events, and more to perpetuate the legacy of our state’s fallen officers. 🙏🙏 By supporting our cause, you are helping to make sure the sacrifices of our state’s heroes are never forgotten and their core values of service, duty, and commitment to their communities live on!

CLEAT was honored to sponsor the reception for TCOLE’s Annual State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards last month, and to have some of our CLEAT members as award recipients!! Thank you Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for putting together such an important event to celebrate our state’s heroes and their accomplishments!

CLEAT Field Rep Bryan Skinner is in Houston today with Region Director Marty Rocha and the Harris County Employees Association, providing meals and support for Detention Officers who have been on the job for 72 hours straight! 🥘 Thank you all!! 💙🙏

Sheriff's Employees Organization of Harris County

Love to see all the support for Houston from LE agencies across Texas! 💙💙

This evening at the Round Rock Citizens Police Academy meeting, CLEAT Public Affairs Director Jennifer Szimanski speaks on her experience in law enforcement, CLEAT’s role for our members and in the Capitol, and the Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation (Texas)! Great group of citizens engaged in the safety of their community 💙

Fantastic news today for Pharr Police Officers Association and Pharr Police Department! CLEAT Field Rep Steve Ayala reports they just signed off on a 3-yr contract with a pay raise across the board, among other positive incentives. This was only possible through the hard work of the board, partnership with their City leaders, and unwavering commitment by CLEAT. In addition, 5 new Pharr Police Officers became CLEAT members during a presentation by Ayala and the Board. 🙌

🙌 Thank you to NLLEO Greater Dallas Chapter and Dallas Police Department officers who are heading down to Houston to help out!

NLLEO Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, CLEAT presented a gift card to each Dallas Police Department officer headed to Houston Police Department to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl …
Grand Prairie Police Association McKinney Police DepartmentAllen Police DepartmentCarrollton Police Officers' AssociationFort Worth Police DepartmentFort Worth Police Officers AssociationDPD

CLEAT extends our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and the entire Harris County Sheriff's Office today on the tragic and devastating loss of 28-year-old Deputy Fernando Esqueda. 🙏🙏

Undercover Harris County deputy killed in ambush while searching for man who pistol-whipped Little Caesars employee The Sheriff's Office says the undercover officer may have had radio issues but was on the phone with another deputy before he was ambushed. He was 28-years-old and a 5-year veteran with HCSO working as part of its Violent Person's Task Force.

"In 2005, CLEAT passed the original enabling legislation for civil service adoption specifically for Williamson County. Nearly 20 years later, we are thrilled to have assisted in their petition to press the County Judge to hold the election. We walked our members through the election issues and we are finally here. Congratulations to the hard working deputies of Williamson County!"

John Kerr - CLEAT Asst Director of Field Services

For Immediate Release
Williamson County Deputies Association Announces the Formation of the Williamson County Civil Service Commission

Georgetown, TX – The Williamson County Deputies Association (WCDA) is delighted to announce the formation of the Williamson County Civil Service Commission. This marks a significant advancement in enhancing the management and welfare of our county’s law enforcement personnel.

Today is a historic day as we officially welcome Commissioners Ronald Delord, Mike Lummus, and Robert Bodisch, who have graciously accepted their appointments to this crucial body. Their profound experience and unwavering dedication to law enforcement are tremendous assets that will greatly benefit the commission and, by extension, our entire community.

The WCDA celebrates this monumental occasion with our members, the broader community, and our supportive leader, Sheriff Mike Gleason. Sheriff Gleason's dedication to his staff and the citizens of Williamson County is evident in his endorsement of this commission.

Williamson County is a special place, cherished by all who live and serve here. We take immense pride in our duty to protect and serve this community. The establishment of the Williamson County Civil Service Commission guarantees a structured and equitable approach to managing our law enforcement resources, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and integrity.

We eagerly anticipate the positive changes that the Civil Service Commission will bring, as we continue our mission to provide Williamson County with the highest level of law enforcement in the nation.
KXAN News FOX 7 Austin KVUE

The Deer Park Police Association and La Porte Police Officers Association Run for the Blue festival and 5K are set for October 19th! 5K registration is now open: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/90641/back-the-blue-5k

📣Registration now open! 5k run/walk 🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏻‍➡️
Race day: Saturday, October 19, 2024
First 250 participants get t-shirts.
Discount promo codes available for police officers (contact coordinator for code).
Stay after the race for your food refuel at the Back the Blue Fest. 5k hosted by Deer Park Police Association and La Porte Police Officers Association

5k registration & info: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/90641/back-the-blue-5k

Festival info: https://www.backthebluebbqfest.org

CLEAT PA Director Jennifer Szimanski presented Senator Lois Kolkhorst with a Best of Senate award for her work in the 88th legislative session to close loopholes in the workers' compensation system, benefitting first responders. We appreciate her office and all of their hard work and continued dedication and commitment to Texas Law enforcement issues!

⭐️ The new issue of the Texas Police STAR is out now!
🖱️ Click https://www.flipsnack.com/cleat/star-2024-july/full-view.html to read and share. 📰📨
Cover: CLEAT HQ Moves to Historic Property
Legal Feature: LE Victorious Against Rogue DAs
⭐️ Current and past issues available at cleat.org/star

STAR: 2024 July Texas Police STAR July 2024 | Cover Story: CLEAT HQ Moves to Historic Property! | Legal Feature: Law Enforcement Victorious Against Rogue DAs

Incredibly heartbreaking news from Houston PD! We are so sad to hear that ISO Russell Richardson lost his life due to flooding from Hurricane Beryl on his way to work today. We’re praying for his family and friends who are grieving. 🙏 🙏

A sad day for our HPD family. A message from Acting Chief of Police Larry Satterwhite.

CLEAT is all set up and ready at the 11th Annual TASRO -Texas Association of School Resource Officers School Safety Conference in San Marcos! Come by our table and say hi to Outreach Specialist Cheri Siegelin 👋

Don't miss the opportunity to nominate a TOP COP! Deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan 12!

2024 TOP COPS Awards® Each year since 1994 NAPO has presented the TOP COPS Awards® Ceremony. The purpose of the TOP COPS Awards® is to educate the American public about our nation’s heroes and to pay tribute to law enforcement officers in federal, state, county, tribal and local agencies from across the country for a...

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Association of Deputies and Corrections Officers: CLEAT Strong — CLEAT Loyal. 💪 🙌

CLEAT's first Board Meeting of 2024 is happening today, including the swearing-in of 3 new Executive Board members, Amanda Santeford (Austin), Jesse Minton (Region 1), and Omar Gonzalez (El Paso County)!

Congrats to the newly elected Orange County Sheriff’s Office Employees Association Board members! 📸: Secretary, Chris Cusick; Vice-President, Jerrod Seago; President, Kevin Hogan; Treasurer, Sean Fedoroff; and a cameo by CLEAT Field Rep Bryan Skinner, who was happy to be there to welcome them in person.

El Paso Municipal Police Officers' Association and El Paso County Sheriff's Officers Association ended the year with big donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation! $10,000 each! 🤩

🎓ATTN Student Dependents of TX Law Enforcement! The POMF Scholarship is NOW accepting applications! 💰 Visit cleat.org/scholarship to apply online or for more details!

Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation Scholarship Scholarship Requirements How to Apply There are two ways applicants may apply, by mail or online: 1. Online Application & Packet Upload (*Preferred Method*) 2. Or… Mail-in Complete and sign the downloadable Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation Scholarship Application Form: Mail completed applicat...

Happy 2024! Wishing you an abundance of blessings for the New Year! 🎉 Stay safe. 💙