Austin PD Sergeant Rusty Torres: "CLEAT Saved My Job"
"My name is Nedith Rusty Torres and I am an Austin Police Sergeant. This letter is to convey my special thanks to Mr. Tom Stribling, CLEAT and the Austin Police Association, but especially Mr. Stribling who served as my attorney during my appeal suspension from the Austin Police Department."
CLEAT Calls for Investigation in Brownsville
CLEAT's Senior Attorney John Curtis speaks to the media during a press conference held in Brownsville
During the recent dangerous flooding in Brownsville, four high ranking police administrators ordered their homes to be protected by sand bags that were intended for public use. These administrators ordered city employees to load city vehicles and set up sand bags around several residences belonging to these administrators. These high ranking police officials were high and dry while the citizens faced loss of life and property. CLEAT filed complaints with the DA and is calling on the city manager to launch an investigation into actions by the Police Chief and three others.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Night
Left: Officer Craig Shaw's family with Nolan Ryan, Center: Dallas police choir prepares to sing national anthem. Right: Arlington Chief Theron Bowman and Randle Meadows prior to first pitch
Children of fallen officers stared dumbstruck as they stood on home plate and looked up at the thousands of baseball fans at a sold out Texas Rangers game. The Dallas Police Choir performed the national anthem and Arlington Police Chief Theron Bowman threw out the first pitch. Texas went on to defeat the Anaheim Angels in a 1-0 thriller.
Governor Perry Meets with the CLEAT Executive Board at the Quarterly Meeting in Fort Worth
Left: CLEAT E-board members Vice President Adrian Pina, El Paso; Vice President Ervey Banda, San Antonio; President Todd Harrison, Austin, Vice President Lee Jackson, Fort Worth listen as the Governor answers questions. Center: Moments before being introduced by Director of Public Affairs, Charley Wilkison, and Right: Governor meets new Vice President Jamie Crabtree, Alvin. Crabtree will replace retiring Lee Jackson on August 1.
Fort Worth-Seeming to enjoy the lively exchange with the rank and file officers elected to represent you-- Texas Governor Rick Perry met with the CLEAT Executive Board this week to seek support for his border initiatives and ask for the political endorsement going into the fall general election against former Houston Mayor Bill White, the Democratic nominee. A large gathering of DFW media was present during the Governor’s introductory remarks but were asked to leave during the question and answer session in which elected CLEAT board members from across the state communicated directly with the Governor about law enforcement issues and their concerns.
Governor Perry complimented CLEAT on its reputation in the Texas Capitol and across the state saying the organization had conducted itself in an clear and professional manner even during times of disagreement over issues. The Governor committed to helping CLEAT with issues in the upcoming legislative session should he be re-elected in November.
The CLEAT Board had already visited with the Democratic challenger Bill White during its April meeting in South Padre Island. President Todd Harrison says there has been no concrete date set for a vote on the endorsement in the Texas Governor’s race.
After the Governor laid out an ambitious plan to secure the border and spoke briefly about the future of Texas law enforcement he made himself available for questions. It was a mutually respectful but vigorous exchange between the CLEAT board and the Governor. He answered all questions including topics like licensing, discipline, pensions, and manpower.
Here are some of the Questions posed for the Governor’s consideration.
CLEAT Training
Left: Dwight Tiller, Director of Field Services passes out information at the Calibre Press Street Survival Seminar in Fort Worth. Right: President Todd Harrison welcomes the attendees to the seminar.
CLEAT is the only police representative group at the Calibre Press Street Survival Seminars. At the most recent seminar in Fort Worth, there were over 200 attendees from Municipal, County, State and Federal Police Organizations. The seminar raved excellent reviews. Andy Adkins from Abilene PD stated, "The seminar was great on always staying focused on your job and all your surroundings". "It was a great learning experience and a reminder to never let your guard down," he said. Vernell Dooley from Denton PD stated "I think every officer should experience the program which focused on life saving techniques". "The instructors were beyond excellent and the presentation was well delivered", said Dooley.
CLEAT was the first statewide law enforcement organization in Texas to offer training to its members. Since 1976, CLEAT has offered training to assist officers in critical incidents, workplace ethics, and officer rights. Since its inception, CLEAT has educated hundreds of members.