"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."

I want to let you know of the outstanding job done by Mr. Stribling. He made all the difference in the world as far as me getting my job back. I couldn't have done it without Mr. Stribling’s experience, and the way he handles himself shows his true professionalism.

This letter is my sincere thank you to Mr. Stribling for all his hard work, diligence and careful research. CLEAT should be proud to have Mr. Stribling on their Staff. CLEAT and those he represents can be proud for the extra time Mr. Stribling puts into his work, his outstanding service, his loyalty, devotion and for going the extra mile 

I want give you’re a short version on what transpired and how Mr. Stribling handled the case. While on Military duty I was involved in an altercation for which I was indefinitely suspended from the Austin Police Department. I had to obtain legal service from a different attorney for the non-administrative charges because the incident occurred when I was on Military duty. However once in a while I would contact Mr. Stribling and he was never too busy to tell me what he believed could happen if I did what my attorney wanted me to do. Mr. Stribling was never too busy to talk to me and he never misled me as he was always up front with me. I had never met with Mr. Stribling before. The day I met with him he made me feel that he was sincere. Mr. Stribling guided me through all the steps with the Austin Police Department, meeting with Internal Affairs and Chief Art Acevedo. Again he was very up front with what he knew was going to happen.

I was indefinitely suspended and I told Mr. Stribling that I was not guilty and that I wanted to appeal the case. He told me we would go forward with it. During this time I was deployed to Iraq and during my deployment I kept in contact with Mr. Stribling, I want to say that he always responded to my emails or phone calls in a timely manner, he was never too busy to talk to me or email me. On my return from Iraq I contacted Mr. Stribling and he told me that he was working on my case. During the arbitration Mr. Stribling showed his know how and he showed me that he cared. My sister who was a witness was also very pleased with Mr. Stribling. My sister and I both said that regardless of the outcome, Mr. Stribling had done a heck of job. Well the good Lord was with us on that day. The arbitrator ruled in our favor, but again we ran into a brick wall as the City of Austin challenged the arbitrator’s decision and appealed to district court. When this happened I asked Mr. Stribling, what now? Mr. Stribling once again told me what could happen and he was right; the judge ruled in our favor.

Because of Mr. Stribling efforts, and hard work today I am back with the Austin Police Department. Thanks to Mr. Tom Stribling, CLEAT and the Austin Police Association for all of their help and support during this critical time in my life. Thanks from all of my family who were very supportive, especially my sister. I am sure that there are other officers who would like to join me in saying "thank you" Mr. Stribling for a terrific job. CLEAT, the Austin Police Association and officers are fortunate to have Mr. Stribling on our side. I know that Mr. Stribling will continue providing excellent service.