50 Years Strong: CLEAT Celebrates a Half-Century of Service and Solidarity

The 50th Annual CLEAT Convention brought members, leaders, elected officials, and supporters together in San Antonio to celebrate five decades of advocacy, leadership, and service to Texas law enforcement.

Fifty years of standing together. Fifty years of advocating for the rights and protections of Texas law enforcement officers. Fifty years of building an organization that has become the largest law enforcement association in Texas.

October 1–3, 2026, CLEAT members, leaders, staff, and supporters gathered in San Antonio for the historic 50th Annual CLEAT Convention, hosted by the San Antonio Police Officers’ Association (SAPOA).

The milestone event celebrated the organization’s history, honored those who helped shape its legacy, and recognized the men and women continuing its mission today.

Festivities began Thursday evening with a well-attended welcome reception at the historic Alamo, despite the rainy weather. Sponsored by Goosehead Insurance Altis Agency, with beverages courtesy of Thomas J. Henry Law, the reception featured live music from local band The Public Servants. Texas Land Commissioner Dr. Dawn Buckingham also shared a special video message recognizing the anniversary.

Opening Ceremonies and Distinguished Guests

Friday morning began with opening ceremonies featuring a combined honor guard from the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, an invocation led by Doug Green, and a moving performance of the National Anthem by the SAPD Blue Line Choir.

San Antonio Police Chief Jesse Salame welcomed attendees, followed by remarks from congressional candidate Mark Teixeira. State Senator Pete Flores, a longtime law enforcement advocate, delivered the morning’s keynote address.

Training and Professional Development

Friday’s training sessions addressed key challenges facing law enforcement, from forensic investigations to officer wellness and legislative advocacy.

Dr. Ron Martinelli and Angelos Leiloglou led the morning session on forensic reconstruction of officer-involved shootings, exploring how video analysis, photogrammetry and human factors can help establish accurate, evidence-based findings in complex investigations.

Afternoon breakout sessions included The PRO Model, presented by Dr. Brandi Burque and Greg Cummins, which focused on stress management, recovery, nutrition, and long-term officer wellness. Meanwhile, CLEAT’s Public Affairs, Legislative, and Executive leadership teams met with association leaders and PAC representatives to discuss local challenges and help shape legislative priorities for the upcoming 90th Texas Legislative Session.

Honoring CLEAT’s Founders

One of the convention’s most meaningful moments came during Friday’s Founders Luncheon, celebrating the individuals whose vision and determination helped establish CLEAT five decades ago.

A special video presentation highlighted the organization’s history, tracing its growth from its founding in 1976 to the statewide organization it is today.

Attendees then heard from John Burpo, Ron DeLord, Marvin Ryals, and Chris Jones, who shared reflections on CLEAT’s history and enduring mission.

Burpo and DeLord, both instrumental in CLEAT’s earliest years, provided a particularly meaningful connection to the organization’s beginnings. The speakers received a standing ovation in recognition of their contributions to the organization and the generations of officers who have benefited from their efforts.

Friday concluded with an evening of laughter as the Code 3 Comedy Show Tour, presented by the El Paso Municipal Police Officers Association, entertained attendees. CLEAT Region Director and EPMPOA President Victor Vela hosted the show, featuring Danny Ingle and headliner Jorge Jimenez. Returning Title Sponsor Lone Star Skill sponsored the evening’s beverages.

Remembering the Fallen

Saturday morning opened with a solemn tribute to Texas law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A specially produced Fallen Officer Tribute video honored those lost in the line of duty, accompanied by a moving live bagpipe performance by Jeff Coats of the Vidor Police Department.

The tribute offered a moment of remembrance amid the anniversary festivities, reaffirming CLEAT’s enduring commitment to honoring fallen officers and supporting the law enforcement community.

Following the tribute, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick addressed attendees, delivering heartfelt remarks recognizing the service and sacrifices of Texas law enforcement officers. In a memorable moment, Patrick recited Marty Robbins’ The Ballad of the Alamo, a fitting nod to Texas history during the San Antonio celebration.

Celebrating Leadership and Legacy

Saturday’s convention business session recognized outstanding service and leadership throughout the organization.

The program included recognition of outgoing board members, an organizing award, a PAC check presentation, and recognition of newly chartered associations, including the Dallas College Police Officers’ Association, Alvin ISD Police Officers Association, Forney ISD Police Association, and Webb County Constables Association.

CLEAT’s Legacy Awards honored individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the organization:

• Ruben B. Cisneros Award: Cherisse Jackson
• Jerry Clancy Lifetime Achievement Award: Hans Marticiuc
• Spirit of Leadership Award: Enrique Longoria
• Ludwig Bruno Award: Ramon Garcia
• Douglas Ward Award: Brian Larkey
• Jimmy Willborn Award: Jesus Regalado
• Sgt. Korby Kennedy President’s Award: Charles “Blue” Flores

Honoring Hans Marticiuc and Michael Rickman

Among the most poignant recognitions was the presentation of the Jerry Clancy Lifetime Achievement Award in memory of CLEAT staff member Hans Marticiuc, who passed away earlier this year.

Hans’ dedication to CLEAT and the law enforcement professionals it represents left a lasting impact on the organization. His recognition during the 50th anniversary celebration was especially meaningful, honoring not only his years of service but also the relationships and legacy he left behind.

Hans’ family members attended the presentation and shared a heartfelt message with the CLEAT family.

The anniversary gathering also honored another valued member of the CLEAT family who passed away earlier this year.

During Thursday’s staff meeting, CLEAT presented the inaugural Michael Rickman Bulldog Award to Brad Heilman. Established in memory of Michael Rickman, the award recognizes the dedication and spirit of a colleague whose contributions will not be forgotten. Rickman’s family was also present for the presentation.

Together, these tributes served as powerful reminders that CLEAT’s greatest strength has always been the people who dedicate themselves to its mission.

Recognizing Texas’ Finest

The convention concluded with the annual CLEAT Officer of the Year Awards Luncheon, celebrating outstanding law enforcement professionals from across Texas.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott delivered the luncheon’s keynote address, reaffirming his strong support for Texas law enforcement and recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women who protect communities throughout the state.

Following his remarks, the Governor remained to personally greet and take photographs with each award recipient as CLEAT Executive Board members presented the honors.

The 2026 CLEAT Officer of the Year honorees included:

• Sergeant Jerry Brown, Tarrant County Constable’s Office, Precinct 3
• Officer Justin Torres, Denton Police Department
• Captain Juan Alejandro Garcia, Webb County Sheriff’s Office
• Senior Officer Kyle Simmons, Corpus Christi Police Department
• Corporal Manuel Escamilla, Midland County Sheriff’s Office
• Officer Matthew Santos, Abilene Police Department
• Deputy Lee Nino, Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 1
• Officer Matthew Munselle, Port Arthur Police Department
• Officer Ryan Callesto, Beaumont Police Department
• Detective Daisy Trevino, Hays County Sheriff’s Office
• Deputy Jose Calderon, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
• Detective Eduardo Lopez Villa, Dallas Police Department
• Deputy Rudy Aguilar, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
• Detective John Armendariz, El Paso Police Department
• Sergeant Bruce Anderson, Fort Worth Police Department
• Deputy Larry Kissam, Harris County Sheriff’s Office
• Officer Noel Mercado, San Antonio Police Department

Each recognition highlighted the professionalism, courage, and commitment demonstrated by officers throughout Texas, bringing the historic convention to a fitting close.

Fifty Years of Strength. A Future Worth Fighting For.

CLEAT extends its sincere appreciation to the San Antonio Police Officers’ Association for hosting the 50th Annual Convention and to every speaker, trainer, sponsor, exhibitor, volunteer, staff member, and attendee who helped make the celebration a success.

Special thanks go to returning Title Sponsors Lone Star Skill and James Wood Law Firm, as well as returning Hospitality Sponsor Spectrum Advisory Group, for their continued generosity and commitment to CLEAT. Their support, along with that of the convention’s many additional sponsors, helped make this milestone gathering possible.

What began in 1976 as a vision for stronger representation has grown into five decades of advocacy, protection, and solidarity for Texas law enforcement.

The 50th Annual CLEAT Convention was more than a celebration of the past. It honored the people who built the organization, recognized those carrying its mission forward, and reminded us of the strength that comes from standing together.

Fifty years of service. Fifty years of solidarity. Fifty years of standing up for those who serve.

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2026 Sponsor List

Corporate Sponsor:
Goosehead Insurance Altis Agency