Governor Abbott Headlines 49th Annual CLEAT Convention

The 49th Annual CLEAT Convention drew the presence of several political leaders, reflecting CLEAT’s influence and the respect as the largest organization representing rank and file members of Texas law enforcement. From local to state elected officials, each brought a message of support and recognition. Their participation underscored the vital role law enforcement officers play in keeping communities safe and highlighted CLEAT’s continued impact on key issues both locally and in the Capitol.

CLEAT President Scott Leeton, Deputy Executive Director Jennifer Szimanski, Executive Director Robert Leonard, with Governor Greg Abbott

Bringing members and supporters together, the McAllen Professional Law Enforcement Association kicked things off Thursday night with a warm welcome reception, featuring an award-winning Mariachi Oro, great food, cold drinks, and Prime Entertainment DJ R.C. Flores (McAllen FD).

Opening ceremonies on Friday featured the McAllen PD Honor Guard and remarks from local leaders, including Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez, and Mayor Javier Villalobos, followed by a powerful keynote address from Senator Joan Huffman, to whom CLEAT presented the Senator of the Year Award.

The Senator emphasized her commitment to Texas law enforcement during her speech and later stated, “It was a true privilege to connect with so many dedicated law enforcement officers from across the state. Your commitment to keeping Texas safe inspires us all!”

The day continued with Dennis Benigno’s Street Cop Training, which drew strong participation from members eager to sharpen their skills and continue their professional growth.

During lunch on Friday, Representative Terry Canales spoke to attendees and later posted, “THANK YOU to all of our local law enforcement for everything you do to keep our community safe. It is truly an honor to work with you to protect our community and ensure justice.”

Saturday began with a Line of Duty tribute video honoring recent fallen Texas officers, accompanied by the bagpipes of Vidor PD Detective Jeff Courts, playing Amazing Grace upon exiting the ballroom.

Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock followed up by delivering a heartfelt speech, recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of law enforcement officers across the state.

2025 CLEAT Convention & Officer of the Year Awards

The Convention Awards were presented on Saturday, celebrating outstanding service and leadership:

• Spirit of Leadership: Troy Morin, Harris County Deputy Constables Association
• CLEAT Organizing Award: Deputy Constables Association of Bexar County
• Ludwig Bruno Award: Victor Vela, El Paso POA
• Douglas E Ward Award: Richard Lozano, Hays County LEA
• Ruben B Cisneros Award: Billy McAnally, Texarkana POA
• Sgt Korby Kennedy President’s Award: Norm Fisher, Amarillo POA
• Jimmy Wilborn Award: Felix Rendon, Comal County DSA (not present)
• Jerry Clancy Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Rickman, CLEAT (not present)

The afternoon featured the Officer of the Year Awards luncheon, where Governor Greg Abbott delivered a moving address in support of Texas law enforcement.

“Today, we honored the best of the best in law enforcement with the CLEAT Officer of the Year Awards,” Governor Abbott said. “It is a privilege to work with our brave law enforcement officers to achieve our joint mission: making Texas safer every single day.”

The Governor personally presented proclamations to each of the award recipients, making the moment even more meaningful for members and their families.

Congratulations to all our 2025 Officers of the Year:

• Deputy Daniel Pollard, Bexar County SO
• Senior Officer Scott Leeton, Corpus Christi PD
• Senior Corporal Ilse Gerardo, Dallas PD
• Detective Jessica Caro, El Paso PD
• Deputy Suracy Gonzalez, El Paso County SO
• Officer Ben Wright, Fort Worth PD
• Sgt Michael Gutierrez, McAllen PD
• Officer Jairo Sanchez and Officer Frank Tapia, San Antonio PD
• Deputy Michael Nelson, Tarrant County SO
• Officer Ashton Moss and Officer Michael Stephenson, Vidor PD
• Officer Harvey Richard “Dick” Hill, Arlington PD (not present)
• Officer Jason Davis, La Marque PD (not present)
• Deputy Hayden McAdams, Potter County SO (not present)

CLEAT’s annual convention remains a vital opportunity for those across the state to come together and share in our mission of supporting, honoring, and protecting the men and women of law enforcement.

We would like to thank our Title Sponsor, James Wood (Line of Duty Law), Aaron Reitz, Representative Tony Gonzales, and all our additional sponsors and vendors. A special thank you to everyone who made this year’s event possible, from our attendees, local associations, Executive Board, dedicated staff, and of course, our host for the year, McAllen Professional Law Enforcement Association.

Next year marks CLEAT’s 50th Anniversary, with the Annual Convention being held in the very city where it all began—San Antonio! We look forward to honoring this milestone with our members as we celebrate five decades of strength, justice, and unity.