Page 5 - July August 2019 TPA Journal

From Outgoing President

Paul Thompson

Texas Police Association – 2019 Conference

he 120th Texas Police Association Annual Training Conference was a success. The
conference featured a dynamic level of speakers, which created a high-quality learning
Tenvironment. The registered attendants were higher than anticipated, including the number
of vendors and sponsors supporting the conference. Nestled in the piney woods of East Texas
were representative from; city police departments, sheriffs offices’, constable offices,' state police,
school district police, university police, district attorney offices, federal agencies, police
academies, and supportive citizens were at this year's conference. The attendance was a
demonstration of unity among those who desire the highest level of professionalism in Texas
law enforcement.

The conference began with former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration - Chief Global Officer,
James Capra, who challenged to participants. In addition, subject matter experts from North East
Texas tackled the current law enforcement challenges. Also, those in attendance heard from;
university professors, the southwest director of the national insurance crime bureau, citizens
were invited to training with law enforcement on mass shooting response presented by Texas Law
Shield, and the mesmerizing presentation from Past President and International Speaker, Mac
Tristan. The conference training ended with NORAD & NORTHCOM Chief of Training, Douglas
Johnston.

Of course, the conference marks the end of the role of one president and the beginning of
another. I am thankful to those who were instrumental in the success of TPA over the last year.
Without fail, we all stand on the work of our predecessors. It was encouraging to see past
presidents in attendance; Lamar Beckworth, Bob Christy, Mike Barber, R.V. Stephens, Keith
Fletcher, Mac Tristan, Ray Chandler, and Joe Hamilton. Additionally, the presence of E.C “Joey”
Sherman and Joe Tooley were valuable and reassuring. The 125th year of the Texas Police
Association is now in the capable leadership of President Dwight Mathis. I challenge each of you
to support and assist our new president and vice presidents in reaching our goals. Texas Police
Association matters to others if it matter to you!

July/August 2019 www.texaspoliceassociation.com • 866-997-8282 1