Page 5 - TPA Journal July August 2023

Special Remembrance…..

Jack L. Ryle

Jack L. Ryle served the Association as Executive Director from 1992 to
1998. On Saturday, June 24, 2023, he passed away at the age of 92.

After serving in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War, Jack began
his career in law enforcement in 1954 as a police officer with the McAllen, Texas Police Department.
He moved to Abilene, Texas in 1959 and served in the Abilene Police Department until 1970. During
his tenure there, he advanced to the rank of Lieutenant, working in Patrol, CID, and Training. Also,
during that time, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Hardin-Simmons University, and was an
instructor and coordinator in their Criminal Justice Program.

He accepted a position with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and
Education (TCLEOSE) in 1970 where he performed many valuable services, including the
development of recommended curricula for College and University Criminal Justice Programs. When
the State Legislature created the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) as a function
of TCLEOSE, Jack was the nature selection to head the program. He was instrumental in structuring
the program and served as manager of the Institute until it was transferred to Sam Houston State
University.

TPA was fortunate to acquire Jack’s services as Executive Director of the Association in 1992. He
served in that capacity for six years. Under his leadership, TPA grew in membership and in the
expansion and refinement of many programs and services. The hallmarks of his administration can be
summarized as leadership with wisdom, energy, talent, and dignity. Jack retired from TPA in 1998.

It is impossible to say how many law enforcement officers throughout the State have been influenced
in a positive manner by Jack Ryle. Complete dedication to professionalism, education, and ethics has
been his standard both in his professional, as well as his personal life.

Although retiring after 44 years of active service in Law Enforcement, Jack had, by no means, retired
from involvement in the Profession. He continued to serve on the Executive Committee of TPA and
various other committees and was often called on to participate in police selection and promotional
processes by agencies around the State.

Jack’s influence, wisdom, and dedication will be greatly missed by the Association and the Law
Enforcement Community.

May - June 2023 www.texaspoliceassociation.com • (512) 458-3140 1