Page 7 - TPA Journal November-December 2018

From the Desk of the Director

Erwin Ballarta

As we move towards the season of giving and the celebration of Christmas and the New year,
please remember those officers who hold the line and enforce the rule of law. While many of us
celebrate in the warmth of a fireplace with our family, there are officers that travel the lonely,
icy roads patrolling to keep us safe. Many of us who have retired, remember the cold long days,
filling out accident reports and investigating a fatality. With Christmas gifts and toys thrown
everywhere, it contrasts this season of joy with losses. It’s a punch in the gut witnessing death
and suffering. At times we cannot get that picture out of our mind. As officers, we have seen
both good and bad.

It should not be a season of domestic violence, DWI, assaults, public intoxication, theft, robbery
and many more. These officers are the thin blue line that keep our communities safe and put
their lives on the line. This is also the season to remember those officers that have given their
lives to keep us safe. It is the time to cherish, respect and support these officers too.

As the Texas Police Association moves forward in supporting our officers, I ask that our friends,
family, and community businesses to do the same. It is through training and professional
development, that our communities will have competent officers. I ask our members and
corporate partners to team up with us to create safe communities.

Please consider giving the gift of a membership to an officer or agency. Consider hosting training
at your agency. Consider sharing TPA’s wonderful history to local businesses in your city. Invite
them to support the officers that keep them safe.

Many Blessings to you and your family,

Erwin