July 1, 2015 (Album) - The East Texas Peace Officers Association board members for 2015-2016 were named at the 64th Annual ETPOA Summer training conference held at the John D. Windham Civic Center this week. The event started on Sunday, June 28 and ran through Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
A variety of training classes for law enforcement officers were given during the course of the conference. Finalizing the event was the banquet held on Tuesday night and several awards were presented during the evening.
Scholarships were the first items presented and they are $1,000 to each recipient with the first $500 being given initially and the remaining $500 being given at mid-term if the student has kept their grades at an acceptable level. Jerry Fontenot introduced the presenters.
Receiving a scholarship during the event in person was Center graduate Christopher Dunn who has a 3.8 GPA and will be attending Glenn College to study animal husbandry. His scholarship was presented by Bobby Garmon. Alannah Nicole Hall also was presented with her scholarship. She has a 3.7 GPA and will be attending Sam Houston State University as a criminal justice major. Her scholarship was presented by Mike Claude.
Two students received their scholarships in absentia as they were not able to attend the conference. Receiving a scholarship on behalf of Jodie Spencer was her mother Judy Spencer. Jodie has a 4.3375 GPA and will be attending Lamar University in Beaumont. Dillon Longford was the other recipient unable to attend. He has a 3.942 GPA and will be attending Northeastern State University.
The Memorial Achievement Award was presented by Terry Massey for "Papa" Jack Carter. Massey described Carter's loyalty to the ETPOA.
"'Papa' Jack's been a long time member of our association, over 40 years as a member and he was a supporter even prior to becoming a member. Unfortunately 'Papa' Jack passed away, but all the time, the financial efforts he put forward to support us and all of his time he was always there to assist. If you needed something you called 'Papa' Jack he'd say, 'I'll take care of it' and he would. A very strong proponent for our association and he was a mentor to so many in his law enforcement career," said Massey.
Several family members of Carter were present including his wife Dianna Carter, son Colby Carter, daughter Brenda Carter, and niece Angie Smoke. Colby Carter took the stage and received the honor on behalf of his family.
| 64th Annual ETPOA Banquet Awards | |||
| Recipient | Agency | Award | Presenter |
| Dispatcher Aliceson Ritter | Jefferson County Sheriff's Department | Murdock Memorial Award | Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods |
| Deputy Mark North | Gregg County Sheriff's Department | Outstanding Narcotics Officer Award | Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano |
| Deputy Ryan Bodley | Jefferson County Sheriff's Department | Rookie of the Year | Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods |
| Sergeant Vance Callahan | Kilgore Police Department | Humanitarian Award | Kilgore Chief Todd Hunter |
| Eric Whitaker | Smith County Sheriff's Department | Outstanding Peace Officer Award | Chief Deputy Robert Carlson |
| Larry Swinford | Smith County Sheriff's Department | Outstanding Peace Officer Award | Chief Deputy Robert Carlson |
| John Malcolm Bales | U.S. Attorney Eastern District of Texas | Award of Excellence | Eastern District of Texas United States Marshal Robert L. Hobbs |
| Walter Shofner | Shelby County Sheriff's Department | President's Award | Jessee Fountain - ETPOA 2014-2015 President |
Texas Game Warden Major James Ranft introduced Game Warden Lieutenant, Dive Team Leader, Trey Shewmake as the guest speaker for the event and he gave a presentation on the TPWD Dive & Underwater Recovery Team. During his presentation he described the many services the dive team offers and the advancements in technology which help them to locate people. He stated when the dive team is needed locally Anthony King, Game Warden for Shelby County, can make the connection needed to get them to come to the area.
Jessee Fountain, ETPOA 2014-2015 President/San Augustine Police Department Chief, made several special presentations at the end of the event. The first was to Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods by way of a resolution to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for their generosity through contributions toward the success of the 64th Annual ETPOA Training Conference.
Toward the end of the banquet a presentation was made to Tommy Hughes, John D. Windham Civic Center Director, by way of a resolution recognizing the generosity of Hughes for his contributions to the event. They also expressed their appreciation for his taking care of them. Hughes also accepted, on behalf of the city of Center, a resolution from the ETPOA expressing appreciation to the city for the donation of the facility.
Fountain finalized his presidency with a presidential address, "This has been an experience that I will never forget. I promise you, it's not a bad one, it's a very good experience. I have learned a lot, I see now why you have to have so many other people participate in this and how it has to all come together."
He continued to extend his gratitude to everyone who helped with the event and stated how much of a "nightmare" it would be without that help. Fountain talked about how important ETPOA is for law enforcement and the need to continue to rejuvenate membership.
"This organization is so important for our law enforcement agencies, we need to get more younger officers involved in this organization so that it'll stay alive," said Fountain.
Fountain was presented with a handgun on behalf of the ETPOA by Sheriff Woods.
The new president and board for 2015-2016 were announced and they include: Jeff Callaway, President; John Schauberger, Sergeant at arms; Paul Robbins, 1st Vice President; Robert Carlson, 2nd Vice President; Chad Kolander, Education Officer; Kenneth Hammack, Parliamentarian; Bill Jennings, Chaplain.
