TMPA- Texas Minute

• Texas Flood Response — Dangerous flooding across the Texas Hill Country and other parts of the state brought together local law enforcement, firefighters, emergency personnel, Texas DPS troopers, and Texas Game Wardens. Responders deployed boats, aircraft, and high-water rescue vehicles while conducting rescues, closing unsafe roads, and helping families reach safety. TMPA thanks every first responder working through dangerous and rapidly changing conditions and reminds Texans to never drive around barricades or attempt to cross flooded roadways.

• New Blue Grit Podcast — TMPA Vice President Tyler Pride and Training Coordinator Jay McClellan preview the major changes coming to the 2026 TMPA/TXFOP Joint Conference in Dallas, July 24–26. The episode covers the return of Cop Karaoke, a redesigned Casino Night, the live auction moving to immediately after Sunday’s banquet, eight hours of TCOLE-certified training, human-trafficking instruction, artificial intelligence in law enforcement, legislative updates, and family events. The goal is to create a true Texas law-enforcement family reunion built around training, fellowship, and stronger relationships.

• Fort Worth Officer Under Fire — Fort Worth Police Sergeant Sarah Stogner became the latest Texas officer placed at the center of a viral social-media controversy. While the department acknowledged that officers incorrectly explained certain First Amendment protections and announced additional training, TMPA rejects the online mob mentality that turns every mistake into accusations of corruption or incompetence. Officers should be held accountable when appropriate, but they should also be allowed to learn, improve, and move forward without becoming social-media punching bags for activists seeking clicks and outrage.

• FIFA World Cup Security — TMPA is proud to thank every member who helped keep FIFA World Cup events safe in Dallas and Houston. Officers, deputies, dispatchers, supervisors, and public-safety professionals worked long hours managing stadium security, heavy traffic, large crowds, and emergency response. Hosting the world required preparation, professionalism, and sacrifice. The world came to Texas, and Texas law enforcement stood ready.

• Fourth of July Weekend — While millions of Texans celebrated Independence Day with family and friends, law enforcement officers across the state remained on duty. They patrolled highways, responded to emergencies, managed large public events, investigated crashes, and worked to stop impaired drivers before tragedy occurred. TMPA thanks every officer, deputy, dispatcher, jailer, and public-safety professional who protected our communities while others celebrated.

• Protecting Texas Children — League City Police, Texas City Police, and the Houston-Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted a proactive multi-agency operation targeting individuals suspected of attempting to exploit minors online. The operation resulted in 11 arrests, with one additional arrest pending. TMPA proudly supported participating members and agencies by providing drinks, snacks, and coordinating meals with local restaurants. This is proactive law enforcement at its best—protecting children, identifying dangerous offenders, and preventing future victims.

• Mission Police Chief Situation — TMPA is calling out City of Mission leadership after Executive Director Kevin Lawrence was prevented from addressing City Council about serious concerns inside the Mission Police Department. The allegations involve retaliation, intimidation, suppression of communication, and failed leadership under Chief Cesar Torres. TMPA made every effort to handle these concerns through professional dialogue, but city officials chose to avoid the conversation. Ignoring this is not neutrality. It is complicity. TMPA is urging Mission leaders to immediately investigate and take corrective action before further damage is done to the department, its officers, and the citizens they serve.

• Balcones Heights Mayor Under Fire — Balcones Heights Mayor Johnny Rodriguez is once again in the hot seat after an investigation detailed serious allegations involving racial slurs, retaliation concerns, and confrontations with city employees. The mayor has denied the allegations, but the concerns surrounding his leadership continue to grow. If any member of law enforcement were accused of even half of these allegations, they would likely be removed from duty immediately. Elected officials should not get a lower standard than the officers they are supposed to support.

• Thank God We Are Not Planning a Funeral — In Brazos County, law enforcement officers were involved in a dangerous pursuit after suspects fled from deputies and someone inside the fleeing vehicle reportedly opened fire on law enforcement. Thankfully, no officer was hit, and no family received the call every law enforcement family fears. TMPA stands with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, Bryan Police Department, College Station Police Department, and every agency that responded, pursued, secured the scenes, and protected the public. This is what Texas law enforcement faces. This is why we back the badge.

• TMPA Legal Win — TMPA Regional Attorney Greg Cagle secured a major legal victory after the Fourteenth Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court decision protecting a Texas City police sergeant’s right to appeal an indefinite suspension. The city attempted to argue the officer failed to properly appeal one of the investigations tied to his suspension, but the court disagreed. This case is another reminder of why strong legal protection matters. When departments or cities try to block the process, rewrite the rules, or deny officers their rights, TMPA’s legal team is ready to fight back.

Remembering Trooper Sergio Romero — TMPA joins the Texas law enforcement community in mourning the loss of Texas DPS Trooper Sergio Romero, who was killed in the line of duty near Childress in a vehicle accident. Trooper Romero leaves behind his wife, two young children, and an entire law enforcement family grieving an unimaginable loss. TMPA stands with his loved ones, his fellow Troopers, and the Texas Department of Public Safety as they honor his service and sacrifice.

• Dilley Leadership Under Fire — According to reporting from the Frio-Nueces Current, City of Dilley City Administrator Yolanda Moran is facing growing pressure from residents and the police department over serious concerns involving interference, manpower, officer safety, morale, and departmental authority. When officers are forced to publicly sound the alarm, city leaders should listen. TMPA will always stand with officers who are fighting to protect their communities under difficult circumstances.

• TMPA/TXFOP Conference Coming Soon — The TMPA and Texas FOP Joint Conference is set for July 24 through July 26, bringing together law enforcement leaders, members, vendors, sponsors, and supporters from across Texas. This conference is about training, fellowship, recognition, unity, and one shared mission: strengthening Texas law enforcement. From critical conversations to the Warrior Awards, TMPA and TXFOP remain committed to standing together for the men and women who serve this state.

• Congratulations, Ranger Irwin — TMPA proudly congratulates longtime member Texas DPS Ranger Sharee Irwin for being named the Alamo Area Council of Governments Officer of the Year. This recognition reflects a career built on service, sacrifice, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right. Ranger Irwin represents the very best of Texas law enforcement, and TMPA was honored to have Field Representative Joey Sepulveda attend and celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

• TMPA Showed Up in Dilley — TMPA Field Services Supervisor Mike Gomez attended the Dilley City Council meeting to stand with our members and address serious concerns involving city administration and leadership failures. Instead of listening, City Manager Yolanda Moran confronted him and reportedly threatened an employee with disciplinary action for being outspoken. TMPA will not sit back while city hall dysfunction impacts the men and women serving the community. When our members need a voice, we show up.

• Holding the Line in Collin County — TMPA recognizes the McKinney Police Department, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, and every law enforcement professional who helped manage the highly emotional environment surrounding the Karmelo Anthony trial. While others argued, protested, grieved, and demanded answers, officers and deputies were tasked with protecting the courthouse, the public, and the judicial process. TMPA will not try the case on social media, but we will always recognize the men and women who hold the line with professionalism, restraint, and courage.

• History Made in Morris County — Lone Star Police Corporal Athziry Flores made history as the first certified tactical female officer ever in Morris County after attending and passing SWAT class. Her accomplishment represents grit, discipline, and the courage to step into one of the toughest challenges in law enforcement. TMPA proudly recognizes Corporal Flores for breaking a barrier, raising the standard, and showing the next generation of officers what is possible.

• Justice for Officer Jacob Candanoza — Darrian Cortez Johnson will spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to the capital murder of Terrell Police Officer Jacob Candanoza. Officer Candanoza was only 28 years old, a husband, father, son, and Texas law enforcement officer murdered while serving his community. No sentence can bring him home, but justice was served, and Texas will not forget one of its fallen.

• TMPA Fights for Injured Officers — TMPA’s legislative team testified Thursday before the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs alongside Wood County Sergeant Jaclyn Skinner, who was shot four times on February 15, 2026. Her fight did not end when the gunfire stopped, as she then faced delays, denied referrals, withheld medical equipment, and roadblocks through the workers’ comp system. TMPA is pushing for real accountability and reform, and Sergeant Skinner’s story will be featured next week on the Blue Grit Podcast.

• Blue Grit Podcast: Social Media Mobs — The newest episode of the Blue Grit Podcast takes on a growing problem in law enforcement: online mobs forming before the facts are known. TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence, Field Representative Leighton Guarnere, Regional Attorney Amanda Bolin, and Galveston Municipal Police Association President Anthony Rogers break down recent incidents in Galveston and Arp, how false narratives spread, and why associations must respond quickly, aggressively, and factually when members are under attack.

• Austin Shootings and Flock Cameras — After a violent shooting spree across Austin involving stolen vehicles and multiple crime scenes, law enforcement leaders said license plate reader technology could have helped locate the suspects faster. Neighboring agencies using Flock cameras helped identify a stolen vehicle connected to the suspects, showing once again that officers need proven crime-fighting tools, not political roadblocks, when violent offenders are putting innocent lives at risk. 

• Texas City Police Chief Out — Texas City Police Chief Landis Cravens is out, marking a major turning point for Texas City officers. TMPA stood shoulder to shoulder with the Texas City Municipal Police Association through a long fight for better leadership, stronger support, and real accountability inside the department. This change gives officers and the community a chance to move forward with leadership that respects the men and women behind the badge.

• National Police Week — TMPA sent a team to Washington, D.C. to stand with the families, survivors, and agencies honoring Texas officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Executive Director Kevin Lawrence had the solemn honor of reading the Texas names being added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall during the annual Candlelight Vigil. TMPA will always show up for the fallen, their families, and the officers still carrying the mission forward.

• Texas Repeat Offender Task Force — DPS and Dallas Police are joining forces as part of the expanded Texas Repeat Offender Task Force, targeting violent repeat criminals who continue cycling through the justice system. TMPA supports every effort that gives law enforcement the tools, resources, and backing needed to get dangerous offenders off Texas streets and keep communities safe.

• Texas City New Mayor Sworn In — A new chapter has officially begun in Texas City after Abel Garza Jr. was sworn in as mayor following the election defeat of former Mayor Dedrick Johnson. For Texas City officers who endured years of hostile city leadership, this change brings a long-awaited glimmer of hope for better communication, stronger support, and real respect for the men and women serving that community.

• Blue Grit Podcast: “A Tyrant Falls and Officers Rise” — TMPA Field Representative Leighton Guarnere joins the Blue Grit Podcast to break down two major wins for Texas law enforcement. Leighton discusses the Texas City mayoral election defeat of Dedrick Johnson and what it could mean for officers who have faced hostile city leadership. He also highlights Morgan’s Point collective bargaining victory, where the community rallied behind its police department and helped strengthen officers’ rights and protections.

• Williamson County Civil Service Update — On Thursday, TMPA stood with the Williamson County Deputies Association during the Civil Service Commission meeting regarding proposed amendments to the civil service rules. TMPA Regional Attorney Robert McCabe addressed the commission and requested that multiple items be tabled for further review, which did happen. TMPA thanks the Civil Service Commission for their willingness to work with us and remains committed to supporting our members and association leadership.

• I-35 Multicounty Pursuit — A dangerous pursuit involving a trash truck began in New Braunfels and ended in Austin after authorities say the driver refused to stop, struck another vehicle, and continued down I-35 on flat tires. Multiple agencies assisted before the truck crashed, four people were injured, and the driver was arrested on multiple charges. The incident is another reminder of how quickly law enforcement can be pulled into dangerous, unpredictable situations across multiple jurisdictions.

• National Police Week — Next week begins National Police Week in Washington, D.C., where officers, families, survivors, and agencies from across the nation will gather to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. TMPA stands with the families of the fallen and every officer who continues to serve their community with courage.

• Temple Police Incident — Temple officers were dispatched to a dangerous and unpredictable scene involving a man police say may have ingested PCP. That crisis was not created by law enforcement. It was created by illegal narcotics, interference, and bad decisions. TMPA stands with our members and rejects any attempt to twist this into another anti police narrative.

• Honoring Texas’ Fallen Officers — This past Sunday in Austin, honor guards, officers, families, and survivors gathered to remember the Texas officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. TMPA thanks every honor guard, officer, agency, and survivor who traveled to stand in respect for the fallen. The ceremony can be viewed on the TMPA Facebook page.

• Fort Worth CRU Member Shot — A Fort Worth Police Civilian Response Unit member was shot while responding to a burglary call in what appears to be an ambush-style attack. The CRU member is reported to be in stable condition. TMPA stands firmly with the injured member, the Fort Worth Police Department, and every officer working to bring this suspect to justice.