TMPA- Texas Minute

• 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.

This week on The Texas Minute:• TMPA and Texas Fraternal Order of Police Conference — Texas law enforcement, this is your conference. July 24–26 in Dallas, the joint TMPA and FOP Conference brings together the strongest voices in policing for real training, real conversations, and real leadership. If you wear the badge, you need to be in that room. Registration is open now — don’t wait until it’s too late.• Blue Grit Podcast featuring Gabriel Ortiz — A powerful new episode is live with Texas DPS Regional Director Gabriel Ortiz. A 25-year veteran who rose through the ranks, Ortiz shares his journey of service — and the personal reality of a brother who chose a different path that ended in violence. It’s raw, real, and a reminder of the choices that define a life.• Politics vs Policing — TMPA leadership stood alongside top legal minds at the Blue Line Lawyer Institute Use of Force Forum, led by Lance LoRusso. As officers across the country face increasing scrutiny for doing their job, TMPA remains focused on preparation, training, and defense. When the pressure rises, we don’t back down — we stand ready to protect those who serve.

This week on The Texas Minute:• Travis County under scrutiny — New allegations involving District Attorney José Garza’s office are raising serious concerns. In Blue Grit Podcast Episode 131 “Court of Inquiry,” Regional Attorney Doug O’Connell outlines claims of withheld evidence, undisclosed negotiations, and potential Brady and Michael Morton Act violations tied to cases against Austin Police Officers. A motion to dismiss has been filed, and a court of inquiry is now underway. This isn’t just about Austin — it’s about trust in the justice system.• Johnson County shootout — A Johnson County Deputy is recovering after being injured during a dangerous exchange of gunfire. Deputies responded to serve a warrant, but after no contact, a fire broke out at the residence. When first responders arrived, they were met with gunfire. Deputies engaged, and one was struck by shrapnel from a ballistic shield. All officers made it home—a powerful reminder of the risks they face every day.• Houston ordinance raises concerns — Houston City Council passed a revised immigration ordinance defining how officers interact with federal agents. But policies like this risk creating confusion in already high-risk situations. Law enforcement needs clarity and support — not political barriers that complicate coordination and decision-making in the field. When officers are second-guessed, public safety is put at risk.

This week on The Texas Minute:• Polk County pressure tactics exposed — After being invited to the Blue Grit Podcast, Judge Sydney Murphy escalated the situation with a direct call to TMPA Field Representative Robby Campbell, insinuating that the timing of the episode could impact how she sets the Sheriff’s Office budget. That kind of political pressure tied to public safety funding should concern every Texan. She has now refused to participate following another candidate’s episode release. The situation in Polk County continues — and our members deserve leadership that puts law enforcement first.• San Juan contract negotiations underway — TMPA Field Representative JP Rodriguez, Director Prime Rodriguez, and Regional Attorney David Willis met with the San Juan Police Association to prepare for upcoming contract negotiations. This is what real support looks like — experienced representation and boots on the ground when it matters most. If your association is heading into negotiations, TMPA is ready to stand with you.• Life sentence in Tarrant County — A Tarrant County jury sentenced the woman responsible for the death of Fort Worth PD Sgt. Billy Randolph to life in prison. Sgt. Randolph was killed in the line of duty serving his community. Justice has been delivered — but the sacrifice will never be forgotten.• Workers comp fight continues — For multiple legislative sessions, TMPA has worked alongside State Representative Jared Patterson to address failures in the workers compensation system impacting first responders. A recent CBS News Texas investigation out of Arlington highlighted these issues, showing how injured officers are being denied care or forced to use personal time. TMPA will continue working with Rep. Patterson to make this a top priority next session.

This week on The Texas Minute:• Travis County DA under scrutiny — Growing concerns continue to surround José Garza and the impact his decisions are having on law enforcement across Central Texas. A Court of Inquiry filed by the law offices of Doug O’Connell is now raising serious questions about withheld evidence, due process, and whether justice is being applied fairly. This is about accountability, transparency, and restoring trust in the system.• Hurst incident sparks narrative clash — Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt pushed new claims following the arrest of Tanisha Thompson, despite known facts. A sparsely attended press conference at Hurst City Hall told its own story. TMPA stood firmly alongside the Hurst Police Department and Hurst Police Association — when our members are targeted, we hold the line.• Conroe officers secure pay win — The Conroe Police Officers Association achieved a major pay increase for its officers, with support from TMPA Regional Attorney Greg Cagle. A clear reminder that when law enforcement stands united, results follow.• Blue Grit Podcast preview — This week’s episode features Polk County Judge candidate Larry Pfeil in a raw conversation about leadership, accountability, and prioritizing public safety at the county level.• TMPA and TXFOP Joint Conference — July 24 through 26 at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas. Law enforcement leaders from across Texas will be in the room. Don’t miss it.

This week on The Texas Minute:• A&E series highlights Texas ICAC work — Predator Hunters premieres on A&E featuring Garland Police Detective and TMPA member Tony Godwin and the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The series takes viewers inside real investigations targeting online predators exploiting children and highlights the relentless work Texas investigators do to protect kids.• TMPA mourns Chief Brian Rusk — TMPA joins the Hitchcock ISD and Galveston County communities in mourning the loss of Hitchcock ISD Police Chief Brian Rusk. Chief Rusk was known as a protector of students and a mentor to officers. His passing is a reminder that the weight of this profession is real and officers should never face those struggles alone.• $3.4 million meth seizure in South Texas — A Texas DPS Trooper stopped nearly 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop in Live Oak County. The drugs, worth an estimated $3.4 million, were hidden inside a false floor of a semi trailer. One suspect is now facing a first degree felony.• Wichita Falls officers step up for local kids — Officers training at the Wichita Falls Police Department Training Center noticed children playing basketball with a makeshift goal. Training staff, community services officers, and recruits from the 81st Police Academy came together to buy the kids a brand new basketball goal. A small moment that shows the side of policing most people rarely see.

This week on The Texas Minute:• Austin terror attack on 6th Street — TMPA sends prayers to the victims and recognizes the swift response of Austin Police officers who stopped the suspect and prevented further loss of life. Travis County DA Jose Garza made the right call by not presenting the case to a grand jury. The officers involved are American heroes.• Texas elections held March 3 — statewide and congressional races concluded across Texas. TMPA congratulates the winners and looks forward to working with leaders who support Texas law enforcement.• Temple Police Association joins TMPA — Field Representative David Kurylowicz is already assisting Temple leadership during contract negotiations. TMPA’s strength is helping local associations grow while keeping decisions local.• Houston Rodeo underway — more than 2 million people will attend the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world. Thousands of Texas peace officers from multiple agencies are working nonstop to keep Texans safe.• Blue Grit Podcast Episode 129 — “Minneapolis: The Story They Won’t Tell.” Minneapolis FOP spokesperson Kevin Rofidal joins Force Science experts Brian Baxter and Vaughn Cline to break down the situation in Minneapolis. Listen now on all major podcast platforms.

This week on The Texas Minute:Ector County Law Enforcement Association officially joins TMPA after meeting with Field Rep Darrell Losoya.TXDPS Trooper shot in Big Spring — career criminal David Morales arrested and tied to the shooting. Trooper is now released and recovering.Honoring Deputy Kenneth Lewis (Fort Bend County) — killed while assisting a stranded motorist on I-10 while in full uniform.Setting the record straight:School Marshals — CoveredISD Police — CoveredDeputy Sheriffs  or anyone under a Sheriff or Police Chief — CoveredOff-duty incidents within course & scope — CoveredSpousal coverage — TMPA delivered it first Bottom line: Real protection. Real attorneys. Real results. TMPA.

This week on The Texas Minute: Blue Grit Podcast Episode #128, “Murphy’s Law,” drops as TMPA Regional Attorney Lee Hon and Field Representative Robby Campbell break down the latest out of Polk County and their dealings with County Judge Sydney Murphy.TMPA Directors and staff hit the road across Texas this week in support of Senator John Cornyn—reminding everyone to get out and vote for those who stand with law enforcement. Visit TMPA.org for our full list of endorsed candidates.Meanwhile, Travis County DA José Garza is back in the headlines after announcing he will seek a retrial of former Austin officer Daniel Sanchez. We’re monitoring developments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.A quick statewide rundown of what’s impacting Texas law enforcement.

This week on The Texas Minute: Polk County politics heat up, major Brady law reforms advance at the Capitol, Texas City faces internal turmoil, and TMPA supports hundreds of officers at Galveston Mardi Gras. A fast, statewide rundown of what’s impacting Texas law enforcement.