Dec 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 12

On my right is our Copy

On my right is our Copy Editor, Retired Lt. John King from the Houston Police Department. Not only has John been instrumental in ensuring that each issue of The BLUES contains as few grammatical and spelling errors as possible, but the truth is John has been a life-long friend. We met in the 4th grade and have been best friends ever since. In fact, it was our participation in a long past tradition in grade school that perhaps set the stage for us both being cops in later life. Back in the day, elementary schools had School Safety Patrols. The patrols were comprised of 5th and 6th grade students that were responsible for getting students safely across the many streets that intersected with the school. And to answer your next question, no adults were involved in this program. John was a natural leader from an early age, and he was assigned as the leader of our Patrol and wore a gold badge of course. I was just an ordinary foot soldier under his command. But I think that experience provided just enough interest in our lives to want to be cops when we graduated high school. And just like in grade school, John was always a rank higher, and I was the foot soldier. But as we got older and became more involved in businesses outside of law enforcement, we always managed to find a way to help each other no matter what the endeavor. The same is true with John and the BLUES. He was always there to do whatever I needed and for that I am forever indebted to him and proud to have him join us on the cover. And finally for the one individual that wasn’t available the day of our photo shoot but every bit as valuable, is Chief Rex Evans of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Police Department. Unfortunately, Rex was on an assignment out of state when we gathered at HPD Helicopters for the photo. But his unwavering support and guidance has proved invaluable to our success. Fact is, it was Rex who encouraged me to revive the BLUES and continue the tradition to reach this unbelievable milestone. Rex not only provides his wit and humor each month in his editorial, but he also sits on our editorial board that grounds the magazine and keeps me on the straight and narrow. Without him, who knows what you’d be reading now. Rex has over 33 years of law enforcement experience, 15 years of that as a Chief of Police. His near-death experiences remind us of how fragile life is and we thank God he is still with us today. God Bless you sir for everything you do for us. Finally, I’d like to thank our longtime sponsors: Jacqueline Simper at Central Police Supply and Alan and Blake Helfman, at River Oaks Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram for their years of support dating back to 1984; More recently, Rick Fernandez at COP STOP in Pearland for his unwavering support, as well as providing carrier vests used in our cover photo. Andrew Drague and the folks at Proforce Law Enforcement; Tom Pleasant at Planet Ford on I45; BK at Prison Break Tattoos; Theresa Elliott at Casa Del Mar in Galveston; Thad Olive at State Farm; John Cone at Cone Retirement Group; Christi Wharton at Cardinal Tracking; Scott Balke at Autofacelifts; Aaron Roesler at American Bike Patrol; Brandon Karr with Unmanned Tactical Group; and our newest sponsors – Lance Rousey at Top Brass; The folks at REELZ TV & FOX NATION; Paul Curtis at Sniff Industries and Aaron Slater at Relentless Defender Apparel. ED: It’s important to note, that we are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the FOUNDING of The COUNTY BLUES. Michael Barron founded the company responsible for publishing the original County Blues and The Blues in 1984. Michael Barron, owned and operated the company from 1984 to 1995. In 1995 Barron sold the rights to publish THE BLUES POLICE NEWSPAPER to GL Buddy Williams and he continued to do so until the final issue was published in May of 2018. Barron created a new on-line all digital magazine entitled “The BLUES” in December of 2019 and that publication continues today. It should also be noted that no articles, or content was reprinted or used from any issues of The Blues Police Newspaper for this issue. 8 The Blues 40th Anniversary Issue

Alan and Blake Helfman wish to congratulate Michael Barron & The BLUES on their 40th Anniversary. The Blues 40th Anniversary Issue 9