Pearland Journal

The Grand Opening Ceremony for the new Public Safety Building was held on Peace Officer’s Memorial Day which marks the close of National Police Week held May 9 through May 15. Pearland Police and city officials unveiled a a memorial statue honoring Pearland Police Officers.

By KRISTI NIX

Updated: 05.20.10

The city’s men and women in blue commemorated 50 years of the Pearland Police Department’s history and traditions at the dedication ceremony for the new Public Safety Building Saturday.

“I believe this facility is not only the true reflection of what Pearland is today, but what it can be in the future,” Pearland Chief of Police J.C. Doyle told the crowd.

Pearland Mayor Tom Reid, members of City Council and City Manager Bill Eisen spoke at the ceremony and awarded the Police Chief with an honorary proclamation.

“We are extrememly proud that this facility is a LEED Certified Green building,” City Manager Bill Eisen said. “What that means is the building was created using advanced energy efficient standards which will save a significant amount of our taxpayers’ money over time.”

Members of Pearland Police Department Honor Guard christened the building with a Posting of Colors and an official flag raising. A memorial statue honoring Pearland Police Officers was unveiled by Chief Doyle and Assistant Police Chief Johnny Spires.

In addition to honoring the Police Department’s 50th Anniversary, the grand opening date marked Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, a day of rememberance for officers who died in the line of duty. Observed across the country as an expression of gratitude to the men and women who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, the official day of tribute is observed on the last day of National Police Week held May 9 through May 15.

Two Pearland Officers killed in the line of duty were among those remembered and honored. Pearland Police Officer Henry Wendell, Jr. and Officer James Howard Cassidy, Jr. were recognized by Chief Doyle and the Mayor.

In 1967, Officer Wendell was killed directing traffic after a high school football game. Officer Cassidy, Jr. died in 1973 while escorting trucks through the city. Family members of both officers were acknowledged by Police Chief Doyle and Mayor Reid.

Roughly 150 people gathered in the court room chambers for the dedication ceremony including Pearland Assistant Managers Mike Hodge and Jon Branson, Texas State Representative Randy Weber, Brazoria County Sheriff Charles Wagner, Brazoria County Constable Buck Stevens, and the Honorable Leticia Farnie, Municiple Judge of Pearland.

The heritage and tradition of law enforcement in Pearland goes back more than half a century. The city’s first lawman, Jack Miller, was elected City Marshal in 1959. Then in Feburary 1960, City Council voted to establish the Pearland Police Department. Since that time, thirteen officers have served as Chief of Police, officials said.

“Thirteen has always been a lucky number for me,” Chief Doyle said, who has served as the city’s top law enforcement officer since 1999.

Since 1960, the police department has grown significantly. Currently there are 141 officers in the force, including three cadets set to graduate Tuesday, police officials said. But, a few openings still remain.

“Recruiting new officers is an ongoing process,” Police Chief Doyle said. “When we go out to recruit new officers we definitely have a department we can be proud of. We’re modern. We’re progressive. We’re innovative. We’re leaders. And I think we’ve been able to prove that.”

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