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Humble Police Association honors outstanding officers By STEFANIE THOMAS
A total of 13 members of the Humble Police Department along with
volunteers were recognized at the first-ever Humble Police Association awards
banquet at the Humble Civic Center July 11. True to its annual tradition, the
association also presented $1,500 in scholarships to selected students in an
effort to aid and further their education.
HPA President Jim Hammock welcomed the crowd and thanked the community for its continued support for the association. Humble Police Chief Gary Warman introduced the special guests in attendance, including Humble Mayor Donnie McMannes, Humble City Council and speaker Congressman Ted Poe. McMannes declared July 11 as Steven Jackson Day in honor of the good Samaritan who was shot and killed while following a robbery suspect. The proclamation was accepted by Jackson’s wife and brother. This year’s honorees were the following: Sammon was awarded a medal of valor for his actions on March 13, 1995, when he rescued a man and young child stranded in the swift waters of the San Jacinto River, approximately 50 feet offshore. While waiting for the fire department and EMS to arrive, he noticed the man was losing his grip on the child. Sammon plunged into the water, holding on to a rope secured on shore, and brought the child to safety. He then returned into the water and secured the rope around the adult, who was then pulled to shore. The child suffered from mild hypothermia and both had water into their lungs, but thanks to Sammon’s quick response, they recovered. Sammon also received a meritorious service commendation for his actions during Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, when he navigated a boat through rising flood waters, rescuing numerous residents of Meadowbrook Mobile Home Park. Taylor was awarded a medal of valor for his actions during a 1995 armed robbery at The Home Depot, where a hostage situation was reported. Taylor entered the building and was confronted by a masked robber armed with a semi-automatic handgun who charged at him. Taylor ordered the suspect to stop but the man leveled his gun at the officer instead. Taylor fired one fatal shot, killing the gunman. None of the 32 hostages and witnesses were harmed. Wrobliske was awarded a department award of achievement for his actions during the 2006 investigation into the murder of Steven Jackson, the “Good Samaritan.” Wrobliske coordinated the investigation and kept the Jackson family as well as the media informed about developments in the case. Under his leadership, all the crime scene investigators, traffic units, robbery and homicide divisions of multiple agencies came together as a team. Wrobliske also received a meritorious service commendation for his actions when a major flood threatened the Humble area in 1994. Wrobliske offered his assistance on his day off and aided in rescue efforts, picking residents off roofs and boating them to safety. Wrobliske and Officer Mark Bradshaw are credited with saving the lives of 15 men, women and children, as well as three family pets. Bradshaw was awarded the meritorious service commendation for his role in the rescue efforts underway during the great flood of 1994. Bradshaw was on vacation when his supervisor asked him to supply his personal boat for rescue efforts. Bradshaw immediately cut his vacation short and arrived in his boat. Together with Wrobliske, Bradshaw made five trips through rising floodwaters, debris and current, carrying residents and pets to safety. Nansel was honored with the meritorious service commendation for his actions during Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, when he navigated the department’s SWAT vehicle through flooded roads in an effort to assist residents trapped by flood waters. Ignoring floating debris and swarms of insects, without the availability of safety equipment or flotation devices, Nansel carried men, women and children on his back and took them to safety. Domilos was recognized for his heroic acts during Tropical Storm Allison with a meritorious service commendation as well. Along with Nansel, Domilos steered the SWAT vehicle through the streets of Humble and suffered through insect bites and potential injuries from large debris in an effort to rescue countless residents trapped by flood waters. Theis was awarded a life-saving commendation for rescuing a restaurant patron at Outback Steakhouse in February when an elderly man choked on his food and Theis saved him from choking to death by administering the Heimlich maneuver and stomach thrusts. Theis was at the restaurant off-duty, dining with his family. Burkeen was awarded a department award of achievement for his role as the chairperson of Humble’s Beautification Committee, his participation in the recent Supervisor’s Exchange Program and organization of the city’s annual Christmas parade. He was also commended for his strong leadership skills, outstanding work ethic and his commitment to bring positive change to the city of Humble. Squier received a department achievement award for going above and beyond during a 2006 fraud investigation. Squier was commended for his commitment to seeing that the victimized elderly couple was treated with compassion and dignity during this difficult time for them. Squier was also awarded a community service commendation in connection with two families he met during a 2001 case. Squier noticed that the families had no presents for the children under their Christmas trees, so he and his wife went shopping for the families and brought them food and gifts for the kids. Doyle was named Officer of the Year 2007 for his keen observation skills during a traffic stop that ultimately led to the discovery of stolen handguns, electronic equipment and several types of narcotics. He was commended for his initiative and integrity. Villareal was named Detective of the Year 2007 for his continual outstanding performance solving high-profile cases, instructing other officers in crime scene investigation both locally and internationally, as well as being active in numerous federal, state and local law enforcement and civilian organizations. He was commended for his professionalism and devotion. Coborn was named Communications Operator of the Year in appreciation of her consistently high-standard performance, multi-tasking abilities and compassionate nature. She was also commended for her professionalism and her desire to always make officer safety her number one priority. Green was named Civilian Employee of the Year for her continuous dedication to assisting the victims of crime. Around the clock, she tirelessly helps adults and children find shelter, guides them through the legal system and often becomes a personal confidant who never abandons her charges. Green also spearheads the Humble PD’s efforts to collect toys, clothes and food donations for needy families during the Christmas holidays. Bean was named 2007 Volunteer of the Year for donating her time to various projects and events, including Citizen Police Academy classes, Christmas collection efforts and National Night Out. She also serves as the secretary of the Humble Beautification Committee and encourages others to become involved in community projects. The church was named 2007 Volunteer of the Year group for its financial support of the Humble PD since 2004. The group’s contributions have assisted crime victims and needy individuals with rent and utility bills. The department also allocated the funds to purchase food, gas, bus tickets, medicine, clothes, school supplies, diapers, formula and many other items for persons in need. |
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