Brothers and Sisters, 

It is with great pleasure we announce that Officer Greg Hudson was finally vindicated, after a three-year long ordeal of being accused of shooting an HPD officer. It was a very trying and stressful time for Officer Hudson, and we’re glad that he did not succumb to the bullying, nor pressured into making a bad decision. The union and union attorney, Andy Taylor, stepped up and represented Greg during the whole ordeal. Greg was interviewed many times and even polygraphed, and even was called deceitful a couple of times. It saddens me that Homicide Investigator Robles could not fathom the idea of there being a different suspect, which shows that he needs to look at this investigator techniques. By even putting Officer Hudson on TV through media pressure caused a lot of stress, and I am glad that Greg can finally move on with his life, without this dark shadow lingering over him.  Read more here.

Fraternally,
Robert Lozano 

The 5th Circuit denied Corinth, Texas Chief Walthall's motion for summary judgment and qualified immunity on  August 31, 2018.  The 5th District upheld Police Officers Rights to form associations and conduct association business, without being retaliated against or denied their 1st Amendment Rights.  To view this decision click here.

On August 11, 2018, members of the union participated in our annual back to school program for deserving children. They joined Constable Alan Rosen, of the Harris County Constable Pct. 1 Office, and gave out hundreds of backpacks and school supplies. It was a huge success, with hundreds of children being able to be assisted. We will be participating in another event this next Sunday, so if any members want to be involved, all help is appreciated.

We will be having another “Back to School” school supply project going on this Sunday, August 19, with Paul Wall and other local activist, as we bridge the gap between the community and law-enforcement. If you can come out and volunteer for a few hours, that would be great. Please contact any boardmember for more details. Thank you, have a safe day!
 

All Units be advised that a Harris County Deputy had an adverse reaction when she came in contact with a flier (see below image) left on her vehicle that was laced with Fentanyl. Be aware of suspicious items placed on your vehicles. Her vehicle was parked outside the Harris County Sheriff’s Office off of Lockwood. 

I sat down with some of my brothers yesterday, after the emotional day they had Friday at the school in Santa Fe. We sit and pray for the families and victims from that tragic day, yet we forget the first responders who had to go room to room looking at these poor children who lost their young lives, lying there on the floor, but having to  stay focused to stop an active  gunman. And as they were able to find and drag to safety the wounded officer, whom would eventually lose consciousness, they stayed in the fight, until the suspect gave up.

See, the pain runs deep in blue because as many officers have children, the psychological effect of seeing these lifeless bodies laying there, but yet trying to stay focused to save other lives - this is what we do. Officers are human, too. Some officers had just gotten off duty but heard the call go out, suited back up, and ran to the school. When that call on Mutual Aid 1 from the DPS troopers went out, officers from as far away as Splendora showed up. Nothing in the world is greater to brothers and sisters’ ears when in the fight, than when you hear those sirens, and know that the cavalry is coming.

My brother washed away the blood off his vest and uniform Saturday, but the mental scars will last forever in these officers’ minds.

I would like to thank our Lodge Treasurer Robert Smith, who holds a duel commission with Santa Fe PD, for his bravery. He had just got off his 8 hours shift in Houston, but heard the call go out and he suited up anyway. Robert was one of the officers engaged, and helped make a difference, as this incident could have been worse. Warriors do not train to retire!

Our Honor Guard is in Washington, DC this week for police week. One of our fellow brothers, Elias “Sonny” Martinez, is being recognized and name etched on the wall of fallen officers for 2017. RIP brother, we have the next watch. #policeweek #thinblueline #honorthefallen

Over 2700 riders from across the United States rode into the National Peace Officers Memorial today in honor of our fallen brothers and sisters. They ride for those that died. Great job brothers and sisters!

On April 15, President Lozano requested that Don Salisbury be appointed temporary 2nd Vice President until the next election, due to the position becoming vacant. President Lozano also requested from the board that Noe Gonzalez be appointed as a trustee, due to his enormous amount of support and dedication to the lodge. Congratulations to you both!

Brothers and Sisters,

One of the biggest items that we're trying to improve on is communication within our organization. It is highly encouraged for our members to register here at our NEW Website and download our NEW Mobile App, so that you can receive live updates through text and/or email. It only takes a few minutes and has proved to be highly informative. For those already registered, thanks and let other members know the benefits of a registering.

Stay Safe. Watch your six!

It is with great sadness that we report today the passing of Houston Metro K-9 Officer Amy. Officer Amy was assigned to Officer Armstrong as her handler.

While serving her five years at the Houston Metro Police Department, she had many memorable assignments. One of her assignments included security sweeps for President George H.W. Bush. We want to thank everyone for the love and support for Officer Amy. RIP

Earlier this year the Houston Metro Police Union, Lodge 98 gave out Backpacks and School Supplies during our annual event.  The attached letter was received from the Galena Park Independent School District.

We would like to thank Constable Alan Rosen and the Harris County Constable Pct 1 Deputies for teaming up with us for this year's Back To School Back Pack Program. We donated 100's of back packs to needy children and provided cases of water to keep people hydrated for this hot day, and for those playing the three-on-three basketball contest at Eisenhower High School. This successful event was a great community outreach program, and it was certainly a pleasure working with the Constable's Office. Thank you to all that volunteered their time to be here.

The below information is for those Officers who carry the Sig Sauer P320 and is in response to the viral video making the rounds of the Sig firing when it is dropped.

HPD Sergeant Robert Sandoval and his officers at the gun range immediately conducted their own test and found that more than 10% of the time when the Sig P320 was dropped on the back of the weapon, it would fire.

Robert immediately contacted Sig, who gave a generic press release response that it had "passed previous federal drop tests". 

Robert continued to call Sig working his way through their hierarchy, till finally they agreed to exchange all faulty pistols for new ones. However, he didn't stop there, he is now working with Sig to ensure that they come out to a department facility to do the exchanges, in order to make it easier for our officers.

I would like to thank Robert and Officer Joe Gamaldi, HPOU Vice President, for doing a wonderful job in handling this complicated situation. 

I am working with Joe on a joint effort for any of our members that may be carrying the Sig model. If you are in possession of said model, please contact me ASAP. 

Regards, 

Robert Lozano
President
Houston Metro Police Union FOP

Safety Bulletin

Sig Sauer P320 “drop test” issue:

The HPD Training Division has recently learned that Sig Sauer has identified a condition whereby the P320 models could possibly discharge if dropped in a certain way: 

If the weapon is dropped and the weapon hits a hard surface with the frame and back of the slide at the same time, the weapon could discharge. 

Members of the Firearms Unit of the HPD Training Division were able to duplicate the “drop test failure,” therefore caution must be used when handling the Sig Sauer P320 models.    

Sig Sauer issued a public Press Release on September 8th, 2017, acknowledging the safety concern of an unintentional discharge with the P320 models when dropped. Sig Sauer plans to have a special program for the Houston Police Department to replace all Sig Sauer P320 models and calibers. The one-for-one replacements include both Primary and Off-Duty weapons. Firearms Unit staff are currently coordinating that effort with Sig Sauer.   

The new P320s will incorporate many upgraded parts and functions, including functional enhancements that are being implemented to the slide, trigger, and magazine.  

The leadership of Houston Metro Police, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 98 would like to remind our members to KEEP THEIR FIELD NOTES as mandated by the State.

Brother and Sisters,

We have some exciting news. Today we reached another milestone and kicked off our Mobile App for Android and iOS Phones and Tablets. We hope that this additional resource to your Tablet or Smartphone can make things more accessible, then having to log completely into the website. This is something new and exciting for the Lodge. The Mobile App is under FOP 98 and we have direct links to Google Play and iTunes App Store in the module in the left column.  You must be a registered member of the website to access the Members Only Section of the Mobile App.

Robert Lozano
President