ATO announces 2023 Heroes’ Gala winners!
Assist the Officer is excited to announce their 2023 Heroes’ Gala winners! These heroes of the Houston Police Department will be celebrated on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at The Ballroom at Bayou Place. Tickets and tables are selling quickly, be sure to buy your tickets today at Assist The Officer – 2023 Heroes’ Gala (bidpal.net).
Detective Alvarado – Investigator of the Year
Original Article by Tom Kennedy, B&G April 2022
Law enforcement officers in Harris County responded with immediacy and special dedication on Jan. 23 when Precinct 5 Corporal Charles Galloway was shot and killed during a traffic stop.
The suspect was not in custody.
“Even worse,” Lt. Luis Menendez-Sierra said, “we had very little information to go on. I contacted my squad, and we all began to head to the scene. Upon arrival we quickly saw how devastating the damage caused by the suspect in this case had been. The constable’s vehicle was riddled with bullet holes.”
Menendez-Sierra described the response as “at team effort” with one detective’s work standing out as making a special difference.
“I would like to recognize Detective Noe Alvarado, who was assigned as the lead investigator in this case. I personally watched him work non-stop from the moment we were called to the moment the suspect was apprehended.
“The case eventually led to an international manhunt where the suspect was apprehended in Mexico. Detective Alvarado maybe slept two to three hours that entire week and to see his determination to solve the case was a proud moment for not only our division but our department as a whole.
“I truly believe that his ability to coordinate all the different partners that were assisting is what led to the suspect’s capture. I can’t count the number of warrants, interviews and phone calls that were made but at the end of the day it was good old-fashioned police work that led to the suspect’s capture.
“The violent and dangerous suspect was a threat to not only police officers but our entire community. I am honored to supervise such an amazing team of investigators and especially Detective Alvarado for his dedication to solve the case and bring a cop killer to justice.”
HPOU recognized Alvarado as HPOU Investigator of the Month at the April 7 general membership meeting.
Officers Sallee and McMurtry
Original Article by Tom Kennedy, B&G June 2022
The HPOU named Officers Jarrid Sallee and Mat McMurtry as it’s Patrol Officers of the Month in the June general membership meeting.
Officers Jarrid Sallee and Mat McMurtry conducted a traffic stop on May 4th as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
After the driver refused to provide ID, the officers requested that he exit the vehicle. As he took off his seatbelt, the suspect pulled a pistol out of his waistband and immediately began shooting at Officers Sallee and McMurtry.
Officer Sallee was struck twice, in the hip and chest, but stayed in the fight and continued returning fire at the suspect.
Officer McMurtry also began returning fire. The suspect was struck several times and went down. Officer Sallee was transported to the hospital and is currently recovering.
The suspect was charged at the state and federal level. Over 120 grams of methamphetamines, along with three firearms were in his vehicle.