Rockwall Sheriff Harold Eavenson 2017's National President of the NSA

Rockwall County Sheriff
Harold Eavenson,
   The seasoned statesman will become the 76th President of NSA in June 2017. With this high honor he becomes the 5th Sheriff from Texas to serve in this position, and the first in almost twenty years. There are 3,088 Sheriffs in the United States.
   Sheriff Eavenson assumes the mantle at a time when the nation needs to better engage and coordinate with the National Sheriffs Association. They serve the heartbeat of our nation. Rockwall County, the State of Texas, and the Nation all gain a respected voice.
  Rockwall County citizens are very fortunate to have such a respected leader as their guardian of law and order.


Sheriff Eavenson is Chairman of the Resolutions Committee  Serves on the Executive Committee 
The Immigration and Border Security Committee
The Audit Committee for NSA. 
He has served as Chairman of the Technology Committee of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas (SAT) for the past five years and also served on the Board of Directors of the SAT.

   Eavenson has been the Sheriff of Rockwall County since January 2001, and has served in the following capacities since being elected:

The Angela Tucker Story

Character: The Building Block for Another Over Achieving Texas Girl

By J.B. Blocker

  It’s a shame that we don’t know more about the character of our elected officials before we give them our vote. Many would never have been elected if we had known more about their character. Others would become obvious choices to place our trust in.

  Character is awakened and then groomed by influences and circumstances. We are all born with possibilities, all the possibilities in the world. No matter how rough and challenging our roads become, the spirit can overcome those tests if we walk toward a light.

  Many may say that Angela Tucker was a miracle child, and that might be true. But I’ve gotten to know her, and I know that she was blessed with character, support, and determination!

Lon Garner

  Lon Garner is a man you should know. He is truly our 12th man.
  There are four candidates vying for the seat being vacated by Judge Chris Oldner.  With the backlog of cases stacking up, this is no time for learning!

  Only one candidate for the Collin County District Court #416 has prosecuted and defended Criminal, Family, and Civil law cases.
  

Still the same, but better every day!

j.b. blocker

A letter from Mom
   Hello.  My name is Katherine Garner and I'd like to tell you a few little known facts about Lon L Garner, who is running for Judge of the 416th Judicial District Court.

   Lon was born during the Vietnam era while his father was in the Air Force, stationed in San Antonio. We later moved back home, to Jacksboro, Texas where he attended and graduated from Jacksboro High School. An honors graduate, he then attended Texas A&M University, was a member of its Corp of Cadets, and graduated with a degree in Political Science.

    He is one of the most dedicated, loyal and focused individuals I know and I have the pleasure of calling him my son.  Dedicated to God and his family and loyal to his clients and friends, Lon has maintained focus on a career path providing a service to the people of Collin County.

  Lon's interest in law was apparent when at the ripe old age of 5, he threatened to "sue" a doctor who held him down to give him a shot.  I'm still in a quandary about where that idea came from, although we have laughed about it for years.

  He is a natural leader who was always elected to leadership rolls by his peers whether on the athletic field or in the classroom. From Team Captain to Student Body President, Lon was a leader among his peers.  His leadership rolls enhanced his college career at Texas A&M and St. Mary's where he continued to lead by example.

  Only Lon could graduate from law school, get married, take the State Bar Exam, go on his honeymoon, and move from San Antonio to McKinney in a little more than two months and make it look easy!  After a brief honeymoon, Lon and his new bride, Roslyn, moved to Collin County where he had been offered a position in the Collin County District Attorney's Office. 

                                                                                     

  After 4 years as an ADA, Lon accepted a position with the law firm Touchstone Bernays, an insurance defense firm in Dallas, Texas.  During the time he was at Touchstone Bernays, Lon noticed his infant daughter was beginning to treat him as if he were a stranger when he came home after a long day at the office.  Believing that family was more important than a job, Lon resigned and has been self-employed ever since.

  I am very proud of my son.  I hope you will join me in supporting him as he runs for judge!!

When it was time for pre-school immunizations, 5 year old Lon Garner was not happy! He threatened to sue his family doctor! 

 “My name is Shellye (Berry) Harvey and I grew up with Lon Garner. In fact, it was my father Dr. Neil Berry that Lon threatened to sue! Dad fondly remembers Lon and his character. Looking back, Lon’s surprising defensive threat at being forced to be vaccinated was an early signal as to where his path lay.  It shows Lon’s logic and his desire to effect change and right the wrongs of injustice, even as a boy of 5 years! He has been that way throughout his life.

 We attended the same small-town public school in Jacksboro, Texas. I was a year ahead of him with around 50 students in each class. Jacksboro is a conservative, buttoned-down town where Lon always stood out. I knew him through school activities including band and Student Council. We were both drummers in our small high school band.

HARRY LaROSILIERE'S STORY

 A Mayors Challenge
                               by J. B. Blocker

Plano City Council

 “When I turned 18, becoming a U.S. Citizen was a long-awaited and proud moment. In my mind, heart, and soul, I was already an American. I added the surname of my maternal grandfather for my middle name.  He was known as a great scholar in Haiti and had died before I was born.

  My name is Harry Agnant LaRosiliere, and my whole life’s journey has been preparing me for this moment. I didn’t know this moment would occur in Plano Texas, but I always found fulfillment by serving. I am committed to Plano.”

New York, New York

   At the age of 27, Harry LaRosiliere was excited about the newest initiative of New York’s first African/American mayor David Dinkins who served from 1990 to 1993.   As part of the new mayor’s initiatives, Mayor Dinkins made a public request for local citizens to become active in tutoring students in the New York school systems.  This program helped to give tens of thousands of students the opportunity to get off the streets and complete their high school requirements.

  By now Harry had found success in his own photo shop studio named Apple Studios. He was ready to give back to his community. There was a need for math tutors for high school seniors attending night school in order to graduate. Harry was certain he could relate well with the young students and that he could help them relate to the math they would need in their future.
  There was a level of skepticism from students who assumed that the volunteer tutors in the classroom were there for a paycheck or college credit.  They soon warmed up to Harry when they realized he had no personal gain for offering his time.

  When Harry met with the person who approved school assignments he expressed interest in tutoring at George Washington High School in Washington Heights. “Oh, you don’t want to teach there, replied the administrator. That is not the best part of town and the children there are some of the hardest to teach.”

   “I know, Harry replied, that is MY neighborhood.”

Harry with his sister and cousin in Harlem

  Harry was amused. He grew up in Harlem just a few blocks from Washington Heights. His family had moved near 125^th soon after they emigrated from Haiti to capture the American dream of education and upward mobility.  First, his grandmother found a job as a ‘domestic’ and moved to New York’s Haitian community in the upper west side of Manhattan. Soon after, Harry’s father arrived and sent for his wife Gisele and their two children, five-year-old Marthe and an almost four-year-old Harry. America was their land of opportunity.

  Harry’s father Brice often worked two jobs. He worked at a factory and drove taxis on the weekends. His mother cleaned offices for 26 years working from 5pm to 11pm virtually every day of her life. She still lives in the same apartment. That apartment is just a block away from the famous Cotton Club and a 10-minute walk from the Apollo Theater.

  In his boyhood world, street games like Kick the Can, stickball, and skellies (look it up) were common. Open fire hydrants were the neighborhood swimming pools in the heat of the summer. 

A Catholic School Boy 

First Communion

  The LaRosiliere family clung to their family values and faith in hard work and education. The education of their children was the driving force of the LaRosiliere family. From first grade through eighth grade, their children attended the neighborhood Catholic school, Corpus Christi.  After grade school, Harry continued his education at Cardinal Hayes High School located in the shadows of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.  While in school, Harry discovered his love for numbers, a passion that eventually led him to his long-time career as a respected and successful financial planner.  His sister, Marthe, is a successful attorney who attended Stanford and lives in the Washington, DC area.

Working for that American Dream 
  While the common dialect in his family was Creole (a blend of French and African languages), Harry and his sister both speak with voices devoid of regionalism. “I don’t have a New York accent but I still have a soft spot for my mom’s Caribbean spiced food and her fried plantains.”

  As a teenager, Harry held various part-time and summer jobs including working as a foot courier in midtown Manhattan and as an assistant manager for Fotomat (a chain of photo development stores).   When he was 18, Harry went to work at Macy’s where he remembers experiencing overt racism for the first time.  The management was surprised by his perfect score on the employee arithmetic test but still would not allow the young man who came to work wearing polished shoes and a necktie to be a cashier or work on the retail floor. Most African/Americans and Hispanics seemed to only work in the stock room or kitchen.

  Watching family members struggle with gambling, Harry never supported nor indulged in any forms of gambling. Ironically, and out of character, Harry bought a $5 lotto ticket while working at Macy’s. Harry had 5 of the 6 numbers. He thought he was rich and wondered what color car he would buy! Unfortunately, that particular drawing had multiple winners and his share was only $550!

  Making the most of this windfall, he bought camera equipment and began to work as a baby photographer at a company called TruColor. He held that position while attending college. He graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and one year into his graduate studies he and a friend started their own company Apple Studios. 

  A few years later, Mayor Dinkins’ call for civil service inspired Harry to get involved and give back. 

  Harry recalls, “When I showed up to tutor math, it took a while for these tough inner city kids to warm up to me. They were defensive and untrusting. But I knew I had something to offer them if they were willing to let me help. I believed in the opportunities that education would provide them. I took this very seriously and finally won them over. I knew I could make a difference and it was so rewarding when they accepted me and began to first trust and then begin to learn.”

 “That experience awakened me to the fact that community service was part of my calling in life. The reason I was put on this Earth is to help people. As a result, I have chosen that path both professionally and personally.”

A Giving Heart

  Marthe speaks of her little brother with the same joyful voice and spirit you see and hear when you are with Harry. “Harry has always been helpful and optimistic. He was a favorite of our grandmothers, aunts, and everyone else in the neighborhood. He never seemed to see people by race or social position but instead, he has a way of finding common ground. And he always had that happy, honest smile unless he was thinking. He has a very serious look that means he is contemplating something. He is a deep thinker who has always been interested in how he can help others. Community service is instinctive to my brother.” 

 Dressed for Success

 

Harry at 4, Dressed for Success

  “I’ve always been very conscientious about first impressions and looking like a professional. While other kids at Catholic school would complain about having to wear a coat and tie, I rather enjoyed it. I have been wearing a tie since 3^rd grade.  As I grew up and applied for jobs, I could see how looking clean and put together gave me an edge. I would not say that clothes necessarily make the man, but there is a certain confidence level that an appropriate dress and a tidy appearance give. You have to earn respect, but it sure helps if you can get in the door first.”

  When you meet Harry, the first thing you will notice is a warm and joyful smile. It’s an honest smile and he follows it up with sincere interest. As his sister recalls, “Harry actually listens to people. He respects opinions and is interested in how people think and why. That’s a terrific trait.”

  You’ll also find that Harry is genuine, courteous, and respectful. As you get to know him, you will see Harry has a deep drive to be successful at his endeavors.

Three years in Texas

  Tracy Clark became Harry’s best friend. When she moved to Michigan where she earned an MBA in Marketing, they stayed connected. In 1992, Tracy moved to DFW to work in the marketing department at Frito Lay where she would eventually become a Vice President. In 1994, Harry drove to Texas to join her. “I drove 8 hours to North Carolina then I drove the last 18 hours to Texas straight through. My plan was to get our family started and then bring us back to New York in three years.”

   Plans change! Harry laid out his parachute to life.  “I wrote down my plan. I wanted a career that would help others, to be paid for my abilities and effort, to be in a professional environment, and to have the flexibility to work the hours I chose. My mother had cleaned Prudential’s offices many years of her life and ironically I began my financial career with Prudential Securities in Dallas in 1994.”

   “Advising families on how to preserve and grow their wealth is very satisfying. I have a direct impact on the quality of life of my clients. My career as a financial advisor allows me to work every day towards the best interest of people who put their faith and trust in me. It is an honor and privilege I do not ever take lightly.”

   “From 1996 to 2004, I worked for A.G. Edwards.  I started at A.G. Edwards on a Friday. That same day, we closed on our first home and bought a car! Earlier that year, I had joined the Plano Chamber of Commerce and by working with the chamber, the chamber worked for me! My practice took off. Plano became our family home and we knew that we would never leave!”

The LaRosiliere Family: Tracy, Maya, Brianna, and Harry

  My first child Brianna was born in '97 and my youngest Maya was born in '99.

   After 5 more years with Morgan Stanley, Harry and Tracy had a family, a home, and were deeply rooted in a community they were actively in love with. In 2009, Harry joined UBS where he is 1^st Vice President in the Wealth Management Division. The three years in Texas is now approaching twenty years.

Becoming a Mayor

  You don’t just put up a sign and expect to be a good mayor. Especially when dealing with the complexities of a dynamic city like Plano. Plano doesn’t deserve a good mayor. It deserves a great one. There have been many great mayors in Plano’s recent past. The current mayor and many who have preceded Phil Dyer have elevated the city to growing heights of respectability.

  Florence Shapiro went on to become a State Senator. Phil Dyer, Pat Evans, and James Muns have been recognized as ‘Citizen of the Year.’ Others like John Longstreet remain respected and involved.

  It is a strong legacy of leadership that is calling for a proven civic leader.

  I invite you to visit harry4mayor.com for a list of the civic service of Harry LaRosiliere. 

  Harry welcomes you to friend his Facebook page facebook.com/harryformayor. 

  As Plano residents, you owe it to yourself to meet the man who has been active in Leadership Plano and has also served as the Chairman of the Board for CASA of Collin County where he is credited in helping CASA of Collin County turn things around during one of their most trying times. 

  This servant leader has also served 6 years on the Plano city council.

  The former Mayor Pro Tem is ready for the next step. 

  

  The call from a New York City mayor in 1990 to serve his community has come full circle in 2013 in Plano, Texas.

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas.

COLLIN COUNTY OATH OF OFFICE CEREMONY

13 Elected Officials take Oath of Office on Jan. 2

(McKINNEY, Texas) – More than a dozen newly and re-elected county officials will take the Oath of Office on the morning of Wednesday, January 2nd at 9:30 a.m. in the Central Jury Room of the Collin County Courthouse, 2100 Bloomdale Road. 
 

OFFICIALS TAKING OATH	ADMINISTERED BY
Honorable Angela Tucker 199th District Court	Honorable Cyndi Wheless
Honorable Ben Smith 380th District Court	Honorable Keith Self
Honorable Mark Rusch 401st District Court	Honorable John Roach Jr.
Honorable Chris Oldner 416th District Court	Honorable Curt Henderson
Honorable Chuck Ruckel* Justice of the Peace Pct. 3-1	Honorable Johnny Lewis
Honorable Matt Shaheen County Commissioner Pct. 1	Honorable Keith Self
Honorable Chris Hill* County Commissioner Pct. 3	Honorable Jill Willis
Honorable Terry Box County Sheriff	Honorable Corinne Mason
Honorable Andrea Stroh Thompson District Clerk	Honorable Jill Willis
Honorable Shane Williams* Constable Pct. 1	Honorable Ben Smith
Honorable Joe Barton Constable Pct. 2	J’Net Chambers
Honorable Sammy Knapp* Constable Pct. 3	Honorable Ben Smith
Honorable Joe Wright* Constable Pct. 4	Honorable Ben Smith

* Denotes newly elected county officeholder.

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.

Collin County Judges recall 38 years.

Nathan E. White, Jr., William J. Roberts, Ron Harris, and Keith A. Self

WHAT: Discussing 37 Years of Collin County Leadership
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
WHERE: 4^th Floor Commissioners Courtroom, Admin Bldg.

click to enlarge

   
EVEN NATIVE TEXANS SIT BACK IN AWE when they look over the incredible amount of growth and development in Collin County over the past 37 years. From a scattering of farm communities, dominated by McKinney, the county seat, and the upstart suburban model of Plano in 1975, Collin County’s population has grown 6-½ times since. Despite some slowing of the pace in the last few years, the county is still projected to hit 1 million residents sometime between 2016 and 2018. 

County Clerk Stacy Kemp

With all that change in mind, we thought now would be a great opportunity to reflect on the county’s progress, and bring together a group of men who had a direct role in helping shape what has become one of the best spots to live, work and play in Texas -- and the Nation.                         

as reported by J. B. Blocker

Nathan E. White, Jr.   1975-1982

  He's home grown. He is a  Plano graduate who married his high school sweetheart,  joined the Navy, got his law degree at SMU, and became a civic leader. He sits comfortably in his panel seat with the three Collin County judges that have followed him. It was White who signed off on the logo that has become recognizable on a global scale.
  " When I was elected in '74, I was the 1st Republican to be elected. In fact, the Texas Rangers showed up the next day to investigate the ballots. It was that shocking that a Republican could have won that election."
   He still serves as the Senior Judge for the 366th District Court. He mentions his wife of 48 years. He speaks highly of his secretary Melva Kemp while her daughter Collin County County Clerk Stacy Kemp sat in the audience. There were 77,000 residents of Collin County in 1974. When he took office, the records where unauditable. There was basically no management infrastructure for a county that was about to explode! He saw the problem and proceeded to organize a county.

Nathan E. WHITE, Jr. is currently a senior State District Judge who presided over the 366th Judicial District Court in Collin County from its inception in 1989 until September 2006, some 17 years. Judge White served as County Judge for two full terms, and served as County Treasurer from 1983-1985. A 1960 graduate of Plano High School, he earned a BBA in Accounting from Southern Methodist University in 1964, and passed the CPA exam later that year. He also attended George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., from 1969-1971, while serving in the U.S. Navy, and received his law degree from SMU Law School in 1972.

·         At the time he took office as County Judge, the county population came to about 105,000 (less than current-day McKinney’s population) – and practically doubled in his eight-year tenure.
·         Countywide, the total property valuation for 1975 came to a little over $239 million, the amount by which budget revenues would be set. For Fiscal Year 2013, that amount is $20 million LESS than the county’s combined budget.
·         In FY1978, the oldest complete budget book we have on hand, there were 209 employees working for Collin County government.
·         FY1976 Operating Budget:  $4,817,952;
·         FY1983 Operating Budget: $11,920,252;
·         FY1983 countywide valuation $7.18 billion

William J. Roberts   1983-1990

     
  The George Bush was being negotiated. It took the cooperation of 7 cities and 3 counties, but it got done and it is an important artery of Collin County. The future of the I.T. Department for organized purchasing and records was developed under his leadership. The population was about 250,000 and setting growth records between Loop 121, the North Dallas Tollway, and I-75!
   Collin County Community College now serves over 46,000 students. It was a glint in the eye of Judge Bill Roberts and many other visionaries who got the ball rolling.
  " I am grateful to Judge White for cleaning up the Swamp that was county management before I took office. While he was so occupied trying to organize the county, I could look more into the manageable future. I am especially proud of the growth and success of Collin County Community College and the 200 acres that is the foundation for county growth. The county jail, administrative building, and court house now occupy this property with plenty of room to expand."

William J. ROBERTS is a partner in the Plano law firm of Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon & Roberts. He served as County Judge for two full terms. He was also Plano City Attorney from 1970-1978. He earned a Bachelor in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin in 1966, and received his law degree from Baylor University School of Law in 1968. He also took post-graduate Legal Studies in 1977 from Southern Methodist University’s Underwood School of Law, and attended the National Judicial College, Special Session, in 1985.

·         The County population grew by more than 45% during his eight-year tenure, with a 1990 population coming in 264,000 – slightly more than the current population of Plano today.
·         Property values, however, doubled during the same time frame to more than $14 billion.
·         The County employee workforce almost doubled, from 394 in 1983 to 651 in 1990.
·         FY1984 Operating Budget: $14,517,471; FY1991 Operating Budget: $42,479,628.

Ron Harris  1991-2006

  Legacy was no-mans land. Frisco had about 5,000 residents. For the next 16 years, Ron  Harris  would help lead the way to manage the eminent growth and infrastructure needs. The new state-of -the-art jail was a mile stone.
  "I worked with a great group with 4 county commissioners, but I always had to remember that I only had one vote. And it takes THREE. To get things accomplished, nearly everything is compromise. I wouldn't be married today if it wasn't for compromise!"
  With that management style, the former Staff Sgt. who attended Texas Tech, Baylor, University of Texas, and SMU law  saw the development of Hi-way 121, and the expansion of 78 from Garland which led to the explosion in Wylie. One of his favorite programs is the installation of a Merit Pay reward system.

Ron HARRIS is a business consultant who lives in McKinney. He served as County judge for 16 years and, before that, another five years as a Plano City Councilman. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management and Accounting from Texas Tech University, and attended Baylor University and the University of Texas at Dallas. After college, he graduated from the National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and served in Airborne Infantry, Mechanized Infantry and Communications units. He was honorably discharged with a rank of staff sergeant in 1975.

·         In his 16-year tenure, county growth exploded by 162%, with more than 200,000 new residents arriving between 2000-2006 alone.
·         The county tax base saw explosive growth by 250%, as did the operating budget for county government;
·         FY1991 Operating Budget: $42,479,628; FY2007 Operating Budget: $168,700,000
·         County government’s workforce grew from 719 to 1,621 workers during his tenure,

Keith A. Self  2007-Current Day

  Now, Collin County is the SIXTH most populated county in Texas. Keith Self was elected for his conservative convictions. The $176 million dollar budget  needed to be directed toward an exploding population. Roads to be built for a county that could very well become it's own metropolis in the next 10 years with room to welcome a million more people. We rely on the commissioners court to manage the infrastructure with an eye to the future.
  "Realistically, we have to be looking at least 20 years ahead and beyond when we make decisions. With all the highway development we are managing our eye is on the growth. I'm really proud of the expansion of the court house and other facilities to this property.  When I took this office, I knew that the previous leadership had done such a good job in paving the way, that just like the jockey who rode Secretariat, I just need to not fall off."
  The West Point graduate and career officer retired only to be called back into service. He is very accessible and a highly visible presence around the county. While the county is now running smoothly throughout the system, all this growth requires  dealing with more and more regulated operations involving millions of dollars. The tax base is stable but with growth comes huge future responsibilities.

Keith A. SELF has presided over the Commissioner’s Court since January 2007. He is a 5th-generation Texan who brought 25 years of experience as a U.S. Army officer to his current position. A 1975 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Judge Self holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Judge Self retired from active military duty in 1999 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was recalled to active duty for a 14-month tour in Afghanistan and Qatar, serving with the U.S. Central Command. He and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 35 years and live in McKinney.

·         While the county’s population growth slowed from 2007-2012, Judge Self’s tenure so far has seen an 11% growth rate, with a 2012 population of 804,000-plus.
·         In addition, while the operating budget has grown about 3% in this time frame, the property tax base climbed by 20%, to $74.6 Billion.
·         The county workforce comes to 1,789 authorized positions in FY2013, with an Operating Budget of $173.6 Million

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.

Collin County’s Sheriff Terry Box: 'I'm not Retiring!'

By J.B. Blocker

Sheriff Terry Box is not retiring! On a recent Facebook announcement, Terry let all his friends know before he made the public announcement. This sheriff is socially interactive! He has nothing to hide and regularly post food for thought, warm wishes, and local events. His passion for antique autos keeps him in the mix locally. You might see him on any given weekend showing his Purple ’55 Chevy.

You can count the current Texas sheriffs who have served as long as Terry on one hand. In the world of Sheriff’s, he is a respected role model who embraces the ever changing world of technology while respecting the human factor of his staff and the counties revolving door of inmates.

“I truly enjoy my work. As long as my health permits, I feel I can continue to contribute to a better Collin County.”

I would be amazed if anyone dared to challenge the popular local boy who is considered a role model for Law Enforcement leadership. With an easy going management style and firmly engrained work ethics, his staff and the departments reputation for courteous humanitarian handling of its responsibilities is well documented. He truly leads by example.

Collin County Sheriff Terry Box has held his elected office since February 1985, and he has served with distinction. This sheriff does not look like the typical Texas lawman. While many wear their Stetsons and side arms and are usually dressed in a white pressed shirt, blue jeans, and boots, this gentle and unassuming lawman dresses casually and unadorned.

“Heck, I showed up in baggy shorts and a golf shirt to the Sheriff’s Convention. Some might call it travel wear!” recalls the seasoned lawman. “You can spot the new Sheriff’s pretty easily.” Normally, Sheriff Box wears dress slacks and a polo type shirt. He could more easily pass as a history teacher at the high school.

Sheriff Terry Box, A Badge With Honor

Collin County Sheriff Terry Box has held his elected office since February 1985. He has served the county and the state with distinction.

Terry and Purplelicious

  This sheriff does not look like the typical Texas lawman. While many wear their Stetsons and side arms and are usually dressed in a white pressed shirt, blue jeans, and boots, this gentle and unassuming lawman dresses casually and unadorned.
 “Heck, I have shown up in baggy shorts and a golf shirt to the conventions. Travel wear!” recalls the seasoned lawman. While most wear their boots and white stetsons, very few dress like civilians.
   Normally, Sheriff Box wears dress slacks and a polo type shirt. He could more easily pass as a history teacher at the local high school.
  When Terry Box took office, Collin County’s population was around 200,000. Now with the tremendous growth of Plano, Frisco, Allen, Celina, Fairview, Anna, Melissa, Princeton, Farmersville, and McKinney, the count is closing in on a million. It won’t be long! 
  The southern border catches a bit of Carrollton, Dallas, and Garland as well as parts of Richardson. In all, 31 cities and towns are inside the county’s border. An incredible blend of the newest urban developments and rural historic Texas can be experienced in Collin County.
   Box’s Upholstery in McKinney was Terry’s fathers business. The one time president of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas was born and raised in McKinney.    
   After graduating from McKinney High, he began his career as a 19-year-old police dispatcher. He has dated his wife Rendy since he was a junior in high school, and they are still dating after 40 years. 
  “My wife is the kindest, most caring person I know," beams the sheriff. "I am sure she gets me more votes at election time than I do! When she goes shopping, she ends up buying things for others as much as for herself."
  “When I was 21, I became a peace officer in Plano. I took the job because I just couldn’t see arresting people I grew up with and knew so well.”                                   
  Ten years later Terry was lured to the sheriffs’ office with a rank of Lieutenant and was the Deputy Chief three years later. After the death of close friend Sheriff Joe Steenbergen in 1985, Box was appointed by the Commissioners Court to complete the term and has been Sheriff Box ever since.
  After a special election in ’86 where he faced four opponents, the Republican Party candidate has basically run unopposed ever since. It’s is no wonder! 
  Collin County’s sheriff has maintained an impeccable reputation that has led to special FBI training at Quantico and an appointment by Governor Bush for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, where he became the chairman in 2000.
 

“Collin County is very fortunate to have a man like Terry Box as their sheriff”, claims Randall County Sheriff Joel Richardson. 
  “When Randall County built their new county jail, we decided to model it after Collin County. "Theirs was one of only two jails to successfully integrate a state of the art Direct Supervision Facility," he said. "His progressive style of management and his kindness, courtesy, and respect for human rights has helped me to see a different side of law enforcement and jail operations.   We sent our staff down to McKinney to train at their facility. Sheriff Box and his staff were so accommodating, and all of us were grateful and impressed with the leadership and their management style. When I started in law enforcement, I was part of the bag 'em and cage 'em mentality. Now, I see my job in a more humanistic light of protecting the rights of every individual.”
  The Collin County staff takes in account that 'not all who are held in a county jail have been found guilty of their charges'. Many awaiting trial and held in custody are later found to be innocent. This facility and its staff helps maintain that consideration.
  “The sheriffs’ senior staff views Sheriff Box as an inspiration with great ethics, and an approachable style of leadership that makes everyone strive to be a kinder, better person.” this from long-time friend Major Mike Anderson.
  There isn’t enough space to list his resume of boards, directorship, accreditation's, and community service involvement. The modest sheriff doesn’t even list them on the county Web site like many others do. 
  Always early to work, he disdains being lazy or late but forgives others just as easily as he leads by his example. If you want to talk to the sheriff, just call early and he will most likely answer the phone himself.
  
  His humanity showed itself in spades when he discussed the challenges of his border county brethren.   
  “They live a totally different life than I do! They have to fear for their staff, their families, and even their own safety every day. Not me!” In Lou Gehrig-type style he closed our interview with his appreciation for his family and his home.
  “I am always aware that I am one of the truly lucky people to have a job I love, in a great county, and in my home town.”                 

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962. Email: jbnorthtexas@gmail.com