HOUSTON POLICE RETIRED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

In June, 1994, a group of Retired Houston Police Officers recognized the need to have a voice in matters that directly affect the health, financial security, and respect afforded the retired HPD Officer.  To accomplish this, the HPROA was formed.  It is not an arm of any other police union, association, or organization.  While the HPROA has historically worked with and alongside other police organizations, they have always been a separate entity.  Their goal continues to be one that supports its members and their surviving spouses.

Fifteen years later, the HPROA is a viable organization with a membership of over 1,400 plus Retired HPD Officers and Surviving spouses.  The HPROA is governed by a President, 1^st Vice-President, 2^nd Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and seven Board members.  All of these Officers are elected from within the organization.  This managing Board is further directed by the By-Laws of the HPROA.  HPROA also employs on a contract basis the Executive Director, Office Secretary, and Website Manager.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

STATE OF TEXAS-PROTECTION OF EXISTING PENSION BENEFITS:

• To safeguard against reduction of existing benefits.
• Continue working with HPOPS to increase benefits.
• Work to safeguard HPD Widow's 100% pension benefits.

CITY OF HOUSTON:

• Monitor health insurance benefits as provided through the City of Houston.
• Monitor City's obligation to fund HPOPS.

• Liaison with HPD on matters such as Retired ID Cards, Firearms Qualifications, and any other such issues arising for Retirees.
• Assure that HPD Retirees are provided affordable and quality heath insurance.

CURRENT LIFE AND HEALTH STATUS OF ALL HPD RETIREES:

• Family Assistance Committee maintains contact with members who are having health issues.
• Family Assistance Committee provides and delivers needed medical equipment such as wheel chairs, walkers, hospital beds, etc.
• Works with family members to provide any assistance that is necessary.
• Works with HPD Family Assistance Officers when a death occurs to provide funeral advice and support.
• Provides a Bronze Memorial Plaque to the immediate family member at the memorial service should the family request such.  Plaque reads "SERVED WITH HONOR AND REMEMBERED WITH PRIDE".
• Provides updated health status information by way of the HPROA website.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND GATHERING:

• Hosts reunions in Houston (Spring), Crockett (Summer), and Fredericksburg (Fall).
• Encourages and assists in developing camaraderie with old departmental acquaintances.
• Hosts annual SURVIVING SPOUSES LUNCHEON.
• Hosts a LINE OF DUTY Memorial Reception for those families during Police Week.

COMMUNICATION:

• Maintain the HPROA website, which provides around the clock information to retirees.
• Provides the RETIRED BADGE, a bimonthly publication.
• Both of these communication methods provide valuable information such as health issues and timely death notifications as well as periodic E-BLASTS for special notices.
• These media outlets also provide an outlet for member comments.
• Publish a membership directory for members to communicate with each other.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE:

• Executive Director attends Legislative sessions in Austin to monitor all proposed legislation which might in any manner affect HPD Retirees.
• Executive Director attends political functions throughout the year.
• PAC oversees contributions to the PAC Fund.
• Interviews political candidates who seek HPROA's endorsement and/or PAC funds.
• Provides financial assistance to those candidates who endorse political and law enforcement goals of the HPROA.

OPTIONAL LEGAL SERVICE:

• Makes available "Right to Carry" legal defense insurance through TMPA.

For information on joining the HPROA, please see the membership application on the HPROA website, www.hpdretired.com or contact the HPROA at P.O. Box 2288, Houston, Texas 77252-2288.  Phone number is 713-802-2967 or toll free, 1-866-856-7252.  Office Secretary is Cathy Buckles.