Breck Porter, Texas Ranger, Police Lieutenant and more
Breck Porter (R) w/ fellow Ranger |
So what does an ex-Texas Ranger do after being put on trial for murder and fired? Breck Porter found another law enforcement job. River Oaks, now an exclusive neighborhood in Houston, was then an unincorporated town, with its own unpaid police department. He went to work there, driving his personal car on patrol.
Breck Porter (R) Homicide Investigation |
In 1937, however, Houston elected a new mayor. As was the custom, several officers were fired to make room for his cronies. Breck Porter was one of those fired. It may have been the seminal moment in beginning a legendary career for the young crime fighter.
As one of the founders of the Houston Police Officers Association, he fought for passage of civil service protection, which was achieved in the late 40’s. In honor of his efforts, in 1995 the Association dedicated its new building, located at 1602 State Street in Houston, and named it the Breckenridge Porter Building.
Breck, Jr. told me that his father first took him to work in 1945, at the old Houston police headquarters on Franklin Street. By the time he was 12, he was riding with patrol officers. When his dad went to Austin to lobby for civil service, he often took Junior, where he was introduced to governors, senators, and other Texas political leaders who remained friends for life.
Breck Jr. ended with this, “Thank you for remembering my Dad, my mentor, my friend”
What father wouldn’t be more touched by those words than any written about career accomplishments?
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