Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Dear Editor,
I count myself among one of your seven faithful readers and have read "Special to El Rrun-Rrun" contributions to his blog taking Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio to task for shortcomings in the department he's headed for almost two decades.
For the most part, some of these criticisms of the administration of the department seem valid. The non-compliance of the jail, the lax personnel screening procedures, and the acts of the bad apples in the department have cast a bad light on the department, as they would in any department.
But as a former law enforcement officer who worked in the local, state and federal level in South Texas, I cannot see how former Cameron County District Clerk – who can only list a peace officer certificate as the only qualification to hold the office – should hold the position.
Garza may be a good man, a good manager and knowledgeable with new technology, but the fact of the matter is, he lacks in law enforcement experience and temperament which is so necessary to run a department of some 500 employees.
Be that as it may, and as my drill instructor in the military used to say, when you undergo an inspection, try to stand next to another soldier whose boots are less shiny than yours.
The other"boots" we can compare with are right next door, in Hidalgo County.
On any measure – murders, major crimes, federal indictments of law enforcement officers – Hidalgo County is higher in the corruption index than Cameron County, and has been there since Lucio has been in office. To be sure, there are always bad apples in any barrel, but when they are discovered they are tossed out as undesirable. I'm sure Mr. Garza had his share in the district clerk's office.
Still, to the citizens of Cameron County, and even though we're next door the Matamoros – the birthplace and headquarters of the Gulf Cartel – we have enjoyed relative security and tranquility under Lucio than Hidalgo County has under their sheriffs during the same time.
The federal government has indicted sheriffs in Starr, Hidalgo and Webb (Laredo) counties, but conspicuous for its absence, has been Omar Lucio's Cameron County. He is simply well respected across the state for his integrity. And he's one of the few to hold a jurisprudence degree in law.
But it is somewhat incongruous to the estimated 4,000 to 5,000 law enforcement officers at all levels who live in this county that we should have a sheriff whose qualifications and experience wouldn't get him a job as police chief in La Feria, Santa Rosa, the Port of Brownsville, etc., never mind the larger cities.
Most require at least three years law-enforcement experience, and the larger ones, a master's degree in law enforcement and years as an officer with supervisory experience. What would it be like to have officers with decades of law enforcement experience – or cities with chiefs with much more experience – working with someone with only a peace officer certificate?
Just because you take an acting class doesn't mean that you can get a role as a movie star.
The jails have always been a problems for all sheriffs in the State of Texas. It's the nature of the beast when you have custody of convicted criminals. I dare anyone to name a county where the jails have not been in non-compliance with some of the myriad of rules of the state. Things are pointed out, fixed, and we go forward.
I do not agree with some of the sheriff's supporters making unfounded allegations against Mr. Garza over unproven charges linking him to organized crime. That is irresponsible and below the belt and I wish they would cut it out because it causes a diversion from the choices before us. As far as I can tell he's a sincere young man who aspires to higher office. That's his prerogative and, frankly, admirable.
But this is my opinion as a retired lawman that Lucio has kept our communities and our families safe from the dangers which bedevil our neighbors. There is always room for improvements, and Mr. Garza has pointed out some that need to be considered. But to trade horses in the middle of this dangerous stream at this hazardous pass seems to me ill conceived.
I hope you find it appropriate to post this letter as it is my sincere and honest opinion of the choices facing us. Both are good men, but that's the way I see it from here. Thank you.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
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rita
37 comments:
Very well stated!
Well said, but I would have to disagree with you! Just because Sheriff Lucio has experience for many years, doesn't mean he is the only one qualified to run the sheriff department. And besides we all know that sheriff Lucio is not running the sheriff department anymore, the Reyna brothers are! Sheriff Lucio has a very respectable career in law enforcement and in serving the citizens of Cameron County, but as many can see by his interviews and in person Sheriff Lucio is not the same person anymore and his age is affecting the way the sheriff department is being run. Me as a citizen and as a voter in Cameron County, it's obvious that a change has to be made. I have no faith in the Reyna brothers or what they stand for. Everyone knows Javier Reyna is a drunk, got into an accident in a county vehicle while he was intoxicated and nothing was done to him but a slap on the hand. Several county policies were violated but everyone turned their heads the other way. But if the shoe was on the other foot and a deputy or jailer would be the one at fault you know dam well Lucio would hold a press conference and make it a point to embarrass these individuals to the fullest. I understand completely that Mr. Garza does not have years of experience compared to sheriff Lucio, but he brings energy, new ideas and is proven to be a great administrator in getting raises without affecting tax payers. Take for instance Precinct 5 Constable Eddie Solis who's only law experience was being a reserve police officer. The same reason was given that because of his inexperience , he would not be able to take down the Cesar Diaz who had years of law enforcement experience and held the office of constable for many years. Mr. Solis ran a great campaign and managed to win the election. Everyone thought the Pct. 5 Constables office would go down in flames but I'm proud to say it did not. Mr. Solis just won his second term and is doing a hell of a job in his respective position. So with that said, I have complete faith that Mr. Garza would make a great sheriff in Cameron County, me and my family's support goes to Eric Garza.
It has been rumored that Omar has sought the help of the Scumbag Rene Oliveira in his run off for Sheriff.
The Scumbag Rene Oliveira said that he he knows enough tricks to make Omar win by a landslide.
You said it best former LEO.
Didn't Omar Lucio lose a prisoner on his way to the doctor and that same prisoner then beat-up a guard before fleeing and later killing an innocent resident? Yes.
No, they are not both good men. Omar Lucio has allowed or been forced (we don't know which), to have the department ruled by two unelected brothers who have no regard for the law or for the people they are supposed to be managing. The sheriff's department is a shit show, with a body count to prove it, and it has been for years. And really, to hell with their cartel chums from Mexico.
Eric Garza is well qualified to bring the departemnt in to the modern world and to run it fairly and by the law. Those of us who live here know this and are ready for this much needed change. Bring on the new sheriff!
If The two candidates were to take the peace officer teast today, guess which one would pass with flying colors? Eric Garza, that's who. Lucio can hardly speak in complete sentences. Give the current sheriff and his lackeys the boot. Elect Eric Garza for Cameron County Sheriff!
This guy needs to stfu. We are sick and tired of eating shit for breakfast, lunch and dinner here when it comes to this sheriff and his corrupt department. We'll take the young, smart, clean guy in a heart beat. Go Eric Garza! This guy's letter sounds like sour grapes because he couldn't move up the career ladder.
We're "trading" your horse (Omar Lucio) because he is 86 years old! get that through your thick head. The only "public servant" older than Omar is Sams Stadium!
https://youtu.be/v_kak7kAdNw
Seriously Juan, I mean come on, do you think that Joe Public is going to buy this shit?
I'm a fan of yours, but you have stepped to new lows.
How much did you get for this one?
You're gonna look stupid when Eric wins. At least your credibility will take a hit. You'll go on because like this virus, people are scared of the unknown and you seem to master it.
Do me a favor, stick to historical accounts, take less money to finance your drinking problem and do something that will comfort you in your last years, try telling the absolute truth. I know, I'm wasting my breath.
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I , in my humble opinion also agree with the writer of this article, As a recently retired federal law enforcement officer I firmly believe that Sheriff Lucio has done a great job keeping the peace in Cameron County. I am sure Mr Garza was an excellent administrator at the District Clerk's office, I really wished he would have stayed there and continued his great work, he probably would have won reelection against anyone. But he chose to run against someone as established as Sheriff Lucio which didn't seem quite right to me, BUT were in America and he can run for any position he so chooses. We are down to choices now ,sheriff Lucio established in old school law enforcement or Mr. Garza the up and coming new kid in town with new ideas. The point is we have 2 choices here. Now we need to get out and VOTE!! Hopefully we choose the right one.
With Coronavirus reportedly on its way here, Mayor Mendez should shut down the zoo and the Hiway 77 flea market beginning this weekend. Downtown bars after that, and then taquerias with capacity of 50 or more people. It's prudent.
Juanito,
What a coincidence that John Oliver had a piece this past Sunday on his HBO show about Sheriffs and how they are elected. Please advise your readers to check it out. Was very informative.
It is been rumored that Omar has sought help of the x police chief of san bene in his run off campaign. Makes sense Omar needs the x chief’s supporters to win. We will see.
The rank and file will never respect someone who has not paid their dues like knocking at a door at 1:00 AM Sunday morning in response to a domestic disturbance;patrolling alone in a tough neighbor hood on Friday night; pulling a dead body from an auto accident; walking into a bar to stop a fight; responding to a welfare check on a hot July afternoon and finding an old man who blew his brains out 3 day before then puking your guts out for the next hour; chasing a suspect down a dark alley; walking up to a car full of teenagers and getting a gun pulled on you. A cop's mentality simply will not allow him to respect a pencil pusher who hasn't a clue what it's like to be a cop. It's a cold, isolated thankless job that Eric has never experienced and his men will forever resent him for it if elected.
@1228 Eddie Solis with inexperience went over budget his first year in office and cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars !
I as a former boy scout whole heartedly agree the sheriff must be experience in all phases of law not just paper experience nor be a puppet for somebody else. How can a janitor or maintenance worker be the city manager or a pizza vendor be a mayor oops we have a pizza vendor for mayor...
So the main defense you provide in your letter is that Cameron county is at least not as bad as Hidalgo county. Nevermind the fact that Hidalgo has twice the population as Cameron county. This is a shitty defense for a department that has continually failed and is not even run by the sheriff but by two corrupt brothers. I worked there for about five years and I can tell you that the department is run on nothing but politics. There was a wanted person who was released and driven back to his house because he was the nephew of a police chief. Most promotions are given on how much ass you kiss. For example, Robert Mata was promoted to Sargent over deputies that had been there twice as long as he had just because he campaigned for Javier Reyna when he was running for JP. There are many other examples like this. On top of that, Mr. Lucio is a good man but he definitely needs to retire already. There are many instances on which he had to call dispatch because he was lost. If you really think someone like that should be running the Sheriff's office then incant help you.
LIKE TO REMINE PEOPLE THAT THE SHERIFF SPOT IS AN ELECTED POSITION AND THIS COUNTY HAS HAD SHERIFFS THAT HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO THE POSITION WITHOUT ANY EXPERIENCE WAHT SO EVER... FOR EXAMPLE, ONE SHERIFF WAS A CAR SALEMAN BEFORE HE BECAME A SHERIFF OF THIS COUNTY. MOST OF THESE SHERIFFS BACK THEN COULD HOLD OFFICE PENDING THAT THEY EITHER ATEND OR GO THROUG AN ACADEMY AND THEN CALLENGE THE STATE EXAM.... SO THERE'S NOTHING WRONG FOR GARZA TO HOLD OFFICE WITH VERY LITTLE EXPERIENCE...IN THIS CASE HE ALREADY HAS HIS LICENSE AND BE COMMISSIONED VERY QUICKLY. HE IS JUST AN ADMINSTARTOR AND SPENDS MOST OF THE TIME IN HIS OFFICE...HE JUST NEEDS TO BRING IN SOME GOOD RIGHT HAND MEN WITH ALOT OF EXPERIENCE HE'LL BE OKAY AS SHERIFF. LUCIO IS JUST TO OLD NOW AND NEEDS TO ENJOY THE REST OF TIME HE HAS LEFT...ALSO THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT NEEDS A CHANGE AT THE TOP WHERE THESE TWO BROTHERS HAVE MILKED OFF THE COUNTY FOR A LONG TIME. IT'S JUST TIME FOR A CHANGE...THAT'S IT.
Remember that Brownsville library director GED hedgecock has been in office for more than 20 years and look at the failure he has created thanks to valley compadrismo.
im voting for eri garza period, too much bad at the sheriff, no one to blame but the reyna brothers whio run run the show and are at fault omar know and should open his eyes. If he wants to keep them pos nimodo. goodbye omr and by thw way im voting for Sara too, eddie lucio jr the multi-millionaire needs to go too.
We need a female sheriff and an all hookers posse armed and dangerous.
The Scumbag Rene Oliveira said that he will support the She sheriff and will muff dive all the female supporters if the Sheriff gives him a pass to drink and drive and Snort.
I was young once ..
Now I am old.
I can't do at these old age
What I could do at a younger Age.
Vote..Eric Garza..he is young and will I g
To do the Sheriff Work.
i would probably vote for the sheriff but the Reyna brothers (Gus) is the negative factor.
Vote for Eric!
At age 80, nobody is sharp enough anymore to adequately discharge the duties of sheriff. I am 77 and know whereof I speak. Lucio need to know when to fold em and not cling to an important office, when he is passed his "best by date".
Bull shit experiance counts PERIOD. You idotas are putting your life and your family's live in danger not to mention the whole cameron county. PENDEJOS...
Juan guess the voters decided at the March primary elections so omar didnt win by a landslide and neither did eddie Jr. Now in the May runoff voters will decide once more who stays and who goes, if they want change or not. Will omar and his sour pus gang saty or leave and will eddie jr stay put or will Eric and Sara win and the Lucios put out to pasture, we shall see.
The "rank and file" in the sheriff's department will rejoice with a new sheriff in charge. They can finally be evaluated on their qualifications and or seniority instead of who has their nose farther up a Reyna brother's ass.
As a former LEO in the largest city in Cameron County and now an active federal LEO, I can say Sheriff Lucio is just too old. It’s time to move on. We have heard him on the radio requesting assistance because he was lost. Mind you assistance to just get home. All LEO agencies in Cameron County do not trust the Reyna’s. They have done things deputies would rightly get terminated for doing. Yet the Sheriff has given them passes. Not all the deputies are bad apples...but you have those few such as Valerio, Guerra, Almanza, etc...who need to go but the Sheriff keeps them. The jail staff if horrendous. But you get what you pay for as some say. Yes Mr. Garza is young and inexperienced...Unfortunately he is better than the current Sheriff, Reyna’s, and some few bad apples that just make them untrustworthy by local, state and federal agencies.
the real question is can the sheriff still pop a boner?
hurry!
All that matters is who can turn out the vote in the run-off. My money is with Eric. He came by my door to demonstrate to me that he is working hard on this campaign. He did not have an assistant or entourage helping him. He was alone working my neighborhood. Told him I would help in however I can and gave him my info.
Hell of a choice we face, an 86 year old dodard or a newbie with no experience. At least the newbie knows he need to learn and the dodard just runs in the same ol ruts when he can find them.
I used to sell girl scout cookies this qualifies me to run for sheriff if a paper pusher can run so can I.
To the author of this report. You must be as corrupted Officer you wear your uniform with pride. you are so ignorant. I worked for Lucio for many years and he would allow the Reyna Crooks to steal from the county for years. he promised his staff better equipment, money and training did he do this no. he does more political favors for his voters. Lets talk about the cases like john allen rubio he allowed rubio to have anything he wanted Rubio had a direct line to call him. this is a baby killer. lets also talk of the free medical he received from the infirmary.
AND FOR YOUR INFORMATION. WHY WASN'T THE INCIDENT OF THE INMATE LEFT IN THE VAN FOR 45 MINUTES WHERE HE HAD TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE HOSPITAL. NO CHARGES WERE FILED ON THE OFFICERS WHY EXPLAIN THIS.
He does not control the sheriffs department. he has no idea what is going on in there. The Reyna Crooks are running the show. they bully everyone who do not go their way. He is 86 years old and he is worthless. Just like you.
Ill tell you ill vote for him just get rid of the reynas.
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