Texas Municipal Police Officers Association ripoff promises protection to good law abiding officers NOT. Bastrop County Sheriff's Dept and TMPA turned their back on a fair public servant Austin Texas

I am "was a pro-active police officer in Bastrop County Texas. I was employed as a Deputy for four years. As a police officer there are two organisations that vie for money on a monthly basis to employe active attorneys for police officers should the need arise in a matter involving your department ie. shooting, discipline, termination. To be a member of TMPA cost is 23.00 per month I was a member for 3 years.

This is my dealing with the Bastrop County Sheriff's Dept and TMPA.

On 01/29/2004 04:30am I was on patrol duty in the south part of Bastrop County exchanging information with another deputy when a resident drove up anr reported a strange motorcycle driving up and down his street with no head lights.

Knowing thefts and burglaies were up in this area the other deputy and myself began checking the area for suspicious activity. I located the motorcycle and found it was being operated by white male william lawrence dob 11-22-71.

While speaking with Mr Lawrence it was found that he was wanted through Texas Department of Criminal Justice for parole violations. Mr Lawrence sped off on the motorycle as I was recieving his wanted status.

During the pursuit Lawrence began throwing items from his pockets.

The Pursuit ending in an accident then began a foot puruit then physical fight.

After the fight I was taken to the hospital and found to have extensive shoulder damage.

I was on workmans comp until 12/09/04 where as I returned to work ans worked two shifts and was fired for no reason.

The letter stated not rehired under new administration?
No Reason !!!

I then Contacted TMPA who sent me to attorney Greg Cagel for wrongfull termination and a redress of grevance as per the county policies and proceedures.

TMPA did pay Cagel for a couple of letters and Cagel informed me the Bastrop county was advised by their attorney not to hear my grievance before the county commissioners.

Attorney G Cagel requested $5000.00 from TMPA to take the case and file the suit for retalliation for fileing a workers compensation claim protected under state and federal law.

TMPA refused to fund the case but suggested that I seek council else where.

So much for protection

Mr Lawrence escaped and was arrested ten days later at a meth house with weapons. The Bastrop county swat and Travis county swat teams were credited with the arrest.

I have under gone four surgeries since the fight.
I feel both TMPA and Bastrop County Sheriff's department turned their back on a fair public servant with no histories of verbal or written repremands

Dennis
Bastrop, Texas
U.S.A.