2017 in Review
Highlights of 2017 in pictures.
Highlights of 2017 in pictures.
Thin Blue Line LE MC is now International.
We welcome Australia to the Thin Blue Line Nation!
We also want to welcome our first Illinois Chapter – in Chicago – remember, there is no noise in Illinois!
With heavy hearts, and candles in hand, over 100 people gathered at Evelyn’s park in Bellaire to remember a fallen officer.
“Marco was a heartbeat in our department and to see the outpouring of people showing up was amazing. It meant a lot to all of us,” Sgt. Anthony Hefferin with the Bellaire Police Department said.
Several officers from local law enforcement, along with family and friends came together for a vigil in memory of Officer Marco Antonio Zarate who was killed in the line of duty.
This time last year, Zarate had pulled over two shoplifting suspects in Meyerland Plaza, but they took off and led him on a chase.
Zarate died after crashing into a parked trailer.
“When an officer dies in the line of duty protecting the people that they serve, it’s a very solemn event,” Rico Garcia, the national president of Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, said.
“This is been a year of firsts for the family. First Christmas and birthday without their father, so this has been a year of healing and understanding,” Chief Byron Holloway, with the Bellaire Police Department, said.https://2d57ac08973789c01fe732b54a5b1761.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
The 52-year-old former Marine and seven-year veteran of the force, left behind a wife and three daughters.
Although Zarate is gone, he’s certainly not forgotten.
Wednesday night, a community reflected on the great memories.
“We’re a family so when something like this happens we just band together and try to heal together,” Hefferin said.
“We join to make a difference. And that’s what he died for. He wanted to make a difference, and he’ll always make a difference with us because well never forget him,” Garcia said.
Video: https://www.click2houston.com/news/2017/07/13/vigil-held-for-bellaire-officer-killed-one-year-ago/
On April 23, 2017, Thin Blue Line LE MC presented both Officer Ronny Cortez and Officer Jose Munoz a check for $43,798.72 to assist them and their families with their needs after being shot in the line of duty.
Each officer also branded a wooden board with “TBL” and signed by all members present. Thin Blue Line LE MC is thankful for everyone in the community who helped to make this happen.
On Saturday, April 8, 2017, the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club hosted a fundraiser for Officer Ronny Cortez and Officer Jose Munoz, who were shot in the line of duty during a call for a robbery in Houston.
Officer Munoz is recovering at home while Officer Cortez remains in the hospital and is paralyzed from the waist down. Both officers have a long road to recovery so we wanted to help relieve some financial burdens on them and their families.
We sold BBQ plates, hats, and t-shirts. We also had a silent and live auction during the event. Live entertainment was provided by The Mason Creek Band, Shovelhead Runway, American Swindle and Black Heart Saints.
The fundraiser was a huge success and we will be presenting checks to both of the families for their use.
To donate to the Gofundme set up for the officers and their families, click the link below.
https://www.gofundme.com/benefit-hpd-officers-cortez-munoz
A huge thank you to the entire community for making this such a great success!
Thin Blue Line Nation collected donations from various TBL Chapters, along with personal donations from many members. Saturday, February 11, 2017, we had the privilege of presenting a check to the family, as well as meet Nick Tullier. He has come a long way, and has a long road to travel.
He and his family are in our prayers.
Semper Cop!
On February 1, 2017, Thin Blue Line LE MC had the honor to join in the escort of the Wounded Warrior Amputee football team to the Super Bowl game against the NFL Alumni at Delmar Stadium in Houston TX.
Members were able to meet and greet the players, thank them for their service and welcome them HOME!