Texas Municipal Police Association Endorses Gov. Rick Perry

AUSTIN – The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) today endorsed Gov. Rick Perry as their candidate of choice in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary race.

“Governor Perry has proven his desire to see that Texas law enforcement has the tools we need to protect the citizens and guests of this great state,” said Tom Gaylor, Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Municipal Police Association. "The public safety resources he has helped provide have been invaluable in our members’ efforts to secure our communities."

“From law enforcement’s perspective, re-electing Governor Perry is the only choice,” said Sgt. Eddie Wilkerson, President of TMPA.

Gov. Perry has made law enforcement and public safety issues a top priority throughout his administration, particularly issues concerning border security. In the recent legislative session, he helped secure more than $100 million to continue the state’s border security operations, including funding to combat transnational gangs in communities across the state. He also signed HB 2086, an omnibus gang bill that provides state and local law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to combat this gang threat.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of TMPA,” said Gov. Perry. “The dedication and selflessness of our law enforcement officers is one that must be recognized, and I am always proud to champion the concerns of those who protect our citizens. The work of the folks at TMPA is essential to maintaining the strength and security of our state and an effort I will always support.”

TMPA represents over 15,000 Texas peace officers from all around the state and from all types of agencies. TMPA, formed in 1950, acts as the voice for Texas law enforcement in the State Legislature and actively seeks to promote the mission of “Professionalism in Texas law enforcement through education and representation.”