Troy M. Hogue Law Enforcement Center Dedication Ceremony

On February 22, 2012, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Big Spring Police Department participated in the ground breaking for the new Troy M. Hogue Law Enforcement Center 3611 West Hwy. 80.The ceremonial ground breaking was presided over by County Judge Mark Barr and joined by County Commissioner Donny Baker and John Cline; also involved were Mayor Tommy Duncan, Councilwoman Gloria McDonald, Councilmen Terry Hansen, Marcus Fernandez, Craig Olsen, and Glen Carrigan.Guests of honor were Troy Hogue’s mother and father, Bobby and Delia Hogue; sisters Tanis Rinard and husband Paul and Trish Cauble and husband Richard.Other dignitaries present were Gary Fuqua- City Manager, Peggy Walker- Finance Director, Jackie Olsen- County Auditor, Linda Sjogren- City Attorney, David Justice- Executive Warden Geo Corp., and numerous members of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Big Spring Police Department and other City employees.

The history leading up to this groundbreaking goes back to the night of December 30, 1994 when Trooper Troy M. Hogue was killed in the line of Duty.Trooper Hogue had been with the Texas Department of Public Safety several years and had been a member of the Big Spring Police department for over 14 years.The Big Spring City Council rededicated the Big Spring Police Building in honor of Trooper Hogue on January 24, 1995.In 2010, Sheriff Stan Parker and Chief Lonnie Smith started talking about consolidating both agencies into one working building.This was necessitated by the need for more working room by the Sheriff’s Office and the Police Department.Next, Judge Mark Barr and Mayor Tommy Duncan and City Manager Gary Fuqua were involved in further deliberations.Then the concept was presented to the first joint City Council – Howard County Commissioner meeting in 2011.The idea was favorably accepted by this joint body of government and went to the architect for further plans.In the fall of 2011, the County Court approved going out for bids on a joint facility.The building was agreed to carry Trooper Hogue’s name and actually become a true Law Enforcement Center.

Upon completion of the Troy M. Hogue Law Enforcement Center, it will house both the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Big Spring Police Department.Through combined efforts, there will be shared offices for Patrol, Evidence and Records.There will be individual work areas for investigators of both agencies and administration.This new facility will serve local Law Enforcement needs and save local tax money through the combining of services such as records and evidence.There has already been a combining of Animal Control, Jail and Dispatch services.