TENNESSEE COLONY —
Approximately 100 persons heard rousing gospel hymns and paid tribute to their fallen comrades during Thursday’s 13th Annual H.H. Coffield Fallen Officers’ Memorial Service at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Coffield Unit.
National Correctional Officers’ Week began Sunday and runs through Saturday.
The Missing Officer’s Table was situated at the front of the chapel, with the 10 included elements bearing different meanings. The round table represented the everlasting concern for our missing loved ones; the sword symbolized honor; and empty chair represented the absence of the fallen.
The “Roll Call of Fallen Officers” was presented by employees of the Coffield Unit, with officers reading the fallen officer’s name; unit; title; and “end of watch” or date of death. The names dated all the way back to 1882.
Coffield Senior Warden John Rupert told attendees, many of whom were correctional officers at the unit, that the day was “about you guys.
“It’s about those guys working out on the cellblocks, the pods, wings, whatever you want to call them,” said Rupert, reminding officers to regularly appreciate each other’s efforts.
“This is a dangerous job,” Rupert continued. “You saw the list of names. Bad things can happen in these penitentiaries. I appreciate every one of you for stepping up...I want to thank each one of you for the service you provide to the Coffield Unit, as well as the great state of Texas.”
Rupert also commented on the camaraderie at the unit, saying “this Coffield family is like no other.”
Thirteen members of the Coffield Praise Choir sang four hymns during the program, including “Just Want to Praise You,” Through It All,” “If You Didn’t Know,” and “Going Up Yonder.”
During the benediction, Bennie Coleman reminded attendees to “remember forever to watch each other’s back” and “the members of our family who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com
Local News
TDCJ service honors fallen comrades
- Local News
-
-
Cartmell Home annual resident fishing event and hamburger fundraiser set
Cartmell Home for Aged will be hosting its annual resident fishing event and hamburger fundraiser next week.
-
Anderson County authorities resolve 2012 murder case
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office investigators have resolved the case of a female murder victim whose remains were found on a local county road in October 2012.
-
West Nile case confirmed in Anderson County
The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the state’s first case of West Nile illness of the season — occurring in Anderson County — on Friday, and is urging residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the mosquito-borne illness.
-
County judge honored for education efforts
Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston has been honored by the Texas Judicial Academy for going the extra mile to be prepared to handle his duties as county judge.
-
Salute to Armed Forces event re-invented
The Texas State Railroad’s 15th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event Saturday at the Palestine Depot has been re-invented this year on Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to all branches and all eras of the U.S. military service through its 15th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event.
-
Police investigating robbery
Palestine Police are continuing to investigate the armed robbery of a local convenience store involving multiple suspects that occurred late Tuesday evening.
-
Boil water notice issued for Elkhart residents
A boil water notice has been issued for City of Elkhart residents. It reads as follows:
Due to a water main line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system, City of Elkhart PWS id 0010005, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. -
Reagan Park Spray ground to open Saturday
The City of Palestine Parks and Recreation Department will kick off the first full season for the Reagan Park Spray Ground with an public opening event this Saturday.
-
Annual Bluegrass Music Festival begins today at Salmon Lake
Bluegrass bands from across the country will descend upon the Grapeland area this week for the 16th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Bluegrass Music Festival, opening today and continuing through Sunday at Salmon Lake Park.
-
Healthy cooking program offered
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Palestine is offering a four-week program starting this Thursday to help diabetics make healthy cooking choices.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Cartmell Home annual resident fishing event and hamburger fundraiser set
Raw: Train Derails After Overpass Collapse
Raw: Rescues From San Antonio Flooding
Raw: French Soldier Stabbed in Throat Near Paris
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding
Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k
Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault
Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine
Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan
Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
