AAPOA NEWS 

Historic Leadership for METRO Police

Congratulations to Chief Ban Tien on his appointment as the new Chief of the METRO Police Department (MPD), marking a historic milestone as the first Asian Chief in its history.

Chief Tien brings an impressive resume to the role, including 25 years of service with the Houston Police Department (HPD), where he most recently served as Executive Assistant Chief. Additionally, his 32 years of service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve demonstrate his deep commitment to public service.

Under his leadership, MPD will continue working to enhance safety across the transit system, with plans to increase police presence, upgrade technology, and strengthen collaboration with other agencies.

We are excited to see Chief Tien lead MPD into a new era of public safety. Congratulations again, Chief! 👏

#METROPolice #Leadership #BanTien #PublicSafety #Community

AAPOA IS OFFICIALLY A Texas Chapter of the National Asian Peace Officers’ Association (NAPOA)! 

We are thrilled to announce that as of August 1, 2024,  AAPOA is now officially a Texas chapter of NAPOA. This milestone allows us to strengthen our network, enhance our resources, and better serve our community. We look forward to the opportunities this affiliation brings and to continuing our mission with even greater impact.

RECAP: 16th Annual Greater Houston Area Asian Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Gala! 🎉 

We had an incredible time celebrating and recognizing the outstanding contributions of Asian law enforcement officers in our community at the 16th Annual Greater Houston Area Asian Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Gala. The night was filled with inspiring speeches, awards, and a shared commitment to fostering diversity and unity within our force.

Congratulations to our scholarship winners:

1️⃣ First Place: Gabriella Nguyen – $3,000 (University of Louisiana Lafayette)

2️⃣ Second Place: Sydney Nguyen – $2,000 (University of Texas Austin)

3️⃣ Third Place: Quoc-An Ngo – $1,000 (University of Houston) 

AAPOA SCHOLARSHIP

DEADLINE: MAY 27, 2024 at 11:59 PM 

The Asian American Peace Officers’ Association (AAPOA)  is currently accepting scholarship applications.  This opportunity is available to AAPOA members, Houston Police Department employees and Harris County Sheriff’s Office employees along with members of the Houston area law enforcement community. 

AAPOA anticipates awarding three scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the following amounts:

•$3,000.00 (1st Place)
•$2,000.00 (2nd Place)
•$1,000.00 (3rd Place)

Deadline for packet submission is: Monday, May 27, 2024, at 11:59 pm.

Download Application

Download Application Checklist

For a detailed list of instructions and scholarship packet, please visit https://aapoablue.com or contact david.tong@aapoablue.org.

ASIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS APPRECIATION GALA 

Join us for the 16th Annual Greater Houston Area Asian Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Gala on May 31, 2024, at the Lambo Ballroom. Celebrate the dedication of our Asian law enforcement officers from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Become a sponsor at Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,000), Silver ($1,200), or Bronze ($600) levels. Don’t miss this chance to honor our heroes and their invaluable contributions to the community.

For inquiries about sponsorships or table reservations, please email:
• Mike Nguyen: mike.nguyen@aapoablue.org or
• David Tong: david.tong@aapoablue.org

SUCCESSFUL RECRUITMENT DAY!

We’re excited to share that the AAPOA recruited numerous cadets from Class #263 on May 20, 2024,  at the Houston Police Academy, 17000 Aldine Westfield. It was a great day for our association as we continue to grow and strengthen our community. We’re thrilled to welcome these new members to our association.

SUPPORTING ALIEF ISD STUDENTS: “SHOP WITH THE SHERIFF” EVENT

Join us for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office “Shop with the Sheriff” event at the Westpark Walmart, 356 Hwy 6 S., Houston, TX 77082, on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
This wonderful event, aimed at supporting Alief ISD students, is a collaboration between the Harris County Sheriff’s Office/Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the Alief Independent School District, and the Asian American Peace Officers’ Association.
We look forward to making a positive impact on our community and helping students in need.
See you there!

CELEBRATING WALMART #2727 Grand Opening Event

On May 17, 2024, Walmart #2727 opened its doors with a special Grand re-opening event, and we were honored to be a part of the festivities!
During the event, Walmart demonstrated its commitment to the community by generously donating $2,000 to the AAPOA. Attendees were also treated to an engaging experience, including a SWAT Truck and Helicopter display, as well as the majestic presence of Clydesdale Horses.
A heartfelt thank you to Walmart #2727 for their generous support, and to everyone who contributed to the success of today’s event! Let’s continue to work together to make our community stronger.

MAKING STRIDES: AAPOA’s Recruitment Drive at HCSO Event

The AAPOA had a successful turnout at the recent Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vendor Day. Executive board members and attorneys were present at the HCSO Academy, offering union and legal representation opportunities to cadets and officers. Our engagement with numerous HCSO personnel contributed to a successful recruitment day for our association.

SENIOR CITIZENS CRIME PREVENTION AT ST JUSTIN MARTYR CATHOLIC CHURCH

The AAPOA recently collaborated with St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church to host a senior citizens’ crime prevention event. The informative session aimed to educate seniors on practical strategies to stay safe and vigilant in their communities. 

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT HCSO

On February 7, 2024, the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office featured a mesmerizing performance by Lee’s Golden Dragon Dance Team, a first-ever event for HCSO. AAPOA attended and catered a full lunch for the command team at 1200 Baker St. This celebration marked a significant cultural event, highlighting the spirit of Lunar New Year and fostering community ties within the HCSO.

FUNERAL FOR HCSO DEPUTY RONALD BATES

In sincere honor of Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ronald Bates, the AAPOA expresses our heartfelt condolences and stands in solemn remembrance. We attended his funeral, offering genuine support to Deputy Bates, who tragically lost his life in a recent crash. The visitation was held on 2/17/24 at 10 a.m. at Fallbrook Church, located at 12512 Walters Road, followed by his funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

AAPOA & HPD LION DANCE TRIBUTE FOR FORMER HPD OFFICER

On February 16th, Dang Nguyen, President of the AAPOA, along with the HPD Lion Dance Team, orchestrated an extraordinary performance in tribute to a former HPD officer and his loved ones.

REPUBLIC HARLEY DAVIDSON GUMBO COOK-OFF: SECOND PLACE TRIUMPH & FUTURE GOALS 

Gumbo cook-off @republicharleydavidson we came in 2nd place in seafood gumbo 🥈 next year will be 1st. Thanks #thinblueline for making it happens

BBQ FUNDRAISER  

AAPOA BBQ Fundraiser: Unite for Cancer Support on Dec 1, 2023! Join us in a compassionate gathering to raise funds for individuals battling cancer. Your contribution counts—purchase BBQ plates, participate in raffles, and make a positive impact. Save the date for this meaningful event!

HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE THANKSGIVING TURKEY DRIVE

Sheriff’s Thanksgiving Drive Recap: Nov 21, 2023! Teamed up with Walmart, we brought Thanksgiving joy to 300 families in Harris County. Thanks to all who contributed. Stay tuned for future initiatives! 🦃🍂

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE – THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY

On Nov 21, 2023, with Walmart’s support, we provided Thanksgiving dinners to 100 families in need. Thanks to all contributors for spreading gratitude. Stay tuned for more ways to make a positive impact! 🦃🌽

NORTHWEST DIVISION THANKSGIVING TURKEY DRIVE

Thanksgiving Turkey Drive Recap: Heartwarming Success in the Spring Branch District! 🦃🍁 On November 20, 2023, with the generous sponsorship of Walmart, we provided Thanksgiving dinners to 300 families in need. Thanks to all who contributed to making this event a memorable one.

SEAFOOD BOIL

Seafood Boil Extravaganza Recap: Feast for a Cause! 🦐🎉 Teamed up with amazing partners on Nov 5, raising funds for future community events. Thanks to all who joined—more fun and flavors ahead!

TRUNK OR TREAT

Spooky Success: Northwest Division’s Trunk or Treat with Sam’s Club! 🎃🚓 A festive night of community unity, games, and fun. Thanks, Sam’s Club! More events coming soon!

COFFEE WITH COPS

Brewing Community Unity! ☕️🚓 Recap our successful event, fostering trust and dialogue between law enforcement and the community. Thanks to all who joined! Stay tuned for more positive connections.

NAPOA EVENT

NAPOA Event: Uniting for Strong AAPOA Associations. Attendees shared experiences and best practices, emphasizing collaboration in building effective associations. The event underscored the collective effort needed for success, offering a concise guide to solidify relationships and construct resilient AAPOA associations.