| Lifetime Achievement Award |
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| Written by Barbara A. Schwartz |
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For Seabrook, Texas Police Chief Nona Holomon the Lifetime Achievement Award wasn't the first she received from the 100 Club of Houston. In 1982, she was honored as "Officer of the Year for Valor" when her quick thinking and cool composure led to four arrests and the recovery of over 50 weapons. Holomon, who became chief in 2002, has what most chiefs only dream about - the love and support of her troops. Robert Warner, the Seabrook Police Officers Association president, nominated Holomon for the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education's (TCLEOSE) Professional Achievement Award which she received in June. Warner wrote in his nomination letter that Holomon demonstrates "a consistent pattern of natural leadership ability complemented by her ability to work with anyone under any circumstance to forge positive change while maintaining the highest ethical standards. "While Chief Holomon's rank carries authority," Warner added, "It is the person, not the office, that earns the respect of those under her command and those who surround her. Her accomplishments and respect are even more remarkable when you take into consideration the times in which they were earned." Throughout her 30-year career, Holomon incorporated innovative methods into her policing. In the 1980's, Vietnamese families migrated to Seabrook. She set up courses for the officers to learn Vietnamese language and culture. She developed English lessons for the immigrants. When youth gang activities surfaced in Seabrook, Holomon took a proactive approach. She met with local cultural leaders who supplied intelligence on the suspects. She invited the alleged gang members and their families to the station for an individual rap session. Her resourcefulness proved effective when the gang problem seized to materialize. Holomon instituted a bike patrol, K9 unit, and a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement section. She acquired an AFIS system, implemented mobile computers in patrol cars, and updated dispatch to computer-aided dispatch/records management systems. Holomon managed to find time to raise three daughters and earn a private pilot's license. She has served on the Texas Municipal Police Association board and has taught in area academies. Rick Hartley, the 100 Club director, said, "Nona has the respect of not only her department, but the respect of everyone in the law enforcement community." The 100 Club provides assistance to dependents of officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, lifesaving equipment funding, and educational scholarships to officers. "Her background and experiences seemingly cast the mold by which she would later run our department--like a family," Warner added. Chief Holomon's legacy is best captured by the officers in her department: "Chief Holomon gained our respect, trust, and her awards the hard way- she earned them." Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          Comments (0)
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