[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING SHERIFF TOMAS S. HERRERA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2012

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Sheriff Tomas S. Herrera, a distinguished individual 
who has served in law enforcement for 36 years in South Texas. He has 
dedicated his career to assisting the Texas community through his 
involvement in various coalitions, councils and distinguished positions 
centered on efforts to protect Texas and our southwest border.
  Sheriff Herrera was born in Eagle Pass, Texas and is a graduate of 
Eagle Pass High. Mr. Herrera began his law enforcement career in 1974 
and served as the Justice of the Peace until 1976. A year later he 
began his 16-year service as Chief Deputy under the late Sheriff Tom 
Bowles. Mr. Herrera was a key instrument in the planning and building 
process of the new jail facility named after the late Tom Bowles. In 
addition, Sheriff Herrera served as Municipal Court Judge from 1995 to 
1997. After holding dual positions as Constable and Deputy Constable, 
Mr. Tomas S. Herrera was sworn in as the Honorable Sheriff of Maverick 
County in 2005.
  Mr. Herrera is a highly regarded member of the South Texas community 
and has many notable career accomplishments. In an effort to assist the 
Federal Government in Homeland Security to protect our borders from 
terrorist activities or threats, he established the newly created Texas 
Border Sheriff's Coalition in Laredo, Texas in 2005. Under this newly 
created Coalition, he held the title of Secretary/Treasurer on the 
Executive Committee. Additionally, two years later Sheriff Herrera and 
other community individuals initiated the construction of a 688-bed 
detention facility.
  Mr. Herrera held key positions within the community and State of 
Texas, including an appointment by the Sheriff's Association of Texas 
President by Sheriff Tomas Kerss to the Texas Jail Commission 
Committee. Sheriff Herrera also served as Chairman of the Texas Border 
Sheriff Coalition in 2007 and was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to 
the Border Security Council. From 2008 to 2009 Mr. Herrera was 
appointed as the Board of Director for the Southwest Border Sheriff 
Coalition (SWTBSC). Today, Sheriff Herrera continues to contribute to 
the community by being a member of the Sheriff's Association of Texas. 
He was reappointed last year by the NSA President Sheriff Paul H. 
Fitzgerald to a 5th term to the Immigration/Border Security Committee. 
Mr. Herrera was also recently appointed by President of the Sheriffs', 
JW Jankowski to the Jail Advisory Committee. Mr. Herrera is married to 
Magdalena P. Herrera and together they have three children and seven 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to have this time to 
recognize Mr. Tomas S. Herrera's extraordinary commitment and service 
in South Texas. His tremendous efforts to protect and serve the 
community have made a significant impact in the State of Texas.

                          ____________________