[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING CHIEF ALAN BRAGG: 45 YEARS IN EDUCATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2017

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
friend, Chief Alan Bragg, who is retiring after serving a distinguished 
45 years in educational law enforcement. He is a lifetime member of 
what I referred to as the Poe-leece. It is an informal organization 
made up of long-time friends in Texas' law enforcement community. It is 
an honor to pay tribute to Chief Bragg as he retires on June 30, 2017 
as Chief of Police at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Police Department.
  Alan Bragg was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and was 
destined to become a Texas Lawman. He attended Midwestern State 
University and worked for the university's police department at the 
beginning of his career. In 1981, Chief Bragg moved to Houston to take 
a position with the Houston Independent School District Police 
Department.
  He gained nine years' experience with Houston ISD, all the while his 
pursuit to build safer schools grew. This passion led him to accept a 
job, in 1990, as Spring Independent School District's first ever Chief 
of Police. He was tasked to create a new police department from 
scratch. He started his force with 8 officers and it has grown to over 
50 sworn officers. He was responsible for nearly 37,000 students, 5,000 
employees and 38 campuses. His 21 year leadership and legacy at Spring 
ISD will not be forgotten.
  Chief Bragg obtained additional police training along the way. He is 
a graduate of the FBI's National Academy 201 class and holds a Master 
Peace Officer Certificate. Throughout the years, he has assisted and 
been recognized by numerous boards and organizations. He is a member 
and past president of the Houston Area Police Chiefs Association, North 
Harris County Criminal Justice Association, and he also served on the 
board of the Texas Association of School District Police.
  For over 20 years, he has coordinated the annual ``Salute to Law 
Enforcement'' event, an event that was always held close to National 
Police Week. It allowed folks to meet local law enforcement officers 
from different agencies, see the resources used to protect them, and 
provide an overall positive experience between our law enforcement 
officers and citizens.
  Chief Bragg is a dedicated family man, having been married to his 
wife Judy for 26 years. He met Judy after the 1979 Terrible Tuesday 
Tornado that hit Wichita Falls. They were both temporarily homeless, 
and met at church. They are the proud parents of two children, seven 
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His retirement will 
provide time for them to serve in their church, travel on mission 
trips, and spend time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
  During those years with Spring, Chief Bragg distinguished himself as 
an educational law enforcement leader. He possesses a wealth of 
knowledge, and the entire law enforcement community views him with 
esteem and respect. His department served as a model for other school 
district police departments to follow.
  Not surprisingly, Chief Bragg's impressive leadership and integrity 
led him to his last career move. In 2012, he accepted the new start up 
position as Chief of Police for Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School 
District. Again, he created another exemplary police force from 
scratch. For 45 years, he has put on the badge and a gun to protect and 
serve the folks and communities he loves.
  Chief Bragg has been one of the most prominent and important lawman 
in the 2nd Congressional District, a true Texas hero. He is a 
remarkable Texan who has achieved extraordinary things in his law 
enforcement career and for his community. I extend to him my 
congratulations on his retirement, and commend him for a job well done. 
I wish him the best of luck in the future as he enters into this new 
phase of life.
  And that's just the way it is.

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