The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas is calling on Jefferson County to immediately correct what they call an injustice perpetrated against a legendary Texas peace officer who was killed in the line of duty —  M.J. “Popeye” Holmes.
CLEAT will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Monday, July 13 outside the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1149 Pearl St., Beaumont, according to a press release from the organization.
“Chief Deputy Constable Martin J. “Popeye” Holmes died from injuries he suffered in the line of duty as a law enforcement career that spanned 57 years,” John Moritz of CLEAT said in a press release. “Now, almost two years after Deputy Holmes’ death, Jefferson County is denying his family the benefits they are owed.
Holmes, 81, died Sept. 19, 2013 at Mid-Jefferson Extended Care Hospital in Nederland. He was formerly the oldest active peace officer in the State of Texas.
During his career Holmes worked as a Port Arthur Police officer and a Groves Police officer, a deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, an agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and a Jefferson County Constable. In 2011 he was named the recipient of the East Texas Peace Officers Association’s Award of Excellence because of his tenure in law enforcement.
CLEAT is the state’s largest law enforcement organization representing 20,000 peace officers.