Police staffing plan recommends 56 new officers in 2019, but an early budget proposal includes funding for only 15 cops AUSTIN, Texas – The Greater Austin Crime Commission expressed alarm today that an early city budget proposal adds only 15 police officers, despite a five-year staffing plan that recommends 56 more positions in 2019. City Manager Spencer… Read more »
Kilgore Award for Public Service
The Joe M. Kilgore Award was established by the Crime Commission to honor individuals for outstanding public service.
JOE M. KILGORE
Kilgore was a founding director and executive committee member of the Greater Austin Crime Commission. He was born in Brown County and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. Kilgore graduated from the University of Texas and its School of Law. In 1941, he joined the Air Corps and served during World War II, flying dozens of missions in the Mediterranean, and for his heroic efforts was awarded the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. Kilgore attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and later achieved the rank of major general in the Air Force Reserves.
Following World War II, Kilgore practiced law in Edinburg until his election to the Texas House of Representatives, where he served from 1947-1954. He was then elected to the United States House of Representatives, succeeding Lloyd Bentsen, and spent a decade representing the Rio Grande Valley’s 15th Congressional District before relocating to Austin and joining the law firm that later became McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore. He was a regent of The University of Texas System from 1967-1973, president of the UT Ex-Students Association in 1994-1995. Kilgore was named a Distinguished UT Alumnus in 1982 and Austin’s Distinguished Citizen in 1987. Kilgore married the former Jane Redman in 1945. The couple had four children. Kilgore passed away in Austin in February 1999.
Recipients
2017
Speaker Joseph R. Straus III, Texas House of Representatives
2013
Hon. Michael T. McCaul, United States House of Representatives
2011
Adm. Bobby R. Inman, USN (Ret)
2009
Hon. Kay Bailey Hutchison, United States Senate
2007
William Powers Jr., President, The University of Texas at Austin
2005
Hon. Antonio O. Garza Jr., United States Ambassador to Mexico
2003
Hon. John Cornyn, United States Senate
2001
Senior Captain Bruce Casteel, Texas Rangers
2000
Colonel Dudley M. Thomas, Director, Texas Department of Public Safety
In the News
News
Greater Austin Crime Commission supports Austin City Manager’s decision to name Brian Manley as police chief finalist
Business, community and faith leaders praise interim chief’s experience and leadership AUSTIN, TEXAS — April 30, 2018 — The Greater Austin Crime Commission announced its support today for City Manager Spencer Cronk’s decision to name Brian Manley as the finalist for chief of the Austin Police Department. Manley has served as interim chief of police… Read more »
News
Commentary: Austin is growing. Shouldn’t our police force expand, too?
By Elizabeth Christian and David L. Roche – Special to the American-Statesman Updated: 5:18 p.m. Wednesday, September 06, 2017 The Austin City Council thinks we’re safe enough. Otherwise, how do you explain a reduction in public safety spending as a percentage of the city’s budget next year? Despite population growth, increases in violent crime, emergency… Read more »