Published: June 30, 2008 09:10 am         

A day 30 years in the making

Friends, colleagues gather to thank retiring police chief Jerry White and wish him well

By Lacie Morrison
lmorrison@mineralwellsindex.com

Friends, family and fellow city employees crowded into the Mineral Wells City Council chambers Friday afternoon to honor outgoing Mineral Wells Police Chief Jerry White in his retirement.

Mineral Wells Mayor Mike Allen presented White with a plaque recognizing the police chief for 30 years of “noble and selfless service” to the community of Mineral Wells.

“As a representative of the city, I want to give you our sincerest thanks,” Allen told White.

The plaque also contained a quote selected by Mineral Wells Police Capt. Mike McAllester who told the audience, “I was trying to think of a quote that says ‘Jerry’ to me.”

The quote read, “The greatest ambition a man can have is to be a just man,” by Texas Congressman Sam Rayburn. McAllester explained, “That, to me, said ‘Jerry White.’”

White told his large audience, “I’ve been waiting 30 years for this day.”

He praised the support he’d received over the years from the city council and city manager as well as that of the police department.

“I sure want to say thank you to Mike [McAllester] and all the police force,” White said. Describing the department’s personnel as dedicated and loyal, he said, “Through thick and thin, they’ll stick with you.”

“In my personal opinion, working with Jerry is truly an honor and a privilege. He was the right man at the right time in the right place,” remarked Mineral Wells City Manager Lance Howerton. He said White’s hallmark is “unlimited integrity, certainly a just man and infinitely honest.”

White’s wife Gayla said she’s looking forward to his retirement as an opportunity to spend time together and with family.

“We’re going to enjoy each other. … It’s going to be fun and the dogs will be happy,” she said, referring to their three canine companions. “We’ll see the grandkids more. …

“Jerry wants to stay active in the community, do things with the church and just hopefully have a nice retirement.”

White had mentioned to the audience, “People ask me what I’m going to do and I always say I have to ask Gayla first.”

Since White first joined the police force in July of 1978, he told the Index there’d been a number of changes over the years. One of the major changes was the increase in manpower in a variety of capacities including growth in the criminal investigation division, communications and a school resource officer.

During White’s tenure, the department also expanded with the development of new buildings including the downtown office that houses the City/County Narcotics Unit, the downtown business district officer and the newly created K-9 narcotic unit. The animal shelter, a part of the police department, expanded from one animal control officer to two and a new, enlarged facility.

White said he’s also seen the development of the Citizen’s Police Academy program which gives citizens a hands-on opportunity to learn about law enforcement and its many facets as well as the department’s participation in National Night Out program.

White’s official last day is June 30th; Howerton told the Index McAllester will serve as the department’s interim chief of police.