Remember what it's like to be the new kid on the block? That's how our guest, Ron DeLord, felt when he first stepped into the world of Texas law enforcement, facing down challenges from not being old enough to buy his own bullets to learning the penal code in a matter of weeks. We're taking you on a journey into the deep roots of labor history in Texas and the personal experiences of this retired law enforcement legend, who is now a practicing attorney who grew up in the union-heavy Golden Triangle region. We also tackle the pressing issue of police standards and licensing, and Ron shares his thoughts on how unions and local associations can be instrumental in elevating the standards and improving the quality of officers. Finally, we unravel Ron and Kevin Lawrence's (Executive Director of TMPA) moving endeavor to create a memorial for fallen law enforcement officers in Texas. They take us through the legislative process, the dedication required, and the timeline to completion for this poignant tribute. Maintaining the memorial is challenging, and they give us a glimpse into the importance of private donors for its upkeep. We also consider future plans and discuss the potential for extending the memorial. From the Golden Triangle to the most peaceful spot at Capitol grounds, join us in this rich exploration of Texas law enforcement's labor history and the two officers making a difference.Support the showemail us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org