Travis County Commissioners Court
October 24, 2006
Item 1
Number 1 is a public hearing to receive public comment on recommendations to name the county buildings at 4011 mckinney falls parkway and 5555 airport boulevard
>> > move to open the public hearing. >> > second. >> > all in favor? Passes unanimously. Do you and elisa plan to have a word or two. >> > we can if you would like us to. >> > see if you can so we will know exactly what this is about. >> > john malone, administration operations and executive manager, alicia perez is here to set the stage for the public hearing item no. 1 on your agenda this morning. >> > good morning, alicia perez executive manager for administrative operations. This morning, we are here to have a public hearing on naming of two buildings. The first is precinct 4, which is on mckinney falls. And you received a packet much like this one. And we start with precinct 4, you received a list of everyone that was nominated. But I would like to point out to you that the people that -- that completed the biography and adhered to all of the provisions in -- in the policy that was set forward and those were -- were ray martinez and >> > >> [indiscernible], victor flores, jaoquin, bruce todd, charles lacy and ann richards. The other names that were submitted unfortunately did not provide either biographies or a -- or an information on how the individuals contributed to Travis County. Which is part of the requirement of the -- of the policy that you passed. So those would be the ones to be considered for precinct 4. And a building on mckinney falls. The other building is 5515 airport boulevard. 5555 airport boulevard. The nominees there are keith george reese, george matthews, ann richards, reyes r. Oliveres and then there were two names that were submitted for either building and that was ann richards and john woody. And we have gathered all of the information and the packet has been sent to the historical commission. And they -- they will review the item on November the 1st. It is expected that they will have their comments back to the court and the court may hear them on Tuesday, November the 7th. That is an election day and I had asked the judge if you wanted to hear them then or hear them the 14th depending on -- on your schedule. >> > what did the judge say? >> > I -- I didn't hear that. >> > I don't believe that we received a formal response. >> > our judge now formally says that a week after the election makes more sense than election day. >> > okay. >> > I'm not busy >> > >> [laughter] >> > so -- >> > I'm just making fun y'all. >> > okay. >> > full day. It's fine with me on the -- >> > November 14th is -- should be our target. >> > okay. Then November 14th it will be. That's had we bring it back for final determination by the Commissioners court. >> > do you have the exact language regarding -- the requirement? >> > the name of the person nominated, the other requirements? >> > yes. Recommendation may be made by a private citizen or a group and a private citizen or group make a recommendation to Travis County Commissioners court regarding the naming of a facility by presenting that recommendation in writing to any member of the Commissioners court or -- and/or presenting the recommendation in the Commissioners court meeting set for public discussion of the matter. It is recommended, if the recommendation to name the facility after an individual, the following criteria must be met. The individual must have made a significant contribution to Travis County. The citizen making the recommendation must provide a written, biographical sketch of the individual whether living or deceased to the Commissioners court when making the recommendation. >> > okay. Any questions? So we put the historical commission on notice that these -- these names -- recommended names of these two buildings are headed their way. >> > yes, sir. >> > okay. Now, it would help our deliberation or receipt of comments today, I think, for us to try to receive all of the comments on one building first and then go to the other one. >> > that's right. >> > how many people do we have here on mckinney falls parkway building? And how many on the airport boulevard building? All right. Let's take airport boulevard first and try to accommodate the schedules of more people. We did not have a sign-in sheet for this. If you are here on naming the airport boulevard building, no matter whose name you are recommending, if three of you will come forward. If you take the chairs on the end and one in the middle, give yourselves a little elbow room here, we will function most efficiently this morning if after you finish with your comments, you would vacate your chair and then if the next person who wishes to give comments on this building would come fort, that way we have a steady flow. And -- and three or five, either number is fine with me. And if you just give your full name that's fine. If you would give us your full name first so we can jot that down, we would be happy to get your comments. >> > okay. Good morning, judge, Commissioner Sonleitner, Commissioner Gomez, I'm here representing people against violent crime, a victim advocate rights organization. On behalf of victim advocate organization, people against violent crime, I would like to recommend that the -- that the new Travis County sheriff's administration building located at 5555 airport boulevard be named in honor of fallen Travis County deputy keith ruiz. Although we are aware that city, county and state buildings are generally named for high profile individuals, with years of >> > >> [indiscernible], we are hoping today that the Travis County will reject that common formula. We want to understand that the law enforcement value to the community is not determined by the luxury of their longevity. It is also important that law enforcement, along with the -- with the community speaks out on behalf of the fallen brother. And >> > >> [indiscernible] for their very own. Deputy ruiz was struck down in the prime of his life, protecting and serving the residents of Travis County. He will never have the opportunity to rise in ranks, but in no way should this diminish his contribution to this community or to this country. People against violent crimes strongly is encouraging today that -- that the court consider naming this facility after an ordinary man who made an extraordinary difference in the lives of others and in the end made the ultimate southwest conference guys for the people of Travis County. It would be a fitting tribute to his family as well as make a profound and visible statement to every line officer risking her or his life daily for protecting the community. I want to thank you for allowing me to be a voice today. For deputy ruiz. And all victims of violent crime. His voice was foreverred silenced due to another human being's actions and choices. Ultimately resulting I'm sorry in death. People against violent crime is asking each of you to give this nomination today your most serious consideration. In addition, I would like to also commend each and every one of you for supporting -- I know people against violent crime and the community and the citizens with the victims rights movement. Thank you. >> > thank you. >> > thank you. >> > yes. >> > second on the pecking order here. >> > ms. Carr, we will need your seat there. Next speaker, please come forward. >> > thank you, Commissioners. Good morning. For allowing me this opportunity to speak today. My name is beginninger mcking, vice-president of the 100 club of central Texas. I'm also a city council in Jonestown, Texas, which is in Travis County. But today I'm here to represent the 100 club. We are a non-profit organization consisting of 1500 members, we have helped families of first responders in central Texas since 1983. I am here today to represent these members. Also to remind you of the tragic loss our community suffered in early 2001 when Travis County sheriff's officer keith ruiz was killed while serving a search warrant. At a time when heros are difficult to come by. Not only our community, but more importantly our children need to know and remember keith's great sacrifice. He is our hero. He gave his life so we can live in a safe and peaceful society. Travis County would be remiss if you as Commissioners did not honor keith ruiz by naming the Travis County sheriff's administrative building at 5555 airport boulevard after him. I ask you to please give our community the hero we so desperately need. Thank you. >> > thank you. My name is susan cox, thank you very much, excuse me, I'm having allergy problems. For being here to represent for the love of christie. My husband and I founded for the love of christie grief support organization for those who have lost loved ones. We started this 19 years ago. We have been working with the family of keith ruiz, the mother, his -- the wife and children. It's devastating. If anybody has ever walked the grief journey, they know the pain and suffering that you endure. We have been blessed to work with these people to help them with this journey and I think what a wonderful honor and tribute this would be to keith and his family to know that he is being honored and remembered. And this is some of the things that we do in our organization. It's about remembering our loved ones and honoring them. I could not think of a greater way to do it than what we are nominating keith for. Thank you. >> > thank you. >> > I'm don cox. We think that keith's life is a wonderful example for the children what he did with his life in the classroom and outside of the classroom and to -- to honor and recognize his contribution not just his death pause we are going to want to emphasize what keith did while he was alive, what he represented, what the potential of his life would have been had it not been cut so short. >> > thank you. >> > good morning, judge Biscoe, Commissioners. My name is greg martinez. I will not take up too much of your time as others are here to speak as well. However, I come before you this morning to endorse the naming of the future sheriff's office headquarters in the name of deputy keith ruiz. Keith's memory will endure with those who served with him, those who knew him, heard of him during his lifetime. He will also forever be embedded in the history of Travis County government. His ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Austin and Travis County as a law enforcement officer should be the only measurement needed when considering the naming of this building. We have had six officers killed in the line of duty in the history of the sheriff's office. Keith being the last one, we pray to god that he is the last one for many, many years. Many discussions have been held on the naming of a publicly owned building and how it should come to be or not. Many discussions have been held whether his name should even be considered. Nevertheless, the procedures have been set in place and as such the time has come to make a decision. As a representative of the sheriff's office association, I come before you as representative of many officers who could not be here this morning to support bernadette ruiz and her family in this endeavor. There are many reasons why this building should be named in the memory and the honor of keith ruiz. Others will mention some of those this morning as well. However, there are three very good reasons which should persuade you to vote in favor of naming the new sheriff's office headquarters on behalf of the deputy keith ruiz. Hose three good reasons for bernadette and keith's boys. Matthew, alex and joshua. Thank you. >> > thank you. >> > thank you. >> > good morning comirk, I'm david >> > >> [indiscernible] a former county employee. Good to be back here, feels like home after 31 year service. I'm here in support of the nomination of keith ruiz to have the building at 5555 airport boulevard named in his honor. I know that keith worked for the sheriff's department for 13 years, began his career as a corrections officer, promoted as a deputy sheriff, ultimately ended up working on the swat team. As you all know the swat team is perhaps the unit within the sheriff's department that is at risk more often than not. Often called to respond to the situations where there might be violence, the propensity for these kinds of calls is always there. Real high risk for danger and I know that -- that he really felt like he was making a contribution by working in this unit and by serving the citizens of Travis County. He really prepared himself by going to school, getting his degree. Really he wanted to come and work in Travis County for the sheriff's department. I think that he distinguished himself quite well. His career speaks for itself. I respectfully recommend that you name the building at 5515 airport boulevard in the name of keith ruiz, this would be a fitting tribute to this young man, thank you. >> > thank you. >> > quorng, I am here on behalf of name on behalf of my dad, I think she said oliveres, but it was old olvera. He was the first deputy sheriff here at Travis County. I have a copy of this -- of this I guess identification card that they gave back then. He did not go to -- to -- to school to become a deputy sheriff. He became a deputy sheriff because of how he -- oh, god, how active he was in his community. He was very instrumental in building -- christo rey church. Then we moved to govalle, no church out there, spoke to the bishop, built that church. He was a man involved in his community and with his family. He also instilled in us for us to get an education. To better ourselves. He -- he was going to -- he was born in mexico. Came to the united states, came to Austin about 1920 and -- and became involved like I said in the community and then -- then spoke to the sheriff lang and became we believe the first deputy sheriff of Travis County. We believe that the -- he's -- well, my dad passed away in '74, but he is -- he is what -- what I think a lot of people aspire to be when they first get here, what his parents had in mind for them to better themselves, to do something for their community. And that's what my dad was all about. He was a member of the lieu lack, a -- lulac, a grand knight in the knights of columbus, john f. Kennedy council. He was just a person that was out there always looking out for the next person. And there are many stories that I could share with you all that people have come to let me know what he did for them. We would be here all day. But I think -- I believe that it is -- it is due time that he be honored by having a -- a building named after him. Being the first one. In Travis County. I think you know there are a lot of other -- mr. Reese, other deputy sheriffs that have followed in his footsteps, deputy sheriff gonzalez, deputy sheriff sanchez. Whom he just started the process for. I think we need to remember the people that -- that first went forward and did something for their community. Also I would like to show you all this badge that my son was able to have, that was just like his original badge. It has the number 12 on it. That was his number. So I ask you to -- to take this -- his name into consideration in -- name this building after my dad. Thank you. >> > thank you. >> > I'm charlie wilson, >> > >> [indiscernible] law enforcement association of central Texas. I am here to support the naming of the building after the -- in honor of keith ruiz. The combined law enforcement associations of Texas commend the Travis County Commissioners court to consider naming county building or a facility of any kind in honor of our fallen comrade, deputy keith ruiz. Keith ruiz gave all that it is possible for a person to give to their community. He gave his life willingly in the service of his fellow citizens. As he changed all of our lives, Travis County changed his life as well. While working in the jail that he met his beautiful would it bernadette and they began building their lives together. He loved his job and sought to make this community a better place serving as a role model to everyone across his path. It's very on popular when law enforcement officers to work in one community while working in another. It's the safest thing to do for family. Isn't it refreshing to think that the keith ruiz family decided to buy a home within the jurisdiction where keith worked. He had no fear of the people he served. He exemplified the citizen officer. As you listen to the voices from across your community, please don't lose sight of the very real sacrifice of the ruiz family. Let us all reflect for the moment of courage, honor, service, what they are all about as you make the monumental decision to name a public building or law enforcement facility in his honor. Keith was a long-time c.l.e.a.t. Member. We made a pledge to do everything that he could to protect his good name, his career, his life and his family. Today five years later we want to keep our word and we main good stewards of the trust he placed in us many years ago. The decision such as this belongs solely to the people, their duly elected representatives. C.l.e.a.t., of course, does not claim to know what decision you should make. However we do officially request that you honor Travis County deputy sheriff ruiz today. Let's not allow another day to pass without a decision being made as to how best to honor a fallen hero. A fallen son of Travis County. On behalf of the 15,000 plus members state-wide, we beseech this honorable court to do the right thing for this community for this law enforcement agency, for this wonderful family in the memory of keith ruiz, placing his name in the place of honor where his memory can be properly remembered. I have a copy of that. Thank you. >> > thank you. >> > my name is john garza. Judge and Commissioners, I thank you for the opportunity to -- to come over here to speak. I apologize. I didn't come prepared with a written statement or anything. But I guess what I have to say is just strictly from what I feel from the heart. I'm here on -- in support of bernadette and the boys and naming the building on airport boulevard at after keith ruiz. It's still hard for me to talk about keith. Keith was my partner for five years. And -- every time things like this happen, it just is very difficult to not think about that day. I remember the date and time and everything. Not to take anything -- this was the first day that I learned about mr. Olivera, that was very interesting, to take anything away from him, nor from anyone who has given their life or served in law enforcement. All due respect to him and his family, but I am here in support of keith. I feel that keith gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day. And that was he gave his life. Bernadette doesn't have her husband anymore and the kids don't have their father to come home to every day. So -- so without -- not to delay any more of your time, I'm in support here of keith. His family. Thank you. >> > thank you. Why don't we the rest of this meeting, if we start here, go all the way around, everybody knows who is speaking next, that way we can follow, also. Ms. Ruiz. >> > can I -- good morning, judge, Commissioners. My name is bernadette ruiz, the widow of Travis County deputy sheriff keith ruiz. I, like john, I didn't -- I don't have a -- a letter prepared or, you know, think -- people asked me what I wanted to say, I really couldn't think of it. I thought that I would just like my heart and the thoughts that I have on keith speak for me. On February 15th, 2001 when he was killed, so many things at that time I don't remember. But the one thing that I do remember that sticks out the most to me that I remembered was that when he was killed, how many people came out to support both me and my sons. I mean, I was overwhelmed so many faces, people from all walks of life, there were officers, there were mothers, there were grand parents, there were working class people, there were elected officials. Never had I seen so many people out at -- at the candlelight vigil, at his rosary, funeral procession, for hours. When I stood there that day and receiving people, so many people that came up to me, you know, he was a wonderful law enforcement officer, don't get me wrong, he loved it, it was his passion. And all that. But he also touched many other people in a lot of ways. I mean, people who said that he coached their son in baseball. People who said that he used to stop by the convenience store just to make sure that things were going okay when he was on patrol. You know, people who trained with him in swat. People who worked the sacral. -- people who worked the jail. So many people it wasn't restricted to law enforcement. Even my children are like, you know, they couldn't believe all of these people were here for dad aren't they? I said yes. Because he meant something to them. I said I know, we know the laws that -- the loss that we feel when he died. But I think that to overlook the loss that the community felt when he died would be terrible. It goes without saying the law enforcement missed him, he was a brother to him, all that. That goes without saying. But there's another side of this city and community and county that want to speak, also, to this day I have people come up and address me. They know who he is, they know who our sons are. I just feel like having a building named after him, not just a building, I mean, there were many other buildings that I could have considered. But the Travis County administration building, Travis County sheriff's administration building that was his department. That was where he worked his entire life. He went from jailer to transportation to patrol to swat. He at any time just do one job there. He did many. Whether he would go on to administration, I really don't know. I will never know. But I know that he loved that department. And he made it very -- he was very vocal about it. And I just feel like what better place to put his name up so that people within the department, people within my family, and people within the community can remember him. One last thing, I wanted to share with you all, is that -- that I had to work with my son alexander had this week or last week, he had to write a character sketch of his father. This is an 11-year-old boy. I just want you all to hear what he had to say. Every day I look forward to my dad coming home from work. The first thing that you notice about him is his black swat uniform. He was tall, handsome, had dark brown eyes and a mustache. He was always playful and liked to do fun things with me. When I heard the door start to open, I used to run and hide behind the coach because he would always look for me, laughing, say alexander jessie I saw you. My dad loved to go hunting and fishing. I would always get so excited when he would ask me to go. He taught me how to carefully put worms on a hook and we would sit at my house and sit and talk. When we went hunting he would let me tear the heads of the doves off, which I thought was so cool. My dad always told us how important education was to him. He went to Texas state university and graduated with a degree in criminal justice. Even though he could have been a cop without a degree, he still thought it was important to have one and he made sure that we knew that. My dad wanted to be a cop because he wanted to protect people and try to help others in any way he could. When he was home, I always feltive and protected. Because he always made things better. To me he was the best dad in the world. He was my hero. So, judge, and Commissioners, on behalf of myself, my sons and my family, co-workers and the rest of the community, I ask you to strongly consider naming the Travis County sheriff's administration building in honor of my husband. Keith ruiz. >> > thank you. >> > thank you. >> > my name is woody -- >> > two chairs available. >> > my name is woody simmons, retired from the Travis County sheriff's department. I knew and worked with keith ruiz from the first day he went to work at the sheriff's department. I watched him grow, excel, leave corrections and go into enforcement. He was an excellent deputy. I also worked with bernadette. And watched that family grow over the years. They were -- they are an excellent family. Tight knit. I know bernadette's father. They are -- they have all been county employees. And I believe that it's reasonable and the right thing to do to name this building after keith ruiz. He gave the last full measure of devotion, if you will, and I believe he and the family are well deserving, thank you. >> > thank you. >> > good morning, I'm jamie page, a lieutenant with the sheriff's office, I'm here on behalf of sheriff hamilton. To recommend another candidate. However, I would be remiss if I didn't extend my condolences again to the family members and the wife of keith ruiz. I was on the scene that night as one of the supervising officers and that's the fourth officer killed in the line of duty scene that I have had to work in my 32 year career. My condolences, you all have a very difficult job. When I became director of the training academy, in '95, I noticed that we didn't have much in the form of roots. Or history at the academy. So I commissioned an individual to -- to do some research on Travis County history. What we found is we've had six officers killed in the line of duty. Morris Moore, the west subor west command center is named after. Duncan, benny barry, walter eckhardt, charles lacy and keith ruiz. It's a good form I think in -- what we would say when I was a kid in the olden days, we didn't have these type of forums where you could recommend people. I think that memories fade over a period of time. During the research we stumbled across a gentleman by the name of george matthews. George matthews was a deputy sheriff for a few years and then was elected to sheriff. Second longest tenured sheriff in Travis County. Jumped from the frying pan into the fire I guess because he became a Commissioner. After a term as Commissioner he served as a county judge for 24 years. >> > as well as an outstanding man. >> > while he -- yes. We will back you up there. I don't think you can go wrong with any name that you all choose. I mean, they are all deserving candidates. Judge matthews served the community for 40 years as a Travis County employee and I believe he served another 10 in retirement. So almost 50 years. You all have the packet. I was astonished at some of the things he accomplished in his 50 years at Travis County. We are still using the courthouse today. The heman sweatt building that he helped build on to my knowledge and on budget, which is unusual. But again, on behalf of sheriff hamilton, that is his recommendation. I thank you for your time and patience. Thank you. >> > thank you. Yes, sir? >> > thank you. My name is kenneth ruiz. Keith was my brother. I'm here to represent our family in support of the building being named after my brother. You have heard very good testimony. Gives a lot of good background to what my brother was like. As some of the other speakers said, he lived and played in Texas here in Travis County. Was born in Austin. Lived in Austin. And served Austin. We played as kids, hunted, fished, water sports, skied, enjoyed time with our family and kids. My parent and my sister, I'm sorry they are not here today due to their schedule. I'm going to leave you with one story that has always come back to me that just remind me on keith's dedication to his job and his love of his job, one time keith was accidentally hit with a baseball in the eye. Coaching his son's baseball team. It caused extensive damage, he almost lost the sight of his eye. In a meeting that I had him privately he came to me, said kenneth what will I do if I can no longer be a cop? He was more concerned that he couldn't do his job than he was concerned about his eyesight. It was then just drove me to -- to understand his love for his job and what he did. And this is the reason why I ask your consideration for his name on this building. Thank you. >> > thank you. >> > yes? >> > hello. My name is everything came ramos, I'm a current Travis County employee down at juvenile probation. I'm respectfully submitting keith ruiz's name for the building at 5515 airport boulevard. I just want to say a few words about the person keith was. Outside of his job. He -- he served as a personal example to me about what education can get you. One of his favorite sayings was get your degree. Nobody can ever take your education away from you. I was a lost sheep. I tried to pursue my goal of getting a bachelor's degree, dropped out of college. Keith never missed a chance to -- to get on me about going back and pursuing that goal. He -- by giving his life and making that ultimate sacrifice, he motivated me to get back into college, to pursue my criminal justice degree. And I think by naming this building after him, we can ensure that the community as a whole never forgets what he did on the job, but also that he will continue to serve as a motivator to other lost sheep about how important education is. What a criminal justice degree can do for you and how serving your community in Travis County can benefit you, whether you are here to see the results or whether you are not. But his family will be here to see the results. Again I ask that you please respectfully consider his name for this building. Thank you. >> > thank you. >> > judge, Commissioners, gus pena. I'm going to bring a different perspective to the life of deputy keith ruiz and his family. I was a bailiff here at criminal district court, that's where I met keith back in 1992. But more so let me get back to the community aspect because a lot of people and rightfully proudly will speak about his rich and proud career in the law enforcement community. I was sent by jesus oliveres, at that time director of parks and rec to work on a 90 day emergency hire at the south Austin rec center. My job specifically was to work with the youth over there. To be quite honest the statement from jesus was get rid of the gang members at the rec center. I had the privilege and honor to have deputy ruiz as my assistant coach in football. I had the equally proud honor of coaching his son matthew. We didn't have a quarterback. It was a new team. I had 20 years experience working as a football coach. I got three guys, start throwing the football, see what you have. I told matthew you are going to be my quarterback before that all started so he was. Deputy ruiz was an extraordinary husband to bernadette. Extraordinary father to his children. And extra ordinary citizen to the citizens of the community of Travis County the city of Austin. He brought in a different perspective of the assistant coach. In law enforcement community they have what is called a good cap or a bad cop, mean or good cop. I was the bad coach, mean coach. He was the friendly coach and the kids, there was a reason for it. We have had a lot of tough kids out there. But deputy ruiz had that -- that talent if you will of working with the youth and the kids liking him and adapting to his skills and his -- his manner of being. So we had a pretty good successful football team but it was because number one because of the student, the kids and their efforts, but also because of my assistant coach keith ruiz and the knowledge and training and sensitivity that he brought to children. You knew he had worked with the youth out there before. You are born with it. We talked many times when we would speak about how we can help other kvue time in probationers -- juvenile probationers at garner-betts. I don't have anything written. Here to talk about the poor and needy. I respectfully ask this Commissioners court to have that building that the Travis County sheriff's administration building named after a good human being, a good Travis County employee, a good husband to his family, good father to the family. Somebody that really -- said something appropriate, there are others equal deserving, I'm here to support the naming of the building in honor of deputy keith ruiz. He was an intricate cog in the community and a benefit to the community and I have the dubious distinction of losing my friend alex >> > >> [indiscernible] died in vietnam. So I took it very bad when department ruiz passed. Anyway I respectfully ask that you all extend this hon honor to the ruiz family to name this building after department keith ruiz. Thank you very much. >> > anybody else here at naming the building on 5515 airport boulevard, choice photo speak but would simply like his or her name on record. >> > I do have one more name to put into the record. It's an e-mail that we all received but I wanted to make sure that everyone in the audience knew this as well. Friends I wish that I could be with you tomorrow, but work prohibits it. I just wanted to let you know that I strongly support bernadette ruiz's attempts to name the central command of the sheriff's office for keith ruiz. There's a lot more, but I will end it take care, I watch you from afar, I admit I didn't miss coming to talk to you about budget. Do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely margo frasier. >> > move to 4011 mckinney falls parkway. If you would come fort and we are here to receive comments now. At this time we will start to our left and go to the right. Good morning. >> > good morning. >> > judge, Commissioners, my name is jim cooper, I have been a resident of Travis County for 40 -- for 65 years. A little over 40 years ago, when -- on August 1st, 1966, I was a student at the university of Texas and my wife was a university employee working in the tower when a mad man began shooting from the top of the tower. Austin police officer ramiro martinez was off duty, at his home on Margaret street in Travis County precinct 4. He was preparing his lunch when he saw a news report on tv that someone was shooting people from the u.t. Tower. He put on his uniform and ed headed for the university of Texas. When he got there, he went past the folks hidden behind cars and trees, past the body on the ground and entered the tower. Inside he took the elevator to the 27th floor just below the observation deck where the shooter was. There were a few law enforcement officers there already, but no one had gone up the stairs to the top of the tower. Martinez knew that confronting the shooter later identified as charles whitman was the only way to stop him. Martinez led another man slowly up the stairs not knowing what to expect. What they found were more dead and wounded victims. Inside the reception area of the 28th floor, they found the body of the receptionist. Martinez led the way out to the observation deck after positioning the man with him to protect his back, martinez cautiously looked around the corner to confront the shooter. He couldn't see all the way to the end of the walkway, because the tower clock protruded to block his vision. So he had to inch forward and peek around the clock to see if the shooter was there. Whitman wasn't there, so martinez began crawling low with his revolver while another officer joined him from behind with a shotgun. At the next corner, leaning out martinez saw whitman and he emptied his .38 caliber revolver into him. The other officer shot whitman twice with his shotgun, dropping his empty pistol, martinez grabbed the shotgun, ran to whitman and shot him again. 96 minutes after it began, the u.t. Tower massacre was over. Charles whitman wounded 31 and killed 16 people. Including his wife and mother the night before. The tragedy was reported on radio and televised live for the whole nation, indeed the whole world watching. There were many brave men and women that day, a few very brave ones. Then there were officer ramiro martinez who stuck his neck out at least 8 times to get a better look, not knowing each time if it was going to be his last look. Martinez took action, became the point man and led the with a I to ending one of the most violent killing sprees in american history. Whitman had three rifles, a shotgun, three pistols. Martinez had a police revolver and a ton of cowrnl. No swat teams back there. This tragedy was the event that led law enforcement agencies to create swat teams and upgrade their weapons. Ramiro martinez was with the Austin police department for eight years, then served four years as a d.p.s. Narcotics agent. He then served as a Texas ranger for 18 years. After 30 years of law enforcement he retired, worked briefly as a private investigator and then served four years as a justice of the peace. Estrogen retired but is actively -- he is again retired but actively involved with the Texas rangers association serving as president from 2001 to 2003. He will soon be 70 years old. It is not often that we adequately honor our heros during their lifetime. Sometimes, however, it is appropriate to make an exception. The criteria followinged by Travis County is that the individual must have made a significant contribution to Travis County. Ramiro made that contribution on August 1st, 1966. And it is fitting to name the precinct 4 building at mckinney falls parkway in his honor and I ask that you do so. Thank you for your time and attention. >> > thank you. >> > thank you mr. Cook. >> > good morning, judge, Commissioner members, thank for you this opportunity. My name is gilbert martinez. I have been a citizen of this commune for over 15 years. I thank you for this opportunity to come and address you about my brother, ramiro martinez who mr. Cooper so well covered his -- his record in Travis County, what he did for Travis County. I think that most of us are -- are quite familiar with the tower incident. So I would proceed to his record as a -- as a Texas ranger. He had a stellar career as a Texas ranger, primarily in fighting corruption in south Texas in which he -- in which he was able to achieve many -- many indictments of corrupt people in south Texas besides that he was always so active in promoting activities in his community. I'm here to tell you things about ramiro because -- because he has been so active in -- in so many facets of his community. Today, when -- when on the national level we see so much corruption in government, in politics, in business, entertainment and even in sports, ramiro is an outstanding role model to children. He is an outstanding role model to children of all background. So I am asking you this morning to seriously consider naming, to honor him by naming this building in honor of an outstanding Texas hero and in honor of an outstanding american hero. Thank you so much. >> > thank you. >> > thank you. Good morning, judge, Commissioners, I'm joe muniz, appointed vice-president to the Austin police association. Mike sheffield could not be with us here this morning, I guess that's a good thing because he could talk forever, I will not. Mike is -- his career is coming to an end at the end of this year, he is kind of dwindling down in his active participation for the association. But I'm here on behalf of ramiro martinez who I know very well. Ramiro was a member of the Austin police association during his 8 year tenure with the Austin police department, served the citizens of Austin and the county of travis with -- with high distinguished service. And I say that because I think -- take you back to August the 1st, 1966. The darkest day in Austin in Travis County's history. Unfortunately put Austin on the map in a negative way. But an individual at his home off duty, I want to reiterate off duty. Other members of the Austin police department were racing towards the university area to stop this tragic shooting. But martinez was at home, had no obligation. He took it upon himself to drive to the university area to direct traffic as he was so ordered once he called the stays. But that since there was no traffic at the university area, he took it upon himself to make his way to the tower. And as you well know, charles whitman was there for bear. He had taken several rifles and ammunition, he was there for the did you ever indication. If not for the day for several days. He had ammunition, food, rations to last him several days. Martinez off duty made his way up there, brought this terrible tragedy to an end along with two other individuals, one a civilian, the other a police officer. This is martinez's character. The kind of individual that he is. Off duty and chose, in fact called his wife told her I'm going to the university to direct traffic, ultimately look where he ended up, at the top of the tower. The kind of person that he is. Every time I have asked him to speak for the Austin police department publicly, he has come forth without hesitation. When he speaks, not a pin drops in the room because he is that intense of a speaker. With that, it is your decision as the policy makers of this county to come forth with the name, I strongly recommend that martinez be the name that you come up with, thank you. >> > thank you. >> > good morning, I'm paul rivera, with the american >> > >> [indiscernible] of Texas. Life long resident of Travis County. I have known mr. Gilbert martinez and his brother ramiro since they first came to Austin. I think everything that needs to be said about ramiro has been said. I want to say I'm in support of the nomination for the naming of this building and I urge you to respectfully consider naming this building in his honor. Thank you so much. >> > thank you. >> > anybody else? For mckinney falls parkway building. Okay. Our policies provide that we basically send these names and comments -- do we send them to the historical commission? >> > yes. >> > they receive additional comments as they see fit. And our goal is for us to have them -- they have committed to do their work on November 1st. Our goal is to receive their I object put shortly -- input shortly thereafter, to have this matter back on the Commissioners court agenda on November 14th for us to deliberate and -- and take appropriate action. >> > that is correct. >> > anything else today. >> > no. >> > move to close the public hearing. >> > all in favor? That passes by unanimous vote. In terms of the action item, number 4. Consider and take appropriate action on recommendations to name the county buildings at 4011 mckinney falls parkway and 5555 airport boulevard. Move that we send the names, comments, other relevant information to the Travis County historical commission for their action and our request that they report back to us as soon thereafter as possible. Discussion? All in favor? That passes by unanimous vote.
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Last Modified:
Wednesday, October 24, 2006 7:59 AM