The Pearland Police Officer’s Association (PPOA) held their inaugural “Back the Badge Community Event” in the PISD Education Support Building parking lot Saturday (Oct. 3).
Residents came out to enjoy sponsor tents, bounce houses and water slides, free barbecue provided by Bottomless Pit, Motorcycle Unit demonstrations, the opportunity to visit with K-9 Arko, a silent auction, a raffle, the opportunity to dunk City Councilmen Gary Moore and Derrick Reed and the chance to bid on pulling the trigger to TASER Councilman Tony Carbone.
The event was kicked off with remarks from Senator Larry Taylor, who also took the first shot at the dunking booth where Moore sat. Pastor Tim Liston with New Hope Church gave the invocation.
Councilman Keith Ordeneaux was the raffle winner, but donated three of the four prize Yeti coolers back to the PPOA, and more winners were drawn.
Pearland Medical Center was the highest bidder in the TASER auction, but donated the opportunity back to the Association. In a second bidding war, Councilman Keith Ordeneaux and Dr. Hugh Patton teamed up to win. Between the three bidders, $2,200 was raised for the PPOA.
Councilman Tony Carbone gets TASERed for charity.
Pearland Fire Dept. EMS stood by as two Pearland Police Officers held Carbone for stability. The TASER was deployed [by yours truly] to Carbone’s back and all of his muscles contracted. The two officers gently lowered him to the ground until the current stopped flowing five seconds later. Carbone then jumped up and let out a hearty “Whoo!” letting everyone know he was okay. EMS checked him just to be safe and pronounced him healthy.
“We want to thank all of our sponsors and the folks in the community that came out to support us, “said PPOA President Det. John DeSpain. “A special thanks goes to Tony Carbone. Even though it was his idea, we have to give him props for taking one for the PPOA.”
The PPOA is an organization that provides education, training and support to the officers of the Pearland Police Department. To learn more, visit PearlandPOA.org.
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