Fallen peace officers honored at annual courthouse ceremony

By Rich Flowers News Editor

Henderson County law officers and members of the communities gathered on the west side of the courthouse Thursday to remember lawmen who’ve dedicated their lives to public service.

Henderson County Peace Officer’s Association President Deputy Jannell Dunnington said the name of Tom Billy Goodell has been etched into the Peace Officer’s Memorial monument this year.

“Any one of us would be proud to say that we did the job with only a portion of the dedication that he did,” Dunnington said.

A Eustace native, Goodell was a deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department under Bill Decker from 1958-1965. He returned to Henderson County, where he served until 1980 under another longtime sheriff, J.W. Brownlow.

Dunnington said Brownlow contacted Goodell, who was living in Mesquite and asked him to return to his native county. Once he relocated to Eustace, Goodell patrolled the west side of the county where he developed a reputation of toughness and fairness.

“It has been said that when a bad guy heard Tom Billy Goodell was looking for him, he had just as soon turn himself in,” Dunnington said.

Dunnington said Goodell earned what all law enforcement officers should strive for, “respect from all that we serve.”

Henderson County Judge David Holstein said the officers whose names are carved on the monument are still in the service of Henderson County.

“They are serving us daily as a reminder of what service means,” Holstein said. “Their memory serves as a benchmark of excellence.”

Holstein said law enforcement officers stand on the front lines between good and evil.

“Let it be known that the people of Henderson County thank you,” Holstein said. “Thank you for your never-ending state of readiness.”

Dunnington read the names of the growing list of peace officers’ names displayed on the memorial.

Those who have died in the line of duty include: Paul Habelt, Tony Ogburn, Charlie Fields Sr., K.C. Winn, Larry Hopson and Bennie Everett.

With the 2009 addition, the names of those who died while members of the association include: George Corn; Dr. Nolan Geddie, W.C. Perryman; Leon Cain; Dale Bryce; W.C. Fladd; Don Bettencourt; Jack Terrell; Bill Bearden; Ralph M. Reaves; Bennie C. Krueger; Tommy Smith; Herman Kite Jr.; Kipper Hartline; Don W. McCord; J.W. Brownlow; Jack Sims; Frank E. LaRue Jr.; Stephen L. Combs; Mack Wallace; Thomas C. Underhill; Janey M. Reed; T.E. Williams; Jim Billings; Don Johnson; L.D. Brookshire; David Harris; Daner Stanberry and Tom Billy Goodell.