Q&A with Deputy Tommy Berry, Precinct 2's Law Enforcement Liaison

I am the liaison between the sheriff’s office and other law enforcement offices in Precinct 2.

The precinct spans more than 500 square miles, so there are a lot of different agencies like Galena Park, Pasadena, Jacinto City, constables’ offices, and HPD.

I also work closely with various county agencies to resolve constituent issues. Our call center gets calls concerning issues such as abandoned properties and illegal dumping. I follow up with these reports and work with various agencies from flood control, engineering, pollution, TxDOT, and animal control. Pretty much any constituent concern that does not involve road and bridge comes to me.

A big part of what I do involves working with the health department inspectors on nuisance abatement.

2. How have you seen progress in the area of nuisance abatement in the last 4 years?

Absolutely. I began working for Precinct 2 in August 2019. Some of the properties on the health department’s list had been there for many years. I remember one, in particular, was on the list for 10 years.

I brought this to the Commissioner and Precinct 2 team, and we’ve worked to get more funding to get more abandoned properties cleaned up.

3. Why did you decide to pursue a career in law enforcement?

My friend joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reserves, and I did a ride-along with him. I loved the experience. So, in 1983, I went to the academy and graduated as a reserve deputy. I went back in 1987 to get my full peace officer certification.

I’ve had many roles with the sheriff’s office since then. One of my fondest memories was when I worked with then-Sheriff Adrian Garcia to get the mental health united opened in 2013.

4. This month, we celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. What does this day mean to you? How do you like to be appreciated as an LEO?

I’ve lost a lot of good friends during my career. I have ribbons to remember the deputies killed in the line of duty in my patrol car. To me, it means a lot when people show their love and support for the fallen. National Law Enforcement Day is really about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

It means a lot to me when I get a simple thank you for residents. Recently, I passed someone while at a coffee shop and he stopped to thank me for my service. It meant a lot. I feel blessed to be in this role despite the dangers I’ve faced including being shot at and accidents.