Governor Abbott Names Chair And Appoints Three To Texas Commission On Law Enforcement

December 6, 2019 | Austin, Texas | Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Mike Griffis and reappointed Patricia G. Burruss and Jason Hester to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for terms set to expire on August 30, 2025. Additionally, Governor Abbott named Chief Kim Lemaux chair of the commission. The commission establishes and enforces standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.

Mike Griffis of Odessa is the Ector County Sheriff with 30 years of law enforcement experience. He is a member of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Big Bend Area Law Enforcement Officers Association. He is an advisory board member for the Salvation Army, board member of the Ector County Child Services Board and Project LifeSaver, and a member of the Odessa Rotary Club. Griffs graduated from Permian High School and the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy.

Patricia G. Burruss of Dallas is an attorney in private practice. She is a member of the Texas Bar Association, New Mexico Bar Association, Federal Bar of the Northern District of Texas and Southern District of Texas, and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Burruss received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas - Pan American and a Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law.

Jason Hester of Lago Vista is an Assistant Chief with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He is a member of the Texas DPS Officers Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Texas Sheriffs’ Association, Texas Police Chiefs Association, and the Texas Police Association.  Jason received an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Howard College, Bachelor and Master of Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University, and is a graduate from the FBI National Academy.

Kim Lemaux of Arlington is the Chief of Police for The University of Texas at Arlington with over 35 years serving in law enforcement. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Texas Police Chiefs Association, and North Texas Police Chiefs Association. Lemaux received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree in security management from American Public University.