Hurst speech highlight of annual 100 Club gathering
By CHRIS BARBEE cbarbee@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Chris Barbee To Serve ... And To Cook Members and friends of the Wharton County Sheriff's Association cooked ribeye steaks for the 100 Club's annual membership banquet Thursday night at the El Campo Civic Center. More than 160 appreciative law enforcement supporters enjoyed the meal. Checking the steaks out back of the Civic Center are (l-r) WCSO Chief Deputy Bill Copeland, George Dotson, Game Warden Scott Blackburn and WCSO jailer Jason Mican in background.

100 Club of Wharton County members were reminded Thursday evening at their annual membership banquet just why it is they support the organization each year when Amanda Hurst, widow of the late Game Warden Justin Hurst, addressed the record crowd of about 167.

Two of the most important services the club performs are purchasing equipment for county law enforcement agencies, and providing $100,000 in life insurance for the family of county officers killed in the line of duty.

Justin Hurst's family is the first to need that assistance since the 100 Club was formed 30 years ago.

The TPWD game warden was mortally wounded in a gun battle near East Bernard just after midnight March 17. Charged and awaiting a capital murder trial to be held in Wharton is James Freeman, 27, of Lissie. Jury selection will begin Aug. 18. The trial is expected to begin the first of October.

Last year the 100 Club bought Wharton County's two game wardens, Hurst and Scott Blackburn, night vision video cameras to help them make cases.

"He was so excited to get that camera and to have it installed sometime in January last year … and I helped him install the software to get it up and running. I asked him, 'Now what do you need this for again?'

He replied, 'Just in case there's a good case out there.'"

"Before Justin was killed he was able to make a poaching case, at night … and it was all on video. He was so excited to have that.

"And the videos you provided for these guys will be able to be used in this trial. So thank you again and please know you have my heartfelt love and appreciation. I appreciate what you do," she said.

Mrs. Hurst was given a standing ovation.

Another reminder of the sacrifices Wharton County peace officers have made were cast aluminum plaques to be placed at a future peace officer memorial to be located on the courthouse square.

The first officer killed in the line of duty was Wharton County Sheriff Hamilton Bass Dickson on Feb. 7, 1894. The last was Hurst. In between were Deputy Jailer Henry Ross McCain, killed July 19, 1908; Special Deputy Sheriff Harry Charles McCormick, killed June 26, 1920; and El Campo City Marshal James Otway Lee, killed Aug. 11, 1914.

Approximately $13,000 is still needed to pay for the memorial. Tax-exempt donations may be made to the 100 Club of Wharton County for this project.

New club officers elected for the coming year are Duane Korenek, president; Michael Merka, 1st vice president; Ralph Gold, second vice president; and Gary Trochta, secretary-treasurer.