I HAVE BEEN BESTOWED A GREAT HONOR

                                                  

Dear Howie,

On behalf of the Texas Narcotic Officers Association (TNOA), I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the renaming of our State Officer of the Year Award in your honor as the Howard "Howie" Katz Award. This recognition is a testament to your visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to the law enforcement community in Texas.

Your contributions to TNOA and the fight against narcotics have left a lasting legacy, and it is only fitting that this award, which honors excellence in our field, bears your name.

Please find the attached official letter for your reference. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honor.

With great respect and admiration,

David Ponce

President

Texas Narcotic Officers Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are honored to announce that the State Officer of the Year Award has been officially renamed the Howard "Howie" Katz Award in recognition of Howie Katz’s visionary leadership and invaluable contributions to the foundation and success of TNOA.

In 1970, Howie Katz, a former California law enforcement officer and Life Member of the California Narcotic Officers Association (CNOA), recognized the need for a statewide organization for narcotic officers in Texas. After accepting a teaching position at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) in Huntsville, Texas, in 1969, Katz approached Dr. George Killinger, head of the Criminal Justice Department at SHSU, who enthusiastically supported the idea. Dr. Killinger provided critical resources, including funding for outreach calls and meals for attendees at the first organizational meeting, which was held at SHSU.

Despite early resistance, Katz’s perseverance led him to Col. Wilson Speir, the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), who immediately embraced the concept. With DPS backing, the idea gained momentum, and at the first meeting, Elmer Terrell, head of DPS’s Narcotics Division, was elected as TNOA’s first president. TNOA officially received its state charter in 1970, marking the beginning of a legacy of collaboration, professionalism, and excellence among narcotics officers in Texas.

Renaming this award in Howie Katz’s honor ensures that his name will forever be associated with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the fight against narcotics in Texas. The Howard "Howie" Katz Award will be presented annually to an officer who embodies these principles and has made a significant impact in our field.

Additionally, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Howie Katz, who will be celebrating his 98th birthday on March 1st. His dedication to law enforcement and his lasting impact on TNOA serve as an inspiration to us all.

Please join us in celebrating Howie Katz’s remarkable legacy and this well-deserved recognition.