Reception To Say 'Farewell' To 'The Chief'

The University Police Department will honor Chief Charles W. Tackett during a retirement reception on Friday (Oct. 28).

The reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. in Austin Hall.

Tackett, who served with SHSU's UPD for 32 years, has been a commissioned law enforcement officer for 55 years and has been named chief emeritus. He will officially retire Oct. 31.

He began his career with the Corpus Christi Police Department in 1950 as a patrol officer, was promoted to the head of vice and narcotics in 1960 and was later promoted again to commander of police, bypassing the rank of captain.

After taking a year's leave, with pay, he came to SHSU, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. He was offered the position of director of the university's campus police department a year later.

In addition to being recognized by the Texas State University Board of Regents in 2000 for his 50 years of service to the law enforcement field, he was recognized in Senate Resolution No. 459, passed last year by the 77th Legislature, for his "exceptional contributions to the field of law enforcement during his illustrious 50-year career with the City of Corpus Christi and Sam Houston State University.

"When Charles Tackett first came to the university, the department had no police cars, and all the officers walked foot patrols; Chief Tackett has improved the department immeasurably, making it one of the best in the country," the resolution said.

"Today Chief Tackett commands 12 full-time state-certified peace officers whose primary jurisdiction is any land owned or under control of the university," the resolution continued.

For more information, call 936.294.1794.

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SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
Oct. 21, 2005
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