48th CLEAT Convention Recap—El Paso 2024

Convention Recap: Key Highlights and Takeaways

The 48^th Annual CLEAT Convention & Leadership Academy in El Paso was a memorable event! A special thank you goes to our hosts, El Paso Municipal Police Officers’ Association and El Paso County Sheriff’s Officers’ Association, whose exceptional hospitality and organization ensured an engaging event.

Training Sessions provided attendees with practical insights and real-world scenarios. The Friday sessions on Law Enforcement Wellness, taught by National University’s Dr. Jeffeory Hynes, and 12 Seconds in the Dark by Author and Retired Louisville PD Sergeant John Mattingly, offered participants actionable takeaways to address key challenges in law enforcement.

On Saturday, the opening ceremonies kicked off with colors presented by a combined Honor Guard from both El Paso host departments and the National Anthem by El Paso PD’s Officer Carrillo. Chaplain Richard Newman (El Paso County Sheriff’s Office) gave our invocation this year, and CLEAT President Marvin Ryals gave welcoming remarks.

The keynote was delivered by Congressman Tony Gonzales, who highlighted his own experiences with Ryals in the early days of his political career and his commitment and dedication to backing those in law enforcement both within his district and throughout the state. Additional speakers of note were District Attorney Bill Hicks and El Paso PD Chief Peter Pacillas, who both delivered well-received speeches to our present members and board.

Also on Saturday, a momentous announcement was made that CLEAT Executive Director Charley Wilkison is retiring at the end of the year, after 31 years of being with CLEAT and 11 years as Executive Director, and that General Counsel Robert Leonard has accepted the Executive Board’s offer to become the next Executive Director following Charley’s retirement on December 31^st. (Full details here)

After the awards ceremonies on Saturday, two special dedications were given to CLEAT President Marvin Ryals—a revolver from the locals, and a proclamation from the City of El Paso that October 12^th will now be Marvin Ryals Day.

The Vendor Hall was another highlight throughout both days of the convention. Not only were our hosts selling impressive El Paso-themed convention t-shirts and challenge coins, but other industry-leading providers were happy to meet attendees and showcase their latest products and services. Innovations from companies like our Title Sponsor, Lone Star Skill, drew attention with hands-on demonstrations, allowing attendees to experience their product.

The convention provided entertaining events and networking opportunities beyond the sessions, exhibitions, and ceremonies. The Welcome Reception at San Jacinto Park on Thursday night hosted by EPMPOA and EPCSOA, Happy Hour and meal on Friday night hosted by Lone Star Skill and TMRS, Hospitality Suite hosted every night by Spectrum Advisory Group, and the Saturday night Bar Crawl expertly planned out by our El Paso locals, all allowed participants to connect with peers and enjoy their time in El Paso!

Many attendees noted how the strong sense of community and friendliness of the people of El Paso added a welcoming atmosphere to this year’s convention.

Looking ahead, preparations are already underway and there is much anticipation for next year’s 49^th CLEAT Convention in McAllen and the following year’s convention celebrating CLEAT’s 50^th Anniversary in San Antonio, back where CLEAT began.

Thank you again to our hosts, EPMPOA and EPCSOA, to all our sponsors, and to our CLEAT Staff, all whose dedication made this year’s convention a resounding success!

2024 Convention Awards

2024 CLEAT Officer of the Year Awards

2024 Convention and Legacy Awards

• Hosting Award: El Paso Municipal POA; El Paso County SOA
• Grassroots Political Action Awards: San Marcos POA & Amarillo POA
• Brass Balls Awards: Patrick Natividad (EPMPOA) & Omar Gonzalez (EPCSOA)
• Local of the Year Award: Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Bexar County
• Ludwig Bruno Legacy Award: Jesse Minton (Arlington PA)
• Douglas E Ward Jr Legacy Award: George Aranda (Dallas NLLEO)
• Ruben B. Cisneros Legacy Award: Toby Hudson (Amarillo POA)
• Jimmy Willborn Legacy Award: Jason Sanchez (San Antonio POA)
• Sgt Korby Kennedy President’s Legacy Award: Elias Verver (San Marcos POA)
• Jerry Clancy Lifetime Achievement Award: Charley Wilkison, CLEAT Executive Director
• Spirit of Leadership Award: Marvin Ryals, CLEAT President
• Bill McQuillen Award: Ricardo Garcia-Tagle, CLEAT Staff Attorney

Thank you all for attending, and we will see you in McAllen in 2025!