TEXARKANA, Texas - Bowie County Sheriff James Prince was named 2019 Banks-McFarlin Lawman of the Year Award at a recent conference.
The award is given annually to recognize an outstanding law enforcement officer in the State of Texas who has excellent work accomplishments and has given significant service rendered above and beyond the call of duty, according to a press release by BCSO Chief Deputy Jeff Neal.
Prince and Neal attended the Sheriffs' Association of Texas 141st Annual Training Conference at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio July 27-30.
A lifelong resident of Bowie County, Prince was elected a sheriff in 2000 and has been the county's top law enforcement official since then.
Prior to his election, he served more than 14 years in the sheriff's department and four years with the Texarkana, Texas, Police Department.
He also had 11 years of law enforcement experience while serving in the U.S. Air Force.
More than 1,500 were in attendance at this year's conference
The first Sheriffs' Association of Texas Conference was in 1878.
Held annually in various cities, this event allows sheriffs, deputies, federal, state, and city law enforcement officers to network and discuss different issues that affect law enforcement across the state and nation.
This year, participants received training on a variety of topics including: Civilian Interaction Training, Criminal Profiling, Legislative Updates, Use of Drones in Law Enforcement, Child Abuse Investigations, Working with Fusion Centers, Medication Assisted Opioid and Alcohol Treatment, Spiritual Fitness in Law Enforcement, Gang Culture and more.
The Sheriffs' Association of Texas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the effectiveness of local law enforcement in Texas. Through the support of their members, SAT provides training, legal/technical information, and other critical resources to Peace Officers in Texas. SAT also offers college scholarships to Peace Officers and their children who wish to continue their education. In addition, they honor Fallen Officers with their Lost Lawman Memorial.