Jasper County Commissioners Accept Resignations, Welcome New Deputies, and Advance EMS Helicopter Project

JASPER COUNTY, Texas — The Jasper County Commissioners Court convened in Special Session on Friday, October 3, 2025, tackling a full agenda that addressed law enforcement staffing, leadership changes, property actions, and emergency services planning.

New Deputies Introduced and Sworn In

Sheriff Chuck Havard and Chief Deputy Larry Pulliam, Jr. introduced five newly licensed deputies: Bradley Morgan, Daniel Hoke, Vern Kaylor, Clayton Daigle, and Dr. Tony Tipton. These officers graduated the previous evening from the Angelina College Police Academy at Jasper High School and will fill vacant patrol positions, including an early hire post funded through prisoner reimbursement for the first year. Sheriff Havard emphasized their readiness, stating the deputies would be sworn in at 1:00 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office Communication Center and would immediately begin training alongside experienced officers.

Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Havard expressed gratitude to the Commissioners for approving three additional deputy positions in the FY2026 budget, anticipating even greater coverage in the coming months.

Officer and Reserve Deputy Recognitions

The Court also acknowledged Christie Hutchison, Clerk for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, and graduate of the same police academy. Hutchison, alongside Jeffrey Bowling — who serves in the Sheriff’s Office Jail Division — will be sworn in as Reserve Deputy Sheriffs.

Resignations and Appointments

Commissioners accepted the resignation of Precinct 3 Constable Scott Jacks, who announced his last day as October 3, 2025, before moving to a new role as Criminal Investigator with the District Attorney’s Office. The Court thanked Jacks for his service and wished him well in his continued work for Jasper County.

The vacancy prompted discussion about interim appointments. Retired Constable Ronnie Hutchison was considered for the interim role, based on his extensive experience and a recommendation from Jacks. However, Hutchison declined, citing concerns about forfeiting retiree health insurance before age 65. Next, the Court discussed appointing Christie Hutchison — also Ronnie’s spouse — to ensure timely civil process service. Hutchison expressed interest but would consult her department head before committing.

Sheriff Havard offered a solution, stating his deputies were legally able to serve civil process papers and could assist temporarily within Precinct 3. The Court chose to take no action at this time, ensuring judicial tasks continue unimpeded.

Chris Lanier of Rayburn Country resigned from the Emergency Services District #4 (ESD #4) Board of Directors, with the Court thanking him for his service and appointing Steve Smith of Jasper to fill the remainder of the term.

Law Enforcement Equipment Grants

The Commissioners voted to authorize the Sheriff’s Office to apply for a federal grant to acquire additional body-worn cameras, building on prior successes in securing funding for law enforcement gear, including radios and protective vests.

Property Actions and EMS Helicopter Facility Planning

Commissioners approved a struck-off tax resale property in Evadale, returning it to the tax rolls.

Allegiance EMS requested to install a mobile home for helicopter flight crews at Kirbyville Airport, supporting a proposed medical helicopter service. The Court noted Allegiance EMS’s existing hangar lease and the need for lodging, agreeing to seek legal guidance about housing within the airport perimeter and to draft a formal lease agreement to define terms, access, and utilities.

Community Wildfire Grant Oversight

The Court discussed Jasper County’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant and considered hiring a coordinator and fire specialist under the grant. After lengthy discussion, they chose to retain existing oversight, with all four commissioners and the County Auditor tracking progress and reporting to grant administrators and the State of Texas.

Judge Mark Allen concluded the meeting, thanking all involved for their contributions toward public safety and effective county administration.