If you've never been to Lajitas, Texas, you are in for quite a surprise. It's in the Big Bend area of Texas and a very long drive from Raymondville. However, in order to stay active in the Coalition we have to make so many meetings a year with Texas Border Sheriffs and one with Southwestern Border Sheriffs. So to Lajitas we journeyed.

If you haven't been to that part of the State let me tell you the scenery is beautiful. Big Bend Park is visited by people going camping, hiking, and biking. If you are used to the flatlands of the valley, Big Bend Park is a big change. At Lajitas there is a resort and that's it. Presidio the next town is 49 miles away and Terlingua is the little town in the other direction. Terlingua is known for it's annual chili cookoff and it's Ghost town, and party atmosphere. The meeting was hosted by the Brewster County Sheriff, and the Texas Border Sheriffs Coalition.

It was a very informative meeting and updates were given on new grants available, and possible funding for the Border Sheriffs. We heard from Mr. Steve McCraw, formerly of the Governors Office and now new Director of the Department of Public Safety. We also heard from the Ass't Director and also the Ass't Chief of the Texas Rangers who updated us on their work with the Coalition, and assistance available We heard Chief Patrol Agent Randy Hill who has worked closely with the Coalition for several years, talk about the Border Patrols partnership with the Texas Border Sheriffs.

There was a presentation regarding Border Watch and a live demonstration and update on BlueServo.com, which consists of several cameras covering the border that the public can view and call if any suspicious activities are seen. This has received worldwide publicity and people from as far away as Australia monitor the cameras and help by being eyes on the border. Of course there were the regular committee meetings and reports, along with business meetings to attend. All in all it was a good meeting and Lajitas was a nice place to visit, I just wouldn't want to go back there anytime soon.

Being part of this coalition has been good for our department and the County as a whole. We've been able to get over $200,000 in grants because of our participation, and another $200,000 from the Governor's Office. Even the travel expenses for these meetings are reimbursable to the County, so It's a win-win situation for our Department.