As we were driving West on I-1D wondering when we would ever get to El Paso, all I could think of was Marty Robbins singing "El Paso City." It had been 13 years since we ventured to this city so far away, and now we were headed back. This time the reason wasn't a Sheriffs Conference, it was a combined meeting of the Southwestern Border Sheriffs Coalition together with the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition.

First of all, I don't know who thought of having a Border Sheriffs' meeting in El Paso, but I could think of other locations where I wouldn't be as concerned. Here's a great idea, let's have all the Border Sheriffs meet in one place, why not El Paso? It turned out to be a very good meeting with a lot of information shared on local, state and federal levels, The briefings were informative and information as current as possible. We had several guest speakers as well as people from El Paso Intelligence Center, Texas Rangers, DPS, Customs and Border Protection, DEA, FBI, and ICE. We had over twenty exhibitors and saw first hand a lot of new equipment that could be put to good use if we had the money to purchase it.

We also had the opportunity to hear about new legislation proposed on the federal level as well as the state. In addition we heard an update on "Blue Servo.net" which is a virtual community watch surveillance program designed to empower the public to proactively participate in fighting Border crime. People all over the country and other countries as well, sit in their home and watch the Borders of Texas through strategically placed cameras placed in several locations and if they notice movement they e-mail in the information. We have people all over the world helping us watch our borders through this program.

We had a lot of information passed on to us, and the concern is real, there is a lot going on along the border that citizens need to be aware of, and they need to stay alert and safe. Trips into Mexico should only be taken on an emergency basis.

One night we were treated to a steak dinner at Cattleman's Steak House about 30 miles out of town. I've been told several movies have been filmed around that location. We were told transportation busses were to be provided after the day's session. They forgot to mention that they were El Paso County Jail buses. They cleaned them up pretty good for the trip. The wives got a kick out of it, taking pictures behind the cages.

All in all it was a good meeting, and worth the trip, despite the long drive. We got a better look at what California, New Mexico, and Arizona are going through compared to us in Texas, and I think we all benefitted by the experience. If you're ever travelling that way, stop at Junction and try Coopers, a great bar-be-que place. Stay safe!