Operation Task Force

Hallettsville and Lavaca County residents may have noticed an increase in police presence last week in the area.

According to a Facebook post from the Lavaca County Sheriff ’s Office, the increase in law enforcement agencies was due to the Lavaca County Sheriff ’s Office having joined the Operation Lone Star Task Force this past January.

“The Task Force is a collaborative effort by law enforcement to combat the efforts and effects of transnational criminal organizations on our rural communities,” Sheriff Steven Greenwell said in the post. “In addition to other roles and responsibilities, participating agencies can host enforcement operations, and after participating in several other operations in South Texas, we decided to host an operation of our own.”

These operations are great opportunity for officers to network and learn from others who have a wide range of skills and experience.

“The relationships we’ve made with other agencies will continue to be an invaluable asset to Lavaca County citizens,” Greenwell said. “We would also like to thank all of our Lavaca County law enforcement partners that contributed to the success of the operation. Your participation and continued collaboration to protect and serve our fine county is always appreciated.”

In all there were 11 sheriff offices and six police departments who participated in last week’s operation including the Goliad, Refugio, Wilson, Austin, Kerr, Jim Wells, Gonzales, Kleberg, Wharton, Aransas, Live Oak, County Sheriff Department and La Vernia Police Department Live Oak and the Kleberg County Attorney’s Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force.

Also participating were the police departments from Hallettsville, Schulenburg, Moulton, Yoakum, Kingsville and La Vernia.

A special thanks also goes to Lavaca County EMS Chief Michael Furrh for taking a front row seat in a LCSO unit during the operation.

He was there to provide on the spot emergency care and evaluate how law enforcement and EMS can work together in future collaborations.

“On behalf of all of Lavaca County Law Enforcement, please help us send a thanks to these brave men and women who have left their homes and duty stations for the last few days to come help us make Lavaca County safe and secure,” Greenwell said in the post.