Conroe officers divided on sheriff's race, won't endorse

CONROE, TX (KTRK) -- The Conroe Police Officers Association decided not to endorse a candidate in the Montgomery County sheriff's race in the March GOP primary, or any other candidate running for office, after a contentious pair of meetings.

Montgomery Police Chief Jim Napolitano, who is running against MCSO Capt. Rand Henderson for the position being vacated by retiring Sheriff Tommy Gage, initially earned the nod from Conroe officers Dec. 1. However, there reportedly was only a small percentage of the association's approximately 100 members at that meeting. The CPOA is comprised of Conroe Police Department employees, excluding those who have a rank higher than captain.

Some association members were unhappy with the decision of those who showed up. They addressed the endorsement again at a specially called meeting Dec. 8, according to Association President Josh Cunningham, though that meeting was called to address other matters.

For the full story, go to our partner, Houston Community Newspapers' The Courier of Montgomery County.