Cass County Connect

Cass County Judge

Travis Ransom

Cass County Receives Edward R.

“Eddie” Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant

Eddie Byrne was just 22 years old—a rookie cop from a family of cops—when his life was taken in a random, brutal murder. While on duty protecting a witness, Byrne was ambushed and killed by members of a New York City street gang who had been ordered to kill a police officer—any police officer.

More than three decades later—the 37th anniversary of his passing was February 26—Byrne’s name and legacy are associated with far more than his tragic death. His life and service are commemorated by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, a federal initiative that has offered unprecedented support for state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies across America.

Since 2005, the Byrne JAG Program has awarded more than 22,000 grants that total more than $7 billion, including $272 million this year alone. The program has supported and promoted improvements in every aspect of the justice system, from policing to prosecution and public defense, to corrections and reentry from incarceration. Its impact on advancing public safety and equal justice has been consequential.

This year, Cass County will receive nearly $30,000 through the Byrne JAG program to purchase updated national institute of justice (NIJ) compliant body armor to protect our officers. A Federal Bureau of Investigation study found that the risk of sustaining a fatal injury for police officers who do not wear body armor is 14 times greater than for officers who do. Texas Law requires law enforcement agencies provide all officers on duty with a bullet resistant vest which complies with the NIJ regulations.

Eddie Byrne died much too young. But his sacrifice helped inspire a program that continues to influence law enforcement and the criminal justice system in ways he could never have imagined. The Byrne JAG Program is his true legacy. We appreciate the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Texas Governor’s Office of Public Safety for their continued support.

Texas Free College Application Week October 13-19

Free College Application Week is a statewide initiative that helps Texas residents apply to public colleges at no cost.

Created by Senate Bill 2231 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, all public colleges and universities in Texas are required to waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas to undergraduate programs.