News release from the Brazos County sheriff’s office:
During the closing banquet for the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas 140th Annual Conference in Grapevine, Texas Brazos County Sheriff Chris Kirk was recognized and presented with the Tom Tellepsen Award. The announcement came as a surprise to Sheriff Kirk, who was one of the 191 sheriffs and approximately 650 participants attending the conference.
The Tom Tellepsen Award is named in honor of the late Tom Tellepsen, a native of Norway, who became a staunch and patriotic American. The Tellepsen Foundation, which was created to honor his lifelong support of law enforcement, provides this award. The Foundation trustees unanimously approved the initial establishment of this award in 1975. The Award from the Tellepsen family on behalf of the Tellepsen Foundation was presented by Karen Tellepsen, the granddaughter of Tom Tellepsen.
The Tellepsen Award is the highest of tributes to the Sheriff who is selected as its recipient. The selection criterion includes the recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of law enforcement and criminal justice and honors more than ability and performance. The recipient, who must possess these qualities, must additionally have demonstrated the human element that engraves his/her name in the hearts of all the law enforcement community, and a genuine love of the profession.
Statement from Sheriff Kirk.
“I am extremely honored to be the recipient of the 2017 Sheriffs’ Association of Texas Tom Tellepsen Award. To be recognized by my peers in such a manner is very humbling. I am proud to have the opportunity to serve as a Texas sheriff and pledge to continue to do my best in service to the State of Texas and County of Brazos.”