Published: March 20, 2008 06:27 pm            

Reeves named chief deputy

By Debby Schamber

The Orange Leader



David Reeves has a long list of accomplishments. The well-respected law man recently added one more when he was recently appointed as chief deputy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Reeves began his law enforcement career more than 34 years ago working at the Port Arthur Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. While at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, he worked in the Narcotics office of the Special Services Division. He began at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in 1996. Since June 1999, Reeves has served as captain of the criminal investigation division.

“This business changes so much and you just have to stay with it,” Reeves said.

Reeves plans to “keep everything moving ahead” in his new position. His top priority will be to serve the citizens and take care of employees of the sheriff’s office, Reeves said.

While employed at the OCSO, he also served in Afghanistan as a command sergeant major in the Texas National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division. Reeves, who has been in the Army since 1968, was deployed to Afghanistan on June 10, 2004 and returned Aug. 10, 2005. He spent most of his time stationed in Kabul as Command Sgt. Major.

While there, Reeves was part of a reserve group that developed a noncommissioned officer handbook for the Afghan National Army which is still used daily. The handbook was a basic doctrine for soldiers and included information such as how to take a weapon apart and other training guidelines.

According to Reeves, with the help of military personnel from other countries, he helped develop a system for a curriculum with the purpose of training the Afghan Army so they could stand by themselves to perform their duties.

As a result, Reeves received a Bronze Star Medal. The medal is awarded to a person who has distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious achievement and is the fourth highest award of the US Armed Forces.

Over the years Reeves has worked on several notable cases. One such case was that of the 1977 murder of Ronnie Herman that was solved after more than 25 years.

Herman’s two killers, Donald and Thomas Teal, ambushed Herman, shot him and then dumped his body in Newton County. The killer brothers were finally brought to justice for the brutal crime. Thomas Teal confessed to investigators and launched an investigation. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison while Donald Teal received a 30 year sentence.

Another notable case, is the one of the $4 million heist. Sean Michael Sneed, 19, of Orange and Joshua Blaine Ridgaway, 21, of Mauriceville each received 10 years in prison after they broke into a Bridge City residence and stole a safe containing numerous pieces of expensive jewelry, coins, and credit cards. The safe also contained an undetermined amount of cash. Reeves lead his team of investigators to catch the thieves and bring them to justice.

Reeves’ former office is lined with boxes of cases yet to be solved, but he feels his replacement, Tommy Smith can definitely handle the job. Smith has been with the sheriff’s office for more than 10 years and Lieutenant of CID since 2006.

“Tommy is fully qualified and a hard worker,” Reeves said. “There will be no change in tempo in CID.”

Both have always shown a high level of professionalism and dedication to the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Mike White said in a press release issued Thursday. White added he looks forward to both men continuing their exemplary service to the citizens of Orange County.

        

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