Former chief urges that Edward A. Thomas' name move with HPD to new headquarters; council expresses support
Summary
Retired HPD Chief Charles McClellan asked the council to transfer Senior Police Officer Edward A. Thomas' name from 1200 Travis to any new Houston Police Department headquarters, citing a city ordinance and Thomas' historic service. Council members said they support preserving Thomas' name and history and pledged to consider the request as the de
Retired Chief Charles McClellan addressed the council to request that Senior Police Officer Edward A. Thomas' name be carried forward when the Houston Police Department relocates from 1200 Travis to a new headquarters.
McClellan recounted Thomas' service, noting Thomas joined HPD in 1948 and endured segregation and explicit workplace discrimination while serving 63 years. McClellan said Thomas could not attend roll call with white counterparts, could not arrest white people, could not drink from the same water fountain and faced many Jim Crow‑era limits. McClellan said Thomas also served in World War II and later enjoyed a long career with HPD.
McClellan asked the council to “follow the city ordinance that says that any building that contained police headquarters must bear his name.” Council members including Ramirez, Evan Shabazz, Pollard and Kamen responded in support, thanked McClellan for the historical context and said they would give the request consideration.
Why it matters: The request asks city leaders to preserve institutional memory and honor the service of an African‑American officer whose career spanned eras of legal segregation and civil‑rights change.
Next steps: Council members expressed support and said they would consider the ordinance and the naming request as HPD's relocation proceeds.
