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April 9, 2004

Dear Kevin,

I want to take the time to give thanks to TMPA and especially TMPA attorney David Sloan for the Amicus Brief filed with the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas, Texas on behalf of the suit styled Stanley Gaines, Jim Gilliand, and Sonia Avina vs. Dallas County. (written by David Sloan)

In 2001, an unscrupulous constable terminated without cause four veteran deputies. According to the discovery stage in my case, Gilliand was terminated because he wanted to "work vice and prostitution in the Oak Lawn area" of Dallas. The Oak Lawn area of Dallas is a predominately gay and lesbian community. Constable Mike Dupree is an admitted homosexual. Within the past year, Mr. Dupree has been on local television stations announcing his ability to arrest prostitutes in the Oak Lawn area.

At the time when the proverbial stuff hit the fan, I was a member of The Dallas Police Patrolman's Union. Within the first few days of our termination, Stanley Gaines (deceased) and myself sought the on board attorney with the Dallas Police Patrolman's Union. This effort turned out to be non productive for those involved. As a result the Dallas County Commissioner's Court dug in deep and fought with all their recourses. As a result the law firm of Bellinger & DeWolf was retained to fight this case. Attorney Steve DeWolf is in the same league with Gorsky, Sloan, and other TMPA attorneys as far as court room antics go. An attorney can only do so much when it comes to unscrupulous, capricious, obstinate commissioners. The commissioners have vowed to fight this case in support of their
constable regardless.

Since my termination with Dallas County Constable Precinct Six (now precinct five), I have not been successful in obtaining employment with any agency. I have only been able to secure a position as a non- paid officer with an ISD. As a result, I have lost everything financed and ruined my credit rating due to the lack of ability to pay financial obligations.

Because of what TMPA attorney David Sloan has done, I will be forever grateful. I feel his brief helped tremendously in securing our victory in the Fifth Court of Appeals. Currently, this case is waiting on the Texas Supreme Court's opinion. I have taken great comfort in reading the excerpts and letters written by fellow officers. The last article listed in the editorial section is right on target. Civil Service protection is the ace card in this suit. As soon as I gain employment and receive a regular paycheck, I will extend that gratitude by joining TMPA and becoming active in their agendas!

Sincerely,

Jim Gilliand