Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office remembers fallen officers during annual Memorial Service
(Seguin) — When you are part of law enforcement, you and your family become a part of a family that has no jurisdictions. That was proven true for one local woman who recently was surprised with a visit by the Pearland Police Department – a visit that helped make the 49th anniversary of her husband’s death a bit more tolerable.
Surprised at this year’s Memorial Service observing National Law Enforcement Officer Week (May 15-21) at the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office was Lake McQueeney resident and businesswoman Kay Galyath.
Chad Rogers, an officer with the Pearland PD, says he is thankful to Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke for helping arrange the surprise and welcoming them to Seguin.
“Ms. Kay, her husband was killed in the line of duty 49 years ago on which would have been Monday (May 16), so we had some events going on in Brazoria County and we heard about this event up here in Guadalupe and the opportunity that the sheriff provided us to come up here and surprise her. It was something we couldn’t pass up. We wanted to be here to support her obviously through a time where there is a lot of memories and stuff that comes back – fresh on the brain even though it was such a long time ago. But what’s important is we reconnected with her about five or six years ago. We were working on a police memorial there at our police department and we started reaching out to officers’ families that had been lost in the line of duty and they got us in touch with Ms. Kay and we have established a relationship that has continued from that point. So, she is basically family and has adopted us so it’s nice to come up here and spend some time with her and enjoy this ceremony that the county put on today,” said Rogers.
After losing her husband, Officer James Howard Cassidy Jr,. in a motorcycle crash, Galyath made the move to Seguin in 1987 to not only restart her life but to begin her business Bullseye Motors in New Braunfels.
Galyath says she couldn’t believe that so much effort was put into making this time of year easier for her and her family. More importantly, she says it has continued her husband’s memory.
“Oh my gosh! It was overwhelming. I was surprised. I never thought this would happen. It’s wonderful. I appreciate it,” said Galyath. “I’m so proud. I can’t put it into words. I appreciate everybody.”
Privileged to call her a friend is Sheriff Zwicke. Zwicke says Galyath’s trust and respect for law enforcement are deeply appreciated.
“I met Ms. Kay actually when I first ran for Sheriff back in 2000. I met her at a fundraiser, and I got to know here and learned about her story about losing her husband. We remained friends ever since. We go out to eat when we can together. She’s an awesome lady. Anytime I mentioned something about law enforcement or the children’s advocacy center, she would show up with a check. She became friends to a lot of officers here,” said Zwicke.
The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office also recognized the passing of Bailiff Roy Overton who died as a result of contracting COVID-19 while assigned to the Guadalupe County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Court. Overton had served with the Guadalupe County Constable’s Office – Precinct 4 for the past 15 years.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the passing of K-9 Lorby who for years served as a crime-fighting tool in Guadalupe County.
Each of the members of the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court including Judge Kyle Kutscher were also on hand to recognize the daily sacrifices of the first responders who serve throughout the various law enforcement agencies in the county.
The memorial also marked the recognition of National Correctional Officer Week May1-7 and National Nurses’ Week May 6-12.