Wally Wieghat, the esteemed police chief of Splendora, was honored with a surprise party on Monday, April 8, commemorating his remarkable 50-year career in law enforcement.
Hailing from Huffman, Texas, Wieghat’s journey in law enforcement started shortly after his high school graduation. Faced with the decision of pursuing a military career or joining law enforcement, Wieghat’s desire to start a family and stay close to home led him to opt for a career in law enforcement.
He embarked on this path by enrolling in the inaugural year of the Texas A&M Law Enforcement Academy in Houston. Despite enduring the rigors of working during the day and attending night classes for weeks, Wieghat successfully completed his training and began his professional journey as a warrant officer for the Harris County Pct. 1 Constable’s Office, under the leadership of then-Constable Walter Rankin.
Wieghat transitioned to the Harris County Pct. 3 Constable’s Office under then-Constable James Douglas, where he was stationed in Crosby, Highlands, and Barrett Station. Following this, he made a move to the Harris County Pct. 5 Constable’s Office to join a motorcycle division, although his aspirations extended further as he pursued additional courses to rise in the ranks.
Wieghat’s first of three terms as the police chief of Splendora happened unexpectedly. Remembering the moment, Wieghat said, “Don Ipes was the mayor of Splendora at the time and they ended up picking me to be their chief. That started my first term as Splendora police chief.”
During his initial stint, Wieghat advocated for medical benefits and retirement plans for officers in Splendora. However, unable to make progress in this request, he returned to Harris County to pursue new opportunities.
In 1982, he started what would be a 27-year tenure with the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office under the leadership of Constables Dick Moore, Ron Hickman, and Mark Herman. Post-retirement, he ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing the Trinity Gun Range in Cleveland, Texas. His transition to retired life was short-lived, as the allure of law enforcement beckoned him back to Splendora for a third time and thanks to the efforts of Splendora Mayor Dorothy Welch.
Reflecting on his decision, Wieghat revealed, “I told them I would come back but they were going to have to open up the checkbook and make some changes. Their equipment was terrible, their radios were worn out and they needed a new police department. I ended up designing a new police department, and they agreed to build it.”
Wieghat remains resolute in his commitment to law enforcement.
“A lot of people I know who have retired died shortly after. I am too scared to retire,” he said with a chuckle.
Wieghat acknowledged the support of his family, particularly expressing gratitude to his wife Laurie and son Jack. His son’s instrumental role in managing the gun range has provided Wieghat with the opportunity to continue serving the community of Splendora.
“Thanks to Jack and his hard work, I am able to be police chief. I let him run the gun range. He is the mastermind behind making it work. He and Jamie are a great team and do a fantastic job of making it work,” he said.
That’s a long time to have been committing highway robbery on the side of hwy 59
Ignorance.
Congratulations Wally.
Judy Broussard
Jack is right, but they always get away with it. Highway men