history in austin

In 2009, then Sergeant Bruce Friar, Sergeant Mary Hesalroad, and Officers Eric Cleveland and Steven McCormick, formed the LGPOA at a table in a Panera restaurant after Sergeant Hesalroad was denied a transfer to the police academy on the basis of her sexual orientation.

Although the person responsible for the act quickly retired, the discrimination demonstrated the need for such an organization to represent the LGBTQ+ members of the department and to educate, advocate, provide support and service within the department and in the community we serve.

From slow and humble beginnings, the organization grew under the leadership of Sergeant Michael Wilmore-Crumrine who continues to be the President of the Association since 2014. To date we continue to provide the service, education, and protection that we were founded to create; producing our It Gets Better video, ensuring the City of Austin has full healthcare benefits for transgender employees, and being the first in Texas to implement the Safe Place Initiative to combat hate crimes are examples of our commitment to our founding principles.

The LGPOA continues to fights for its members and our community with our innovative and inclusive initiatives. Our efforts in these areas were highlighted during our attendance at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals. Those efforts were rewarded by us having the honor of hosting the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference in 2025.

We are are all human. You are all loved. We share this world together.