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AUSTIN – To recognize the service and sacrifice made by Texas law enforcement personnel, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is offering the first-ever “Free Fishing for Law Enforcement Weekend” May 18-19 during National Police Week. This weekend, anyone who holds an active peace officer license under chapter 1701 of the Texas Occupations Code can fish recreationally in Texas public waters without needing a valid fishing license or endorsement.
“Free Fishing for Law Enforcement Weekend is a great way to honor the peace officers in our communities,” said Sen. Peter P. Flores, District 19. “These officers serve us every day; I commend Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to give back in this small but meaningful way. They, more than most, need some restful time outside fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. As a former career Texas Game Warden, I know all too well the burden that follows extensive time on duty. I encourage all folks in law enforcement to take advantage of this opportunity.”
“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proud to offer free fishing to law enforcement this weekend to show our appreciation and gratitude for everything they do to protect and serve the great state of Texas,” said Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director. “These selfless heroes, including our own Texas Game Wardens and State Park Police Officers, put their lives in harm’s way every day to protect our people, property and natural resources. This weekend we encourage them to spend some time outside enjoying fishing in the public waters and communities that they work so hard to protect.”
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
With more than 150 major lakes and reservoirs, 813 Community Fishing Lakes, 19 Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes, and 191,000 miles of rivers and streams, Texas offers a bounty of high-quality fishing opportunities and breathtaking scenery for law enforcement to explore this weekend. Fishing tips, bag & length limits, fishing locations and more can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/fishing.
Law enforcement personnel who don’t have the opportunity to enjoy “Free Fishing for Law Enforcement Weekend” May 18-19 don’t have to put their fishing rods away just yet, because Free Fishing Day in Texas is coming up on June 1, 2019. On the first Saturday in June of each year, everyone in the state can fish recreationally without licenses or endorsements. Free fishing opportunities can also be found at more than 70 state parks across Texas any day of the year.
