On Thursday, District Court Bailiff Ron Byers received a Proclamation from the Lamar County Commissioners’ Court honoring him for his 27-years of service with the County Courts as he prepares for retirement on Apr. 24.
“It’s very bittersweet,” said Byers. “All the officers in Lamar County as well as the staff at the courthouse; they are my second family. I wish the best of luck to all my law enforcement family and if they ever need me, I mean this from the bottom of my heart, I am just a phone call away. I’d do anything for them.”
While Byers served at the courthouse for 27-years, his service in law enforcement spans almost 40-years. Byers began his career in law enforcement as a reserve officer with the Paris Police Department in 1981. Hired under then-Chief Charles Whitley, he continued to pursue full accreditation and graduated from the East Texas Police Academy in Sulphur Springs in 1982.
Byers helped pave the way for the generations to come with local law enforcement offices. He was a member of the first SWAT team, the first K-9 officer with the Drug and Dog Patrol Division, as well as part of the first Honor Guard.
Throughout his career, Byers continued to strive to be at the forefront of serving his community. From the Paris Police Department to the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, then eventually transferring to the District Judges office where he served as the District Bailiff for seven judges.
“Ron has been a dedicated and accomplished employee while serving in Lamar County, professionally performing each and every duty with honor and virtue,” said Lamar County Judge Brandon Bell. “His efforts and skills have been significant in upholding the integrity of the county.”
Upon his official retirement, the Commissioners’ Court and his colleagues expressed their deep appreciation of Byers’s work ethic and devotion to his long career.
“Ron Byers has given himself for the benefit of us all,” said the Lamar County District Courts in a statement. “He will be missed and we hope his retirement is everything he deserves.”
Now, as he looks to the next chapter, Byers said he is looking forward to enjoying more time with his family. A family who includes his wife of 39-years Allison as well as their three children, Courtney, Happy and Kristopher, and one granddaughter Sophie with his second grandchild due in August.
With a passion for grilling, Byers, who is known to make some of the best BBQ in Lamar County, said he also wants to enter more BBQ cook-off competitions.
Inspiring more than just a few people, his long and lustrous career in law enforcement is set to come to an end on Apr. 24. Byers successfully and graciously served Lamar County and its citizens for four decades, leaving an everlasting mark of professionalism and inspiration for the generations to come.
