Monday, April 29, 2024
County Judge Ron Massingill and his wife Brenda proudly hold the Distinguished Benefactor award from the Texas Ranger Association Foundation presented during their recent annual elk chili lunch for first responders. They are surrounded by current and former Texas Rangers. From left, Johnny Waldrip, Tony Bradford, George Turner (burgundy shirt), Danny Briley (next to Brenda), and B.J. Hill on the far right. COURTESY: RON MASSINGILL
County Judge Ron Massingill and his wife Brenda proudly display the award from the Texas Ranger Association Foundation. COURTESY: RON MASSINGILL
County Judge Ron Massingill has long had a reputation for being a big supporter of law enforcement, and now he has a big award to prove it.
At the recent annual elk chili cookout that he and his wife Brenda host at their ranch for first responders, Massingill was presented a Distinguished Benefactor award from the Texas Ranger Association Foundation.
Massingill said that the award is for a pledge of $10,000 to the organization that he paid in installments over a period of several years.
The county judge related that he phoned a staffer at the foundation to find out how much remained of his pledge and to say that he would send a check for the final payment. He said that he joked with her, eliciting laughter, when he said that he wanted something like “the Magna Carta with a lot of gold seals” to commemorate fulfillment of the pledge.
He received something that is perhaps equally impressive. The Distinguished Benefactor award is made of stainless steel and is of considerable size.
“It’s heavy and beautiful and impressive,” Massingill said.
Texas Rangers are among first responders who are invited to the Massingill ranch for the annual come-and-go elk chili lunch that will mark its 20th year in 2024. Other attendees include deputies, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, office staffers, and others. “Everybody that helps with the administration of justice,” Massingill said.
He stated that Brian Booth of Hired Gun Chuckwagon Events makes the chili for free as a way to give back to the community, and Brenda along with Pam Sandlin and Sherry Templeton prepare blueberry, cherry, and apple cobblers.
“It’s a huge undertaking,” he said.
Massingill has a special affection for the Texas Rangers, created unofficially by Stephen F. Austin in a call-to-arms written 200 years ago, in 1823.
“I just love the Rangers,” Massingill said. “Brenda and I love having the Rangers at the ranch for special training events which we have hosted for many years. This is the greatest group of dedicated individuals who deserve our respect and gratitude and we assist whenever possible.”
