By Matt Smith/msmith@trcle.com
Cleburne police officers and firefighters, joined by several Cleburne residents and business owners, plan to spend this holiday season giving back to express their appreciation for a fallen Cleburne police officer.
On Aug. 7, officer David Hogan was killed in a traffic accident incurred on his way home from work.
At the time, Hogan was in the middle of remodeling a “fixer-upper” home he had purchased in Hico.
Cleburne police officers, firefighters and others are now working to complete that project.
Hogan bought the 50-year-old farm house about seven years ago, said Shane Wickson, a Cleburne police officer who also serves as president of the Cleburne Police Officer’s Association.
Wickson said he believes the home used to belong to Hogan’s uncle.
Cleburne officers visited the home after Hogan’s death to see what they could do to help out.
“[Cpl. Chuck] Bond and Hogan were best friends and had helped each other work on each other’s house,” Wickson said. “Bond said one thing that has to happen for [Hogan’s wife Tracy] is that we have to get that house done.”
Hogan had recently gutted his son’s bedroom down to bare studs and flooring, Wickson said.
Police initially planned to finish that bedroom and a bathroom.
Realizing that more needed to be done, the project snowballed from two rooms to a complete home makeover, Wickson said.
Cleburne police officers and firefighters jumped at the chance to honor Hogan’s memory and help his family, Wickson said. Work on the house began last week and should continue through December.
“Everyone that can help from the police and fire department has been out here,” Wickson said. “Chief [Terry Powell] has been real helpful, letting some people off when we can spare them.
“Yesterday we demo’ed the roof and sides, knocked off an old chimney. We’re going to concentrate on the exterior first, then the interior. Today we’re going to try to get as much done on roofing and siding if the rain will stay off us.”
Several area businesses and residents pitched in as well with donations of time, labor and materials.
Craig Nunn, a former Cleburne City Council candidate and owner of Renaissance Remodeling Company volunteered to serve as general contractor of the project when he heard about it, Wickson said.
“I just wanted to help when I heard about the need,” Nunn said. “I think we all felt a duty to step up to the plate and help the Hogan family to finish this so his family will have a good, comfortable home.”
Others helping out are James Hardie Building Products, Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse of Cleburne, Home Depot, Triple J Concrete and Triple J Roofing, CMS General Contracting, Prestige Plumbing and David Burrow Construction.
“I usually do Christmas In Action,” said Chris Martinez, owner of Prestige Plumbing. “A buddy of mine has Cox’s Diesel and Automotive Shop in Cleburne. They’re doing a project helping [the Cleburne Police Officer’s Association] fix up bicycles for kids. I heard him talking about this project and wanted to help out.”
David Burrow, owner of David Burrow Construction, said he read about the project in the Times-Review.
“I’ve been in Cleburne all my life, and my company right now is me and my tools, so I’m trying to get things going and have plenty of time,” Burrow said. “I figured this would be a good time to help out while I have the chance. There’s a lot of work to be done out there.”
Once roofing and siding work is completed, volunteers will paint the home then begin on the inside, Wickson said.
To donate to or help with the project, e-mail the Cleburne Police Officer’s Association at cleburnepoa@gmail.com.
