In a gesture that honored nearly half a century of public service, Texas Governor Greg Abbott paid tribute to Live Oak County Sheriff Larry Busby, recognizing his remarkable 44-year career in law enforcement during a special ceremony in Goliad.
Sheriff Busby, widely acknowledged as the longest-serving active sheriff in Texas, received the recognition at a Coastal Bend Peace Officers Association event that drew law enforcement officials from across the region, including CBPOA Second Vice President Roy Boyd.
“Law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal level do everything in their power to keep our state safe and enforce law and order,” Governor Abbott stated during the ceremony. “I thank our law enforcement officers — and especially Sheriff Busby — for their work to protect Texans. Tools and strategies have changed over the years; what has not changed is Sheriff Busby’s commitment to protect the people he serves.”
Four Decades of Dedication
What does it take to serve a community for more than four decades? For Busby, it’s been a career marked by adaptation and unwavering commitment to public safety, qualities that haven’t gone unnoticed by state leadership.
The governor made a special trip to Goliad for the occasion, underscoring the significance of Busby’s tenure. Local media covered the event, highlighting the sheriff’s distinction as Texas’s longest-serving active sheriff.
During his address, Abbott took the opportunity to emphasize broader law enforcement initiatives, including Operation Lone Star, which has been a cornerstone of his administration’s border security strategy. The governor noted the success of this and other public safety programs designed to protect Texas communities.
But the day belonged to Sheriff Busby. His career spans more than four decades of dramatic changes in law enforcement technology, tactics, and challenges.
Continued Support for Law Enforcement
Abbott’s appearance wasn’t just about honoring a single career—it represented part of his ongoing pledge to stand behind Texas law enforcement. The governor reaffirmed his position as a “staunch defender of law enforcement officers and first responders” during his remarks.
“I thank him for his 44 years of service to our great state,” Abbott said of Busby, encapsulating the sentiment of the gathering.
The Coastal Bend Peace Officers Association event brought together law enforcement professionals from various jurisdictions, creating a moment of solidarity in a profession that has faced increasing scrutiny and challenges in recent years.
As Sheriff Busby accepted the recognition for his decades of service, the ceremony stood as a reminder that behind the badges and uniforms are careers that sometimes span generations—careers that, in Busby’s case, have weathered nearly half a century of evolving public safety challenges while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the communities they serve.
