ABOUT
Communities across the United States, including Galveston, Texas, face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers. These issues are multi-faceted and often interconnected, creating a complex problem for police departments. While many of these challenges are national, Galveston faces some unique aspects:
- Island Community Dynamics: Being an island community might present specific logistical or social challenges for officers, such as finding affordable housing or integrating into the local social fabric, which could impact retention.
- Tourism Impact: Galveston’s significant tourism industry likely means a high volume of calls for service, a diverse population to interact with, and potential for unique crime patterns, all of which add to the demands on the police force.
- Regional Competition: Galveston competes for officers with larger police departments in the Greater Houston area (e.g., Houston PD, Harris County Sheriff’s Office) and other growing communities in Texas, many of whom may offer more competitive salaries and benefits. The fact that officers are leaving Galveston for other Texas agencies, sometimes just weeks after graduating from the academy, highlights this regional competition.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including competitive compensation and benefits, robust recruitment campaigns that highlight the positive aspects of policing, streamlined hiring processes, strong internal support and wellness programs, and active efforts to build positive community relationships. Once retained, supporting law enforcement with training opportunities and state-of-the-art tactical equipment is tantamount to making sure that the Galveston Police Department remains an attractive and competitive environment in which to work.
The Galveston Community Police Foundation (GCPF), in partnership with the citizens, businesses and other philanthropic organizations of Galveston, helps the Galveston Police Department (GPD) to recruit officers to Galveston Island and develop innovative programs that make Galveston a safer place to live, work and visit. GCPF was established in 2024 by members of the community as an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the GPD, promoting public safety and enhancing the department’s community relations. Our role is to invest in the GPD by responding to needs that may exceed the limits of the city budget or by supporting initiatives that are unique and immediate in scope.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Purvez Captain, President
Purvez Captain, a retired partner, was the global leader of energy transfer pricing at EY. In this capacity, he directed both the strategic direction and operational execution of transfer pricing and economics within the global energy sector. His expertise in economics, transfer pricing, and supply chain optimization rendered him a foremost authority in his field. Prior to this role, Dr. Captain served as America’s transfer pricing leader at EY from 2010 to 2018, where he significantly contributed to shaping the firm’s transfer pricing strategies across the Americas. Purvez takes great pride in having earned the trust of his clients for nearly three decades, maintaining and growing relationships through his exceptional expertise and dedication.
Purvez’s academic background provided the foundation for his professional success. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (1993) and a Master’s Degree in Economics (1992) from Rice University in Houston. He completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The College of Wooster in 1988, following his education at La Martiniere College and Don Bosco in Calcutta, India.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Purvez leads an active personal life, engaging in activities such as playing pickleball, biking, animal rescue work, and traveling with his wife. He serves as the President of Pirates Property Owners Association, Vice President of the V&W Board at Rice University, a member of the RISE Council at Rice University, and as a consultant to the City of Houston on animal welfare issues. He is also passionate about the Galveston Police Department and is dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and training officers to enhance the safety of Galveston.
Karla Blaine, Treasurer
Karla is a passionate full-time resident of Galveston, a Founding Board member and current Treasurer for the Galveston Community Police Foundation, demonstrating her strong support for the Galveston Police Department and local law enforcement.
Her commitment to community safety extends to her role as a current Board member for Galveston County Crime Stoppers, and she is an active member and past Treasurer for the Galveston Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, having graduated from Class #62 of the Citizens Police Academy.
Karla’s dedication to service began early in her career as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, serving aboard the USNS Mercy during Operation Desert Storm. She is a retired RN/BSN and a proud UT alumna. Beyond her extensive professional and community service, Karla is a devoted supporter of the Galveston Humane Society and a proud pet lover and dog owner.
Linda Strevell, Secretary
Linda Strevell is the Board Secretary for the Galveston Community Police Foundation and Senior Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police. Her commitment to public safety also extends to her roles as Board Secretary for Galveston County Crime Stoppers and a member of the Galveston College Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Committee. She additionally serves on the Boys & Girls Club Community Council.
A proactive community member, Linda is an alumna of the Galveston Police Department Citizens Academy & Alumni Assn., the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, and the FBI Citizens Academy – Houston Field Office/Texas City Resident Agency & Alumni Assn.
Her extensive background includes prior experience as Director of Operations for the Houston Convention & Visitors Council and Assistant to the Chairman of the Board for a Fortune 500 Company. Linda’s diverse expertise and dedication make her an invaluable asset to Galveston.
Gerald Bereznay
Gerald Bereznay was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio and attended the University of Dayton from where In 1977 he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. After several years with Arthur Andersen, Mr. Bereznay worked for Towner Petroleum as its Tax Manager and then Tax Director, moving to Texas upon the Company’s relocation to Houston. Due to various company mergers and acquisitions Mr. Bereznay saw employment as a Tax Manager/Director with Sonat Exploration, El Paso, Petrohawk Energy and Halcon Resources ultimately retiring from Battalion Oil Corporation. During this portion of his career, he was responsible for tax compliance, financial reporting of income taxes, tax audits and examinations by both Federal and State tax authorities, tax planning and other duties. Over the course of his professional career, he was a member of tax committees for several oil and gas organizations.
With Mr. Bereznay now retired, in his free time he assists taxpayers in setting up tax exempt entities and provides oil and gas tax consulting services, not letting that get in the way of spending time with his wife and daughter. Mr. Bereznay now holds leadership positions on the Board of Directors of the Strand Lofts Condominium Association and Krewe Babalu.
Jim Marvin
James W. Marvin (Jim) earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Siena College in Loudonville, NY in 1981. He worked for 23 years in the oil and gas industry as Senior Vice President and Branch Manager for TPICAP in New York City and Houston. Before that, he was involved in software sales, specializing in electronic trading and systems development.
Having retired in 2023, Jim is now engaged in community service. He has joined Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart as a Golf Coach and volunteers for the Houston First Tee organization. He is a member of BraeBurn Country Club and Galveston Country Club, where he participates as a competitive golfer and serves on various committees, including the BraeBurn Men’s Golf Association as President. He was recently appointed to the Board of Advisors at Siena College and previously served as Chairman of the Westfield NJ Recreation Commission for 10 years before moving to Houston.
Since 2018, Jim and his wife Montie have owned a home in Pirates Beach in Galveston. They are also members of St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Houston, where they participate in the Marriage Preparation Ministry, assisting couples as they prepare for a Catholic/Christian marriage.
Magen Moore Ortiz
Magen Moore Ortiz is a lifelong Galvestonian and the CEO of Harbor Offshore Marine, a maritime transportation company serving the Gulf Coast. With deep experience in both business and law, she leads operations that help fuel the region’s economy while remaining firmly committed to the people and community that make Galveston home.
Magen is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and earned her law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. Her legal and business careers have spanned maritime operations, energy, real estate, and corporate strategy, giving her a unique perspective on the intersection of commerce, infrastructure, and community development.
A passionate advocate for her hometown, Magen currently serves on the boards of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce and Galveston Island Meals on Wheels, where she supports initiatives focused on economic growth, social services, and civic engagement.
Above all, Magen is the proud mom of two strong, smart teenage daughters who keep her on her toes and remind her daily of the kind of future worth building. Her commitment to Galveston’s next generation, and to those who protect and serve it, is what drives her support for the Galveston Community Police Foundation.
Marie Robb
Marie Robb currently serves as Galveston’s Mayor Pro Tem and City Council women for District 6. She is running for Mayor in May 2026. Born in Philadelphia, she came to Texas via corporate promotion by a Houston based company. As a beach girl, she picked Galveston as her full-time home almost 30 years ago. In her corporate life, Marie spent over 23 years as a GM, National Director of Sales and a VP for major national healthcare corporations. She held ownership in her last two healthcare companies and following the sale of those companies, Marie started and ran two successful companies on the island before retiring to work full time for free for her constituents. Following her personal life, Marie has been married to Chris Robb for 15 years, together they have raised 2 sons and currently have 2 grandsons.
Captain Destin Sims, Galveston Police Department Liasion
A true “BOI” (Born on the Island), Captain Destin Sims is a third-generation Galveston native, deeply rooted in the community where he was born and raised. After graduating from Ball High, he pursued a strong academic path, earning an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Galveston College and a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Sociology from Penn State University. His commitment to professional development continued with the completion of the Certified Public Manager Program through Sam Houston State University in May 2016.
Captain Sims is a Master Peace Officer with an impressive career spanning over 27 years in law enforcement. Nearly 25 of those years have been dedicated to serving the Galveston Police Department, where he currently holds the position of Support Services Bureau Captain.
Outside of his distinguished career, Captain Sims is a devoted family man. He is married to Concetta Maceo-Sims, and together they have five children aged 29, 22, 16, 3, and 2. His faith is also a cornerstone of his life, as he is very active with his church, currently serving in a leadership role. When he’s not working or with his family, Captain Sims enjoys traveling, backpacking, exercising, and relaxing, preferably outdoors.
The Galveston Police Department
The Galveston Police Department (GPD) is dedicated to fostering a safe and secure environment for the residents and visitors of Galveston, Texas, an historic island city on the Gulf Coast. Under the leadership of Chief of Police Doug Balli, the GPD is committed to upholding the law, preserving peace, and building strong community relationships.
Comprised of 145 officers and 35 civilian staff, the GPD stands as a vital force for public safety on Galveston Island. The department operates across three divisions – the Support Services Bureau, the Investigative Services Bureau and the Administrative Bureau, which oversees the Office of Professional Standards, ensuring the highest ethical conduct and professionalism.
Beyond traditional law enforcement, the GPD actively engages with the community through a variety of outreach programs designed to foster trust and collaboration. These initiatives include the Citizens Police Academy, offering residents an inside look at departmental operations, as well as programs like the Galveston Police Explorers, which introduces local youth to careers in law enforcement while instilling valuable life skills. The department also participates in community events like National Night Out and provides important safety tips, particularly during holidays.
With a rich history intertwined with Galveston’s vibrant past, the Galveston Police Department continues to evolve, embracing modern policing practices while remaining deeply connected to the unique needs and spirit of its island home.
The Galveston Community Police Foundation does not handle any law enforcement matters. For any law enforcement questions or concerns, please call Galveston Police Department non-emergency number at 409-765-3702.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.