It is truly an honor to serve as the newly elected President of the Homicide Investigators of Texas. Having attended this conference for many years, this organization means a great deal to me, and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the outstanding leaders who have served before me.

I would like to begin by recognizing the exceptional work of our Board, Committee members, and Training Coordinators. Their dedication and commitment continue to make our annual conference one of the premier training opportunities for homicide investigators. The success of the 2026 conference is a direct reflection of their hard work, and I extend my sincere appreciation to each of them.

I also want to thank our members and the departments that support them. Your continued participation and commitment to professional development are what make this organization strong. The growth in attendance and vendor participation is a testament to the value of what we are building together.

As we look ahead, our focus will remain on continuing to grow our membership while maintaining the high standard of training that our attendees have come to expect. We are committed to providing relevant, high-quality instruction while keeping costs as reasonable as possible. Planning is already underway for the 2027 conference, and we look forward to building on the success of previous years.

Additionally, we will continue to support the next generation through our scholarship program, encouraging eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.

Serving this organization is a responsibility I take seriously, and I look forward to working alongside each of you as we continue to strengthen the Homicide Investigators of Texas.

Rusty Stillwagoner
President
Homicide Investigators of Texas