Paper: Houston Chronicle

Date: Sun 03/08/2009

Section: B Page: 1 Edition: 3 STAR R.O.

Wounded officer hailed as "go-to" guy

27-year veteran played vital role in HPD drug raids, supervisor says

SALTER: Squad's calm mentor

By DALE LEZON

No one is better at his job than Houston police officer Rick Salter, co-workers say.

A 27-year veteran of the force, Salter is the point man for an elite squad of undercover officers that specializes in narcotics investigations. He typically leads the squad through the door to confront sometimes well-armed and dangerous suspects.

"He's the go-to guy," said Sgt. John Yencha, the unit's supervisor.

Now, the 54-year-old is battling for his life after being shot in the face Thursday night when his squad tried to search a home in the 9300 block of East Avenue during a heroin investigation.

He remained in critical condition Saturday at Ben Taub General Hospital, officials said.

After Salter was fired at, other officers shot and killed the suspect, 29-year-old Wilfido Joel Alfaro.

Alfaro's relatives said the man was protecting his family because he thought the officers were burglars breaking into his house. Police found his 5-month-old and 5-year-old sons in the home uninjured after the incident.

But police say that Alfaro knew it was them entering his home. Squad members yelled they were police as they approached the house, tore down burglar bars and went inside. "POLICE" was printed on their shirts.

Also, Alfaro had security cameras set up outside the home and could watch the video images on his 55-inch television. They said Alfaro could have seen the officers approaching.

Salter was wounded immediately after entering.

Despite the dangers of his job, the only place Salter wants to be is in front, Yencha said. He's led thousands of entries during his career.

Salter - also a skilled pilot and devoted family man - stays calm under pressure, colleagues said.

"It takes a special type of guy," said Gary Blankinship, Salter's friend and president of the Houston Police Officers' Union.

Because of Salter's experience, other squads, including the one he was leading Thursday, often asked for his help. They know he has a keen eye for spotting hazards.

"We've developed a reputation for being fast and safe," Yencha said. "Rick is one of the reasons why."

After nearly 30 years on the force, some officers want to work behind a desk, but Salter never has, Yencha said. He said Salter likes the camaraderie, stays in great physical shape and remains quick on his feet.

He also mentors younger squad members, diligently discussing tactics with the team before and after operations to help them improve.

Salter is the squad's "mother hen," always thinking about fellow officers' safety before his own, Yencha said.

"He has often said, ‘I don't want to get anyone hurt doing this,'?" said Yencha, who graduated with Salter from the Houston Police Academy in 1982. Thursday marked the anniversary of their graduation.

After the shooting, dozens of officers kept vigil for Salter at the hospital. Along with Mayor Bill White, they hope for the best.

"We're looking forward," Yencha said, "to having him back in front of our team again."

dale.lezon@chron.com

 

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