DETCOG stands for the Deep East Texas Council of Governments. DETCOG is one of 24 state planning regions for the state of Texas. DETCOG consists of 12 deep East Texas Counties that work toward combining resources to help its citizens. Ultimately, the mission of DETCOG is to improve quality of life for the citizens of its counties. The DETCOG mission satement is:
By combining the resources of local government the Deep East Texas Council of Governments provides a window of opportunity for helping citizens improve their quality of life.
When hurricanes Rita and Ike made their unwelcomed visits to East Texas, DETCOG was instrumental in coordinating relief efforts and providing resources to help the people of East Texas get back on their feet in the wake of devastation of homes, cars, businesses, and infrastructure.
On November 23, DETCOG held their monthly meeting at Camp Cho Yeh in Livingston. Executive director Walter Diggles was on hand as well as other DETCOG representatives from all over East Texas. Community leaders from Polk County had strong showing as DETCOG met to further seek to improve their services to East Texas citizens.
Click this image to hear DETCOG Executive Director Walter Diggles explain DETCOG.
Commissionore Ronnie Vincent (left) County Judge John Thompson (Center) and Commissioner Tommy Overstreet help prepare lunch for the gathering.
Ken Hambrick (left) and Pct. 1 Commissioner Bob Willis.
State Representative John Otto addresses the meeting.
Representative John Otto
Livingston City Councilman Billy Wiggins (left).
(left to right) District Clerk Kathy Clifton, County Treasurer Nola Reneau, County Clerk Schelana Walker
Polk County Fire Marshal Jay Barbee
Local DETCOG Rep Johnny McDowell (left) and retired Texas Ranger Don Morris.
Judge Elizabeth Coker and Commissioner Bob Willis.
Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Shine
Polk County Criminal District Attorney William Lee Hon
Livingston/Polk County Chamber of Commerce President Sydney Murphy (left) and Judge Thompson.
Sheriff Hammack is served by Judge Thompson and Commissioner Overstreet.
City of Livingston Police Chief Dennis Clifton
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Your name will be listed with your comment when it's posted in the Letters to the editor.
