Winter 2016
Whether he was taking a bite out of crime with mascot McGruff, ceremonially cutting a ribbon, aiding the Red Cross, volunteering with a community choir, selling programs for the Booster Club, hosting a cable television program, chairing the YMCA, sitting on the City Council or walking a little dog named Scoobie, Steve Pierson has dedicated his life to serving the Katy community. Over the last three decades, he has been deeply invested in bettering local life in every possible, active way. “My service in the community has been very rewarding, and I look forward to continuing,” he says.
Sheriff Duty
Pierson became a sheriff for Harris County in 1977, the third-largest department in the United States, ensuring the safety of over four million residents. He believes in developing in his role and gained certifications as master peace officer, master jail proficient, and police instructor.
Appointed as the sole Crime Prevention Practitioner for the entire county, he worked closely with the Katy Police Department. Still, Pierson likely had his biggest outreach to youngsters in his instrumental role bringing McGruff the Crime Dog to the area. Additionally, he hosted a crime prevention cable television program that aired for over three years.
City Council Positions
Pierson moved to the City of Katy in 1998 and became more involved outside the Sherriff’s Department, from which he retired as a sergeant in 2005. He ran for City Council and represented Ward B for six years, exhausting the term limit. He then was appointed to serve on the Board of Adjustment, Katy Development Authority, and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. He also represents the City of Katy on the Board of Governors with the Economic Development Council.
After serving in several capacities, including Mayor Pro Tem from 2007 to 2008, Pierson is a City of Katy councilmember. He has a passion for Katy. “When you can make an impact in the community, and you know that what you are doing is making a difference in peoples’ lives,” he says, “it is a blessing for both.”
Pierson is a longtime area resident and has watched the area blossom. “While on patrol on in the West District, I remember when Fry and Mason Roads were dead end roads and actually part of Cinco Ranch.” He cites the Katy ISD as a fine example of the quality, controlled growth to which Mayor Fabol Hughes and the City Council aspire.
Currently, Pierson is Board Chair of the Katy Family YMCA and sincerely engaged. He headed the Annual Campaign as well as ran in the last Turkey Dash—their biggest money-raising event. Members credit his dynamic leadership for its financial success. Pierson is also a member of the Capital Campaign and Board Development.
Supporting People
During his 38 years of public service, Pierson is most honored to have led as disaster action team captain for the Red Cross and the Special Olympics Torch Run. Supporting people is both his privilege and responsibility. Pierson’s faith is also longstanding, serving as deacon of First Baptist Church of Katy, and the joy has returned to him. “I married Cynthia, a wonderful, godly lady last year, and I have been highly blessed,” he says. The couple volunteers at Kingsland Baptist Church and with the community choir as part of Bob Bryant’s Katy Jazz Band, honoring the U.S. and the nation’s military.
They attend Christian concerts and birdwatch in quiet moments. They love Katy for its positive growth, especially the master planned community of Cane Island, which brings diversity. Pierson is devoted and says, “I am blessed to serve the citizens of Katy, and my service is in honor of God.” KM
Gail G. Collins writes internationally for magazines and has co-edited two books on expatriate life creating charity revenue streams.
Steve’s Awards & Recognition
- Deputy of the Week
- Texas Crime Prevention Officer of the Year
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Lifetime Committee Member
- Houston 100 Club Officer of the Year
- Honor Guard Member of the Year
- Lifetime Member of the Houston 100 Club