State Rep. Joe Heflin (left) accepts the Sam D. Seale Award of Excellence during the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association’s annual conference in Fort Worth on March 26. Heflin, who represents Howard County in the Legislature, is a former Crosby County judge and member of the organization.(Courtesy photo)

Roberts County Judge Vernon Cook, president of the association, conferred the award during the General Session and noted that Heflin’s achievements during his freshman term in the Texas House of Representatives were very impressive.

Heflin, a former Crosby County judge and past member of the association, told the group much of his success in the Legislature was due to their continued help during the session. He urged all those present to stay in contact with their representatives and to be involved in the legislative process.

Further, Heflin thanked the association for bestowing upon him such a meaningful recognition stating that he was humbled and pleased by the honor because of his tremendous respect and admiration for the late Sam Seale. Association officials commented that Heflin is only the second person to receive the award, which recognizes outstanding service to the West Texas Association as exemplified by the late executive director of the TAC, Sam D. Seale.

Other awards Rep. Heflin has garnered for his work in the 80th Legislature include: 2007 Legislator of the Year by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, Distinguished Legislative Service Award for 2007 from the Texas Municipal League, Freshman of the Year by the House Democratic Caucus and Honorary Legislative Star by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

Heflin, who serves on the House Committee on County Affairs and the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, represents 16 counties: Hale, Floyd, Crosby, Terry, Lynn, Garza, Stonewall, Kent, Jones, Fisher, Borden, Howard, Glasscock, Sterling, Irion and Reagan.