Legislative Services

Jefferson County Pct. 2 Constable Chris Bates, current President of the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas, was named the 2023 U.S. Constable of the Year by the National Constables and Marshals Association at its 50th annual conference in Biloxi, Mississippi.

"I was left speechless when NCMA President Council Nedd and Vice President Rowdy Hayden presented me with the award," Bates said in a statement. "I am truly honored to represent all 50 states by receiving such a prestigious recognition! I'm equally honored to represent Jefferson County and my hometown Port Arthur."

In addition to this noteworthy achievement, Bates has also received the key to the city of Port Arthur, and the city proclaimed Sept. 26, 2023, as Christopher Bates Day to honor his outstanding dedication to the community.

Bates is an alumnus of the Texas Association of Counties' Leadership 254 program as well as an active member of TAC's Core Legislative Group. To learn more about Constable Bates, please visit TAC's Texas County Voice podcast. He sat down with Legislative Consultant Kelsey Bernstein to talk about his background and future goals for his association.

For more information about this article, please contact Kelsey Bernstein.