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Houston Police Department Retired Sgt. John G. Pohlman Obituary Retired Houston Police Department Sgt. John G. Pohlman "Mijo" passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2020 at the age of 77. John was a first-generation Houstonian who grew up in the East End Barrio known as Magnolia Park. He earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown and graduated summa cum laude in both. John joined the police academy in 1968, Class #37, he was the "last man standing" in the police department from his academy class before he retired in 2017. John proudly served in the Houston Police Department for 49 years, his last assignment being as a Division Level IAD investigator in the Narcotics Division. He was #1 in departmental seniority and was certified as a Bi-Lingual Officer (Spanish). John served in numerous positions within the Houston Police Department. As a police officer in Radio Patrol, in addition to answering calls for service, John worked as a criminal investigator taking crime scene photos and fingerprints. While working in the Radio Patrol Division he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1973. John was an original member of the first Uniform Tactical Unit as both a patrolman and a Sergeant. John transferred to the Narcotics Division in 1975. In 1976, John was the first Narcotics Division Survival School Firearms Instructor. The survival school was the first to be conducted within the Houston Police Department by John and Sergeant Frank Miller. An additional school like it was later added to patrol tactics by Connaly and Bratten at the Houston Police Academy, after they attended their survival school. Both schools received acclaim throughout the country, largely credited to John and Frank's contributions. John co-developed the "Rolling Surveillance" manual for the Houston Police Narcotics Division and later used by the Houston Police Academy. John was a member of the department's Conventional and Pistol Teams, Police Pistol Combat (PPC) Team, and shot IPSC Competition. John saw the need for practical training for narcotic officers he founded the IPSC Pistol Shooting Competition. He competed in pistol matches for over 20 years. He formed the first Narcotics High Risk Arrest Team, serving as a supervisor in the first combined US Customs, IRS and HPD Money Laundering Initiative. In John's spare time he also earned a Black Belt rank of Shodan in judo as practiced by Jigaro Kano in the Kodokan in 1977. John was well respected and admired by many of his fellow officers and former colleagues as the epitome of what it means to be a police officer a cop's cop. During his illustrious career with the Houston Police Department he received over 100 commendations by sacrificing his wellbeing for the protection of others. His love of service to the community earned him many recognitions and awards for his outstanding leadership, mentorship, and commitment. John unselfishly gave back to the community he loved and served. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend. JOHN 15:13" John was a devoted husband to his loving wife of 30 years, Lenora "Mija". He was a father-like figure, mentor, and true friend to many. He knew no stranger, had a calming, enchanting smile, and disposition that many of his family and friends will greatly miss. John was predeceased by his son, Jason Pohlman, sister Billie Jo Durbin and survived by his wife Lenora Sorola-Pohlman; daughter Robbin Pohlman; sister Patsy Medaris; grandchildren, Greg, Austen, Wren and Jonathan; great-grandchildren Kathrine and Max; godchildren Daniella, Michelle, Lucia, Sophia, Rachel, Liliana and Jonathan and many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the care and compassionate support they received from the doctors, nurses, and staff of St. Luke Hospital throughout this life transition. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Morales Funeral Home 2901 Canal St, Houston, TX and Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 2405 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. followed with an immediate internment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made by check payable to "Assist the Officer Foundation" in John's honor and placed in a basket at the services or mailed to the Morales Funeral Home. For the safety of all guests, gatherings at our facility will be limited to 60 family members and guests. Individuals at increased risk, sick or not feeling well should not attend the service. Please visit https://www.moralesfuneralhome.com/covid-19-updates/ of COVID-19 updates and regulations. All services are under the care of Morales Funeral Home. For any questions or concerns regarding the services for John Pohlman, please contact Morales Funeral Home at (713) 223-1167

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John G Pohlman

July 15, 1943 - October 12, 2020

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John G Pohlman

July 15, 1943 - October 12, 2020

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