John French
Alumni

John French was born and raised in Huntsville, Texas.  He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1992.  John is the son of Joe French (HHS Class of 1968) and Ann Whiteside (HHS Class of 1968).  John’s hero was his father who was the first full time Chief of the Huntsville Fire Department and also a Huntsville Police Department Patrol Officer.  John is married to Kari (HHS Class of 1992) who is the County Clerk for Walker County, and they have two grown sons Jacob and Jeffrey who are both HHS graduates.  

John was known as “Big John” in high school.  He stands 6’4” and has a heart that’s even bigger.  John was a protector and everyone’s friend. His caring nature continued as he began his career in the fields of Corrections, Firefighting and Law Enforcement.  John became a Correctional Officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 1992 until 2007 when he retired with 16 years of service.  He then joined the City of Huntsville Fire Department in 2000, first serving as Volunteer Firefighter working his way up the ladder to Captain and then to 2nd Assistant Chief.  In 2021, John retired from the City of Huntsville Fire Department after 20 years of service.  John then joined the City of Huntsville Police Department as a Law Enforcement Officer in 2007, where he started as a Patrol Officer and worked as a Field Training Officer for incoming cadets.  He then worked as a Detective in Auto Theft and served as City Marshall for a period of time.  He was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and with 17 years of service is currently serving as an Interim Sergeant for Patrol.  John also joined the Crabbs Prairie Volunteer Fire Department in 2004 and became the Assistant Chief in 2017, where he still volunteers today. 

As a second generation Firefighter and Police Officer for the City of Huntsville, John has worn both badges with great pride.  His dedication to serving this community is something he lives for.  He has earned numerous achievements and commendations proving his dedication. In October 2023, John responded to a call involving a person with a weapon.  He and his sergeant, Kyle Dockery became involved in a gunfire exchange with the armed suspect and both John and Kyle were shot.  John’s injuries were non-life threatening but Kyle’s injuries were severe.  John quickly performed life saving techniques on Kyle only moments after being shot himself which ultimately saved Kyle’s life.  John’s heroism and bravery protected the lives of fellow officers and citizens.  The City of Huntsville and Walker County dedicated October 12th as Kyle Dockery and John French Day.

John is a champion of this community and is known as one of our Hometown Heroes.  He patrols our streets and upholds the law.  He is the one running into burning buildings when others are running out.  He will risk his life for another and our community has been blessed by his service and dedication.  John comes from and has raised a family with true hometown values, fairness, and traditions of supporting and protecting the community they live in.

Leroy Wilkinson
former Teacher & Coach

Coach Leroy Wilkinson coached and taught in Huntsville ISD from 1971 to 1981. He received his Bachelors and Masters degree from Sam Houston State University where he played baseball and was a member of the 1963 NAIA National Championship Baseball Team.  He started his career in HISD teaching math and general accounting as well as serving as assistant baseball coach.  In 1972, he was named head baseball coach where he served for four years.  In 1976, he stepped down from coaching but continued teaching and added bus driving to his schedule where he became a beloved bus driver.  He was fondly known to all as “Coach Wilk.”  He was an inspiring and encouraging educator who made a connection with students and everyone he met.  He not only worked here but he made his home here with wife Lyndol who also taught for HISD and served on the school board, and where they chose to raise their two sons Kenny and Chris.

In 1981, Leroy made a career change to Juvenile Probation Officer.  He eventually became the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer and Director of Walker County Juvenile Services.  The transition to juvenile services was natural as he was familiar with the children as well as their families and issues.  He understood what was at stake and their need for a strong and stable role model.  Children were comfortable talking to and working with him.  Never forgetting the importance of prevention and working with our young children, he utilized a puppet show called “Choices” in HISD’s elementary schools to help children understand the importance of their choices regarding smoking, alcohol and drug use and criminal activity.  He had a wonderful working relationship with the courts, schools and community.  After a reputable 22-year career in the field of juvenile services, Leroy retired in June of 2003.

Huntsville’s youth were always important to Leroy.  He served as the Director for the Little Dribblers and as a Commissioner for Little League baseball.  Few people have promoted the city, school district and university more than he did. In fact, he was also well known for his 30-year career on KSAM Radio as a sports commentator and color analyst for the Hornet Football and Bearkat Football and Basketball games.  He always promoted the positives about the players, focusing on the plays of the game and their athletic accomplishments.  Leroy passed away in 2019, but his spirit lives on because of the difference he made as an educator, coach, mentor and friend.