Honor our heroes new sign project
Officer Timothy L. Hearn Memorial Ballfield
April 19, 2025, was officially proclaimed Tim Hearn Day in Houston, and we were deeply honored to be joined by Officer Hearn’s lifelong friend, Mayor John Whitmire. The two graduated together from Waltrip High School in 1968 and stood beside each other as best men in each other’s weddings.
Tragically, just ten years later, on June 8, 1978, Officer Tim Hearn was killed in the line of duty at age 28, leaving behind a wife and young son. He was working undercover for the Houston Police Department when he was murdered while attempting an arrest. Good looking and a recent UT graduate and leader among his peers, Tim also captained the HPD RAIDERS Softball Team, often playing right here in Cleveland Park. It is only fitting that the city chose to name this ballfield in his honor.
Yet it took 20 years to even place a sign in the park—and the one currently displayed barely tells the story of this Houston hero. Tim Hearn graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree from the nation’s top-ranked accounting program, but he chose a life of public service and joined the Houston Police Department instead. He is survived by his wife Jenny, his son Tory, and two grandsons who live in the Woodlands.
In 2025, Friends of Cleveland Park was founded as a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the ballfield and enhancing the park. Our goals include planting 50–80 new trees in November 2025, and advocating for a new playground, bridge, and redesigned dog park area.
Like the Hearn family, we believe the current ballfield sign—with its awkward font and lack of meaningful information—does not do justice to Officer Hearn’s legacy. Thankfully, with support from the Mayor and assistance from HPARD, we are proud to announce the field has been officially renamed:
Officer Timothy L. Hearn Memorial Ballfield.
Adding just the words “Officer” and “Memorial” already gives visitors a deeper understanding of who Tim was. In fact, a survey of park visitors in March 2024 revealed that only 4% knew Officer Hearn’s story—something we aim to change.
Every dollar donated will go directly to the creation of a new sign, beautification of the ballfield, flags, and updated dugout amenities.
Thank you for helping us honor the memory of a true public servant and Hero.
Officer Timothy L. Hearn
End of Watch: June 8, 1978
Badge #1678 | HPD Class #67
For the Board
Brian Bottorff, Founder & Board President - Friends of Cleveland Park, a Texas Non Profit
HONOR OUR HEROES SIGN CAMPAIGN
With your help we will replace the ballfield sign.
2025 CLEVELAND PARK CLEANUP CREW EVENT SPONORS
Saints
NON PROFITS FRIENDS, & PARTNERS
CITY COUNCIL, REPS, SENATORS, NON PROFITS, ETC.
Coming Soon
MAGNOLIA GROVE BUSINESS FRIENDS OF THE PARK
Officer Timothy L Hearn Memorial Ballfield
Rededicated by Mayor Whitmire – April 19, 2025
Thank You for Joining Us to Celebrate the Mayor and the Hearn Family!
We are proud to announce a new project: replacing the aging 20-year-old ballfield sign with one that truly tells the story of a hero.
Officer Tim Hearn, a leader of the HPD Raiders softball team and a dedicated undercover officer, often played here. In 1978, Tim tragically gave his life in the line of duty while making an arrest. His bravery and sacrifice deserve to be remembered.
We are working closely with the Hearn family to design a new memorial sign that will honor Tim’s lastin