Opinion
No. A2298.
March 5, 1980. Rehearing Denied April 2, 1980.
Appeal from the District Court, Harris County, Arthur C. Lesher, Jr., J.
Mark Vela, Stanley G. Schneider, Doherty, Vela, Poser, Sears Collins, Houston, for appellants.
Robert M. Collie, Jr., City Atty., Dennis C. Gardner, Sr., John J. Hightower, Asst. City Attys., Houston, for appellee.
Before COULSON, JUNELL and MILLER, JJ.
Forty-eight members of the Park Police brought this action against the City of Houston for declaratory relief alleging that they are "Policemen" within the meaning of the Texas Civil Service Statute, Tex.Rev.Civ.Stat. Ann. art. 1269m, § 2 (Vernon 1963), and thus entitled to all benefits thereunder. The trial court found that the positions held by plaintiffs are not within the purview of the Civil Service Act. Plaintiffs appeal claiming that the trial court incorrectly interpreted the statute. We agree with the interpretation by the trial court and affirm the judgment.
Amended with no pertinent changes: Tex.Rev.Civ.Stat.Ann. art. 1269m, § 2 (Vernon Supp. 1980).
This case involves exactly the same legal issue as was presented to this court in the case of Jackson v. City of Houston, 595 S.W.2d 907 (Tex.Civ.App. Houston (14th Dist.), 1980, writ filed), a companion to this case. In Jackson, airport security police sued for the declaration that they fall within the Civil Service Statute. While Scott did not admit in his response to the City's request for admissions that he is not a member of the Police Department, the evidence adduced shows that he is not. For the same reasons that the airport police were held to be excluded by Article 1269m, so are Park Police.
Appellants' point of error is overruled.
Affirmed.