(LAREDO) — Friends, family and colleagues of O.J. Hale Sr. gathered on Friday (Jan. 31) at the office of Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, for a reception celebrating Hale's more than 40 years of dedicated service as Chief Investigator for the 49th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

Senator Zaffirini, who co-hosted the reception with District Attorney Isidro R. "Chilo" Alaniz, presented Hale with a ceremonial Senate gavel and sound block and a framed copy of Texas Senate Proclamation No. 54, recognizing his many accomplishments and distinguished record of service.

"I was delighted to author this proclamation honoring O.J. Hale Sr., whose expertise, professionalism and dedication have kept our families safe and brought countless criminals to justice," Senator Zaffirini said. "Admired and respected throughout our community, he is not only a talented investigator, but also an outstanding public servant."

"It has been an honor for me to be the fourth District Attorney to work with Chief OJ. Hale," District Attorney Alaniz said. "His contribution to the District Attorney's office over the last four decades will be unsurpassed."

Hale, who has helped solve murders and kidnappings for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and for Mexican authorities, was instrumental in the prosecution of several high-profile capital murder trials in the 1970s and played a significant role in securing the surrender of Roy Hernandez during a jail break attempt in the 1980s. What's more, Hale's work and courtroom testimony helped secure the conviction of a serial killer from Alaska, and he was of significant assistance to the prosecution team in seeking justice for the murder of singer Selena.

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