A Katy Woman Earns the Highest Honor for a Chief Deputy

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

July 9, 2022

By Natalie Cook Clark

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mattie C. Provost has been named the 2022 Melvin Drum Chief Deputy of the Year. This Katy mom and grandma believes that she was led to this profession to serve and to empower others to do the same.

FBCSO Chief Deputy Mattie C. Provost.

Honored After A True Servant

This summer Chief Deputy Mattie C. Provost of Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) was named the 2022 Melvin Drum Chief Deputy of the Year by the Texas Chief Deputies Association (TCDA.) The prestigious award is the TCDA’s highest honor, named for Melvin Drum, a chief deputy of Ochiltree County.

'Not Expecting Anything in Return'

Chief Drum lost his life in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop connected to a domestic disturbance on March 28, 1987. He was known for his outstanding dedication to his community.

Chief Deputy Mattie Provost

“We go about business everyday not expecting anything in return,” says Chief Deputy Mattie Provost. “To be recognized feels awesome but not required in order for us to keep doing what we do. It’s inspirational to know that others see your good works and deeds.”

This honor is just one of many accomplishments for Chief Deputy Provost. She is the first woman to hold her position as the Chief Deputy of FBCSO since the office was founded in 1837.

"Mattie Provost is a well-respected, exemplary leader who serves with excellence as chief deputy. It’s no surprise to me that her peers would recognize her in this way,” says Sheriff Fagan.

Law enforcement wasn’t her first career choice. When she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Corrections and Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Sam Houston State University there was a hiring freeze, but the police departments were hiring.

“I applied to Houston Police Department against my parents’ wishes,” says Provost. “Everyone has an idea what police work is. It isn’t about what you see on TV.” She says that there is so much administrative work and training.

She began her career at the Houston Police Department (HPD), moving up the ranks to Assistant Chief. She retired from HPD in March 2017, with an honorable discharge.

“For me, being a police officer is about having a servant heart,” explains Provost. “Even more so now because of the bad wrap the industry has. With a servant heart we look over the bad and see the good.”

Chief Deputy Provost spends a lot of time training FBCSO deputies so that they can be the best for the county. Sheriff Fagan joins her in this session. Photo credit: FBCSO

More Than Three Decades of Service

She joined FBCSO in January of 2021 and brings more than three decades of professionalism to the agency.

“We normally see people on their worst day,” says Provost. “I take pride in deescalating the situation and helping someone in what is a bad moment for them.”

A Proud Katy Mom and Grandmother

Mattie Provost is more than the Chief Deputy for FBCSO. She’s also and mother, grandmother, and a Katy resident for past three decades.

Provost lives in Firethorne and her three grown children and four grandchildren (ages 5, 7. 2 and 4 months) all live in katy within 10 minutes of her.

She loves to shop and to spend time at Katy Mills Mall and to eat at Adriatic Italian Café by Buc-ees.

Something many don’t know is that she is an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to basketball.

“When watching a game, I’m the loudest person in the room,” she says.

All three of her children loved sports growing up and tried everything starting the Katy Youth Leagues before they settled on basketball. All of her children played sports in school including basketball and they even played in college. Now she looks forward to watching her grandchildren as they grow and play sports.

“You have children so they can give you grandchildren,” says Provost.

Provost accepts her award while Sheriff Fagan watches on. Photo credit: FBCSO

Fort Bend County is Blessed to Have Her

Provost is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy, Session #241, the Senior Management Institute for Police and a graduate of Leadership Houston, Class XXV. She is a member of the Police Executive Research Forum, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement. A certified mediator and Texas Crime Prevention Specialist.

She has also served on numerous committees within the law enforcement arena as well as in the community.

“We are blessed to have her on our Executive Command team and our Fort Bend citizens are blessed even the more," says Sheriff Fagan.

Provost feels it’s unfortunate that Chief Drum, for whom the award is named for, is being recognized posthumously. Chief Drum was well known for his community involvement and dedication to service.

“This award lets me know that I’m doing the right thing even when I doubt myself,” says Provost.

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