A glimpse into the multifaceted world of a public servant with a love for lifelong learning.

I don’t know who authored the book that contained the quote, “You can’t do it all,” but they never met Zack Harkness, and he definitely never read that book.  Join as we to learn more about Harkness, his passion for learning, and the many hats he wears on his journey through life as a public servant (and this was a challenge in itself—because, as this interview proves, he is never still for long.)

Share a bit about your career background.

It started with me graduating from the police academy in Lufkin in 2004, not long after 9-11.  I was 21, and I had always wanted to be in public safety.  My definition of public safety includes police, fire, EMS, and military service.  So, I am currently a certified peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, and I have been a member of the Coast Guard reserve since 2005.  Within the police and fire disciplines, I am also a master peace officer, a firearms instructor, an advanced TCOLE instructor, an advanced structural firefighter, an advanced arson investigator, an advanced fire inspector, a hazardous materials technician, and a plans examiner.  I also graduated from the National Forensics Academy, an accomplishment I’m particularly proud of, and I did that at my own expense.

Tell us about law enforcement experience.

I started with Cleveland PD, and I’m still with them as a reserve.  I’m dual commissioned.  I’ve worked for Harris County, then Liberty County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator, and now I’m the Constable for Liberty County Pct. 6.  I loved working for Harris County.  The only reason I gave it up is because I joined Houston FD.

Share about your progression through the fire service.

I went to the police academy first, because there were more police jobs posted at the time.  While I was working for Cleveland PD, I went through the fire academy.  It was a nighttime academy, and the police department allowed me to adjust my schedule for the 9 months necessary to complete the training.  When I worked for Houston Fire, they sent me through EMT certification.  I am currently a part-time paid firefighter for Cleveland FD.  The most I can work at the fire station is 4 days per month, and I usually average 2 days a month.

Describe your Coast Guard service and duties.

When I was researching joining the military, I looked at all the branches and the available jobs, and was steered toward the Coast Guard because of the law enforcement aspect of the available position.  I am a First Class Petty Officer.  I work in Sector Houston/Galveston (based from Ellington Airfield), and my job title is Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist. Our primary mission is to go offshore, where we board tankers and high interest vessels, checking documentation and conducting inspections.  This usually takes place 17-20 miles offshore.  Our secondary mission includes shoreside patrols of waterfront facilities, checking security plans, and smaller vessel checks along the coast. 

The station I work out of is the second busiest in the nation, second only to New York.  Search and Rescue missions usually fall to full-time CG personnel, but if such a mission arises while we are present working with them, we also participate.  They definitely have more training and expertise in that area.

For readers who may not know, share what constables do.

In some parts of the state, the constable’s office only does civil process.  In our area, it is expected that constables will also patrol, take calls, enforce laws, and do other “crimefighting” beyond just serving civil papers.  We have great relationships with Cleveland PD, the Sheriff’s Office, and Cleveland ISD PD, and we all struggle with the two “R”s—recruiting and retention.  The difference (and possible advantage) for a constable office this size in this area is that we are not 24/7 and we don’t work holidays.  The fastest growing local law enforcement agency, though, is definitely Cleveland ISD PD.

As the constable’s office, we have 5 full-time deputies, serving 80,000 people, with our primary mission being service of civil process. Some days we have plenty of time to patrol, assist on calls, and make arrests—and some days we just don’t, and we’re booked up with civil process.

We haven’t really touched on personal background.  Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Los Angeles County, California. I was born in Texas, but raised by a single mother out west.  We lived in in a very rough, poor area; I came back to Texas as fast as I could.

Your wife is Jennifer Bergman-Harkness, the county district attorney.  I bet that creates for some interesting conversations and non-conversations.

We have four-year-old twins.  By the time we both get home, those twins don’t leave us alone.  We don’t really have work discussions or “political” talks.  She does lean on me to find out responder training and equipment needs.  Over the last two years, with my help, she put together over 200 hours of classroom and practical training for local officers.  We also replaced about 20 ballistic vests and purchased 41 Byrna less lethal pepper ball guns (which have significantly greater range than the taser). I became an instructor for the Byrna, along with 9 other officers in the county, and we taught local officers to use this tool.  She is able to use drug seizure funding for these programs and equipment, so it doesn’t cost the taxpayers any extra money.  This is how we talk about work and partner together.

You are also on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce.  What events are you involved in coming up?

On November 2nd, the Chamber monthly lunch is going to be a First Responders Appreciation program with awards.  There will be special food vendors and cooks contributing their efforts to this lunch.

We will also be helping with the annual Rock N Ride cyclist event coming up on Saturday, November 11th.  Cyclists will be riding either a a 28-mile or 52-mile route, and there’s bands and food.

That night, I have partnered with the PWR Texan Theatre, and we are doing a free chili dinner and a free show for veterans.  We are working on a flyer for that, and more information will be coming out soon.