Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The Mission Police Department held a formal ceremony that was more than just a simple gathering. It was a momentous event that marked significant transitions within the department—a rite of passage for 12 recruits, the promotion of key personnel, recognition of existing officers, and a reiteration of the department’s core values and standards. The ceremony was graced by Chief Torres, Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, City Manager Randy Perez, along with other dignitaries and community members.
Chief Torres commenced the event with a heartfelt speech, recognizing the promotions and welcoming everyone. He specifically acknowledged Officer Reynaldo Perez’s promotion from Sergeant to Assistant Chief. Officer Perez is not just any member of the force; he is a 30-year veteran who has demonstrated his commitment and versatility by serving in the patrol, criminal investigations, and Internal Affairs divisions.
Salvador Treviño was another distinguished officer who was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant. A 24-year veteran, Trevino has served in multiple capacities, including patrol, the school resource officer program, and the criminal investigation division. The chief’s sense of pride was palpable as he also announced Adrian Alejandro’s promotion from Corporal to Patrol Sergeant. With his 14 years of service, Alejandro has been an integral part of the patrol division and the school resource officer program.
Although he couldn’t attend, Marco Bazaldua was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant. With 12 years under his belt, Vazaldua has diligently served in the patrol division and is currently part of the crime scene investigations unit. Last but not least was Alexandria Leal, a 14-year veteran overseeing the canine handlers, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant.
Chief Torres emphasized that the department was more than just looking for managers or supervisors. What the Mission Police Department seeks are leaders—people who can guide from the front, center, and back, ensuring that they are always acting in the best interests of the community and the force itself. He reinforced the idea that the primary role of these newly promoted officers was to serve their staff and the citizens they were sworn to protect.
When speaking to the 12 recruits, Chief Torres, filled with optimism, encouraged them to embrace the honor and responsibility of being part of one of the country’s finest police agencies. While acknowledging the inevitability of mistakes and challenges, he urged them to seek their supervisors’ guidance and prioritize community service above all else.
Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza and City Manager Randy Perez also spoke at the ceremony. The mayor reinforced the city council’s commitment to providing the finest emergency response services to the community. She welcomed the recruits into the ‘Mission family’ while congratulating the promoted officers for their exemplary leadership.
City Manager Randy Perez emphasized his role in ensuring the department had the necessary resources to function effectively. He also encouraged the recruits to serve compassionately and urged the newly promoted officers to be the mentors that the incoming officers could look up to.
As the ceremony ended, it was evident that it was not merely a routine event but a significant occasion symbolizing commitment, responsibility, and firmstandards. For those promoted, it marked the beginning of new leadership roles filled with challenges and opportunities. For the recruits, it was the first step in a long journey of serving the community. For the Mission Police Department, it was a day that characterized its values, aspirations, and unbreakable bond with the community it serves.
