Texas Border Business
PHARR – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) Chief of Police Rolando Garcia was recently recognized as the 2024 Non-Narcotic Officer of the Year by the Texas Narcotic Officers Association (TNOA).
Chief Rolando Garcia, a PSJA ISD alum and distinguished law enforcement professional, stands at the helm of a remarkable 30-year career.
His journey into law enforcement commenced upon graduating from PSJA High in 1993, showcasing early dedication and commitment to public service. In August of the same year, Chief Garcia embarked on his career with the San Juan Police Department, starting as a Telecommunications Officer.
Shortly after retiring from the San Juan Police Department, Chief Garcia was appointed as the first Police Chief for PSJA ISD in June 2019. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing the first police department for PSJA ISD, setting the standard for safety and security within the educational institution.
“It is a great honor to have been selected for the award by the Texas Narcotics Officers Association,” said Chief Garcia. “This is not an individual award but a reflection of the great team and partnerships that PSJA ISD Police has developed.”
The Texas Narcotic Officers Association (TNOA) is dedicated to promoting professionalism, education, and cooperation among law enforcement officers involved in the prevention and investigation of drug-related crimes. The TNOA’s Non-Narcotic Officer of the Year award recognizes outstanding law enforcement professionals who have made significant contributions to public safety beyond narcotics-related work.
The TNOA Awards Banquet will take place at the 54th Annual TNOA Conference in Galveston, Texas, on August 7, 2024.
About Chief Garcia
Chief Rolando Garcia, a distinguished law enforcement professional, was born in McAllen, Texas, and stands at the helm of a remarkable 30-year career in policing. As a devoted family man, Chief Garcia is 49 years old, married, and a proud father of three children.
His journey into law enforcement commenced upon graduating from PSJA High in 1993, showcasing early dedication and commitment to public service. In August of the same year, Chief Garcia embarked on his career with the San Juan Police Department, starting as a Telecommunications Officer. Over the years, he consistently demonstrated excellence, earning promotions and diversifying his expertise.
Chief Garcia’s ascent through the ranks is a testament to his dedication and proficiency. After a promotion to patrol in 1997, he further distinguished himself by joining a narcotics task force in 2004. His leadership abilities led to a promotion to Patrol Sergeant in 2009, and during this time, he also served as the Media Public Information Officer for the San Juan Police Department from 2009 to 2015.
Chief Garcia’s strategic acumen and leadership qualities found expression as the SWAT Team Commander and the initiator of San Juan’s Special Investigations Unit in 2010. This unit, under his guidance, handled a spectrum of cases, including narcotics, motor vehicle theft, homicides, and kidnapping, providing crucial support to surrounding agencies on issues like human smuggling and narcotics.
His contributions to law enforcement were recognized on a national scale when Chief Garcia was featured in 2012 on National Geographic’s Border Wars television show, showcasing the challenging and impactful work undertaken by him and his team.
Chief Garcia’s proficiency extends beyond leadership roles, as he is a certified fingerprint and crime scene expert, showcasing his commitment to technical excellence in the field. His retirement from the San Juan Police Department in June 2019 marked a distinguished 25-year tenure.
Shortly after retiring, Chief Garcia was appointed as the first Police Chief for PSJA ISD on June 10th, 2019. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing the first police department for PSJA, setting the standard for safety and security within the educational institution.
With Chief Rolando Garcia at the helm, the PSJA ISD Police Department continues to thrive, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and the community. Chief Garcia’s three decades of dedicated service exemplify a career marked by integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.
