Texas Borer Business
By Selene Rodriguez
South Texas College and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office have joined forces to provide a unique educational opportunity for county jailors with the launch of the new Part-Time Flex Police Academy, a program exclusively tailored to fit their demanding work schedules, empowering them to pursue their peace officer certification.
“This initiative was born from the recognition that many jailors aspire to advance their careers in law enforcement, but often struggle to find the time for a traditional academy,” explained Victor Valdez Jr., department chair of STC’s Public Safety Programs. Our goal is to remove that obstacle by giving them the chance to earn their certification while continuing to work and support their families.”
Fourteen county jail employees will attend classes for one year at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr, with a flexible schedule rotating between evening and morning hours, and will receive the training required to sit for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) examination in the spring of 2026.
“This is a major step in providing our jailers with the opportunity to advance their careers while continuing to serve our community,” said Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. ‘Eddie’ Guerra. “By offering a flexible schedule, we are investing in our personnel’s future and ensuring they receive the necessary training to transition into full-fledged police officers. We are proud to support these dedicated men and women.”
Valdez echoed this sentiment and emphasized the crucial support from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office in organizing and facilitating the initiative.
“Sheriff Guerra has been a tremendous supporter of this initiative,” added Valdez. “He not only helped us identify and recruit individuals interested in the program, but he also grouped them into one shift, making it easier for them to attend classes. We are incredibly proud to offer this opportunity, which will have a tremendous impact on both their careers and their families.”
For 20-year-old Jose Zuniga, who started working at the county jail in 2023 after graduating from STC’s Corrections Academy as a way to jumpstart his law enforcement career, the timing was perfect to accomplish his dream of becoming a police officer. One of the main requirements for the job is to be 21 years old.
“I started in corrections at 18 to get ahead in my career, and it’s been a great stepping stone. By the time we finish, I’ll be turning 21 and ready to become a police officer,” said the Edinburg native.
Recalling how he used to see police officers as superheroes when he was growing up, Zuniga is now one step closer to achieving his lifelong dream.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to protect my community. It’s a huge honor to have this chance,” he continued. “When STC announced this opportunity, I knew I had to take it. I had a fantastic instructor in 2023, and I learned so much from him. I was thrilled to find out he’ll be my instructor again. I’m so excited and so grateful.”
STC’s Police Academy is offered in Pharr, Weslaco and now Starr County. For more information on how to apply, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/law-enforcement/academy.html or call 956-872-4208.
