Larry Michael Medina and Elizabeth Cantu were sworn in Thursday as the San Benito Police Department’s newest entry level police officers. Also seen are SBPD Operations Chief Martin Morales and Assistant Operations Chief Michael Galvan. (Staff photos by Heather Cathleen Cox)
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
The San Benito Police Department welcomed on Thursday its two newest entry level police officers, Larry Michael Medina, 22, of Harlingen and Elizabeth Cantu, 22, of San Benito.
Medina and Cantu graduated from Police Academy on November 10 and were officially sworn in at the SBPD by Police Chief of Operations Martin Morales on Thursday, Nov. 15.
Before the ceremony commenced, an eager Cantu said, “It’s exciting. It feels like a great accomplishment to be working here at the San Benito Police Department.” Smiling, she added, “My family is proud of me.”
Cantu’s mother, Rosario Ramirez, had tears in her eyes as she confirmed her daughter’s statement. Ramirez said, “I’m very proud of my daughter.” Though she admitted to being somewhat nervous about the fact that her daughter will be patrolling city streets in order to maintain justice, Ramirez explained, “This is what she (Cantu) has always wanted.”
Cantu, who was raised in San Benito, shared a personal reason for pursuing law enforcement. She said, “I want to help get drugs off the streets.”
Medina, like Cantu, has always dreamt of being in law enforcement. He said, “My father was an officer here, with San Benito.” He pointed toward a nearby wall and continued, saying, “His picture is over there, on the wall.”
Though Medina resides in Harlingen, he said, “I think this is a great city to work for. This is exactly where I want to be at.” Medina also explained that he anticipates remaining with the department for the foreseeable future and would like to climb the ranks as time and opportunity permits.
Chief Morales took the floor and said, “This is a big day. They,” he insinuated to Medina and Cantu, “made it.” Morales expanded, saying, “Academy is not easy, and now they are here. They are going to be official peace officers in the City of San Benito. I feel happy to have them in my department.”
Among the attendees at the ceremony was Municipal Judge Benjamin Yudesis, family members of the new officers, police detectives and officers with the SBPD, including Assistant Police Chief of Operations Michael Galvan, who assisted Morales with the ceremony.
After reading the oath of office, both individuals were sworn in and pinned with official badges.
According to Morales, the officers officially started work immediately after being sworn in, though he explained that their first few days with the department will mainly consist of orientations. Additionally, the newbie officers will also take firearm qualification assessments before being issued weapons.
Each new officer will receive a shift assignment and will receive field training for a minimum of six weeks. During this time, the rookie will work closely with a veteran peace officer. After the trial, pending final assessments, the officers will begin patrolling on their own.
Medina and Cantu were not hired from the department’s most recent pool of applicants, which has dwindled from over 90 hopefuls to eight candidates. Of the eight, Morales said the department will conclude the screening process and conduct final interviews after Thanksgiving. Up to three candidates may be offered entry level officer positions.
Galvan explained that for Medina and Cantu, Thursday was “a first step in a long career. We feel privileged that they’re here, and we know they’ll serve the community well.”
Read this story in the Nov. 18 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
Recent Comments