We welcomed 60 new deputies to our Sheriff’s Office family this week. The graduation ceremony – and each cadet’s pledge to our oath of office – was the culmination of resilience, teamwork, and a passion to serve others.
As each cadet prepared to celebrate this exciting milestone with our command staff, academy instructors, and loved ones, we learned two deputies were shot at by a suspect with existing felony warrants. One deputy was wounded.
Deputy Barragan, who is expected to make a full recovery, was hit several times and suffered injuries to his cheek and hands. His protective vest stopped a bullet that struck his torso. The suspected shooter, now identified as Moises Martinez, fled the scene on foot as the other deputy, Deputy Miller, returned fire and attempted to pursue him. In a matter of minutes, deputies in the area on an unrelated call were among the first to respond to the scene and quickly applied a tourniquet to Deputy Barragan’s wounds. A Precinct One deputy constable arrived on location, assisting the responding deputies with getting the wounded deputy to medical care.
Deputy Decatur and his partner Deputy Alegria drove our teammate to a nearby hospital in a patrol vehicle. The responding deputies’ swift actions and training were instrumental in getting him the care he needed.
After a scene investigation and active search, Martinez was taken into custody without further incident. We’re grateful to our law enforcement partners across the region for always rallying behind us. We’re also grateful for your outpouring of prayers and positive messages – comforting words we’ve come to expect during scary moments like this.
Tuesday evening was a grave reminder of the dangers of the job. But it is also served as a reminder of how we as a community support each other.
Academy Class B1-2020
This academy class pressed on despite the uncertainty and necessary restrictions brought on by the pandemic, reimagined instruction, and the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a classmate and friend, Cadet Cornelius Anderson.
B1-2020, you will always be remembered for your strength and unwavering commitment to be there for one another. You vowed to carry on Cadet Anderson’s dream of becoming a deputy by following your calling in the face of hardship.
Cadet Anderson possessed a positive spirit and love for our profession that continues to inspire everyone at the Sheriff’s Office. His memory is sewn into every stitch of the uniforms worn by our new deputies.
During their journey, the cadets embraced change when academy instructors temporarily moved in-person classroom instruction to a virtual platform. They remained flexible when tests were re-scheduled, and the hands-on training was altered to comply with public health measures.
Most importantly, they closed ranks and leaned on each other and their instructors through it all.
To make it to graduation, cadets engaged in 1,696 hours of training curriculum ranging from classroom instruction to simulations to emergency vehicle operation. The training topics included critical crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, tactical communications, Texas Penal Code, and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
This academy training lays the foundation for a deputy’s entire law enforcement career and equips them with the knowledge, tools, skills, and mindset to provide a safe and humane response to calls for service. The bonds and camaraderie built over the past six months will last a lifetime.
This class’s motto is “Be the Change.” We cannot think of a more fitting motto. Their roles as public servants are vital in this pivotal moment. At the podium on Tuesday, I challenged them to lead policing into a new era with empathy, respect, and understanding. I asked each of them to hold on to this sentiment throughout their career as peace offers.
I also challenged those in our ranks who came before them to: Guide them. Mentor them. Show them how to honor the badge they wear and carry as a symbol of public faith and trust.
This is just the beginning. These deputies are preparing to enter field training. It’s another crucial step to ensure we’re doing all we can to best serve you.
We are so incredibly proud of them and wish them well. Join me in celebrating this well-deserved achievement.