Serve your Country, Protect your City

Click Play Above

Special Projects Reporter Greg Groogan with Fox 26 News completed a wonderful story last night regarding troops coming home after completing their tour of duty and becoming Houston Police Officers. I invite you to watch the video above by clicking the play button. For more information on the story, visit the Fox 26 News website link at:

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/090709_soldiers_continue_serving

Watchmen - A story by Anna Swanson (196)

I received an email from a former police cadet out of Academy Class 196. Anna Swanson sent me an email regarding a call for service she had been on and wanted to share it with me. After reading it, I thought I would share the email with you.

I was dispatched to a sexual assault call where the suspect had broken into an apartment and waited for the victim to fall asleep. Once we arrived at the scene, we were able to do the initial investigation report, collect evidence, file and run the warrant on the crook all within 8 hours. I know that this is not the norm, however the gratefulness of the victim was endearing. Her assailant was in jail before she even got out of the hospital. She felt safe to go home and get some badly needed rest. Although I felt so badly for the victim that she was assaulted and hurt, knowing that I was able to catch this crook so quickly made me love my job even more. Having the ability to put someones mind and heart at ease so they can feel safe is a feeling beyond explanation.

Making a difference after such a horrible incident brought her a feeling of peace and security.

In my humble opinion, it is by far the best career in the world. We are like watchmen for a city, warning and fighting the oncoming danger. We help keep our citizens secure and safe. It is truly a wonderful and rewarding career in which I have chosen. I encourage everyone who wants to make a difference to follow in my footsteps.

Officer Anna Swanson

For previous posts about Officer Swanson click on the following links:

http://hpdcareer.blogspot.com/2008/07/csi-houston-by-rookie-officer-swanson.html

http://hpdcareer.blogspot.com/2008/07/make-difference.html

Trivia?

It seems that the trivia questions that I post have become as popular as the free t-shirt you win for getting the right answer. I have been receiving many emails lately wanting to know when the next trivia question was coming. Wait no longer. What year was this photo taken of the "then" brand new HPD Armored Car.

The first one to comment in the comment section will win the shirt. Please leave your email address in the comment section. I will not post the comments until tomorrow, so the suspense will fester as to who answered first.

Good Luck!

Pushup Queen

Click Play Above

I had the pleasure of meeting Wonder Woman yesterday at the Police Academy. Cadet Ana Andino from Academy Class 204 graduates at the end of this month. Crooks, I suggest you comply. Way to go Cadet Andino, we are proud of you.

Good Morning

I hope everyone had a nice Fourth of July weekend celebration. Now it's time to run all that barbecue and potato salad off. At least it is ten degrees cooler this morning than it was yesterday.

Happy Fourth Of July

The office is closed today for the holiday. You may always apply online at www.hpdcareer.com to start the process. We are still taking applications for future academy classes.

HPD Bike Relay Team does it again!

Leukemia is the no. 1 child killing disease. Ten times as many adults as children are stricken with leukemia. Lymphoma rates have nearly doubled since the 1970's. Police officers always want to "catch a killer" and the Houston Police Department (HPD) Bicycle Relay Team's goal is to "arrest these killers" and accelerate The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's fight against blood cancers.

The Houston Police Bicycle Relay Team began their 1,800 mile bike ride in Houston and ended five days later in Providence, Rhode Island, travelling through the Smoky Mountains, crossing the Mississippi River and finally to their destination on the east coast. This was an unparalleled volunteer effort to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For more information visit:
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org//all_page.adp?item_id=355424

Pressure Relief!

Click Play Above

After six months in the police academy, Class 203 graduated on June 16, 2009. As you may imagine, the pressure of finishing and getting the badge pinned on their shirts, boils down to the final day when it actually happens. I like to film a little piece I call "Pressure Relief!" It's a chance to have a little fun with the graduating cadets after six months of intense training. As usual the cadets obliged.

Class 207 Orientation

Click Play Above

Academy Class 207 began their new career on Monday last week. 83 individuals (largest class to start an academy to date) began a quest to become one. One big family. Once they complete the six months of training they will hit the streets to begin again. To begin making a difference in their community. Stay strong 207, stay focused 207 and stay true 207. Six months from now you will look back at this slide show and ask yourself..."what happened to my hair?"