A&M-Commerce University Police Department Honored for Dedicated Service
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Human Resources Department held a recognition ceremony at the Alumni Center on March 6 to honor the University Police Department.
A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin began the ceremony by expressing his appreciation for each university police officer.
“I've said this before, but when you take care of my family, you take care of me,” Rudin said. “So, I just wanted to thank you very much for doing that.”
The president also acknowledged UPD's excellent work through the difficult experiences that A&M-Commerce has faced this year.
“We've had a tough year,” Rudin said. “There were some tough nights; there were some tough weeks throughout the year. I can't tell you how proud I am of the work I've seen from our police officers up and down the ranks. I want you to know there's no one I'd rather be in the trenches with than you all. So, thank you for everything you do.”
Alicia Currin, vice president for business and administration at A&M-Commerce, also spoke to the group.
“You put your life in danger for all of us,” Currin said. “You put this community above your family every day. You do a job most of us couldn't do. You're strong, and you're brave.”
Currin continued: “To every police officer in this room: Thank you for everything that you do. Thank you for making that choice to protect and serve; thank you for doing what so many of us are not brave enough to do, and thank you for keeping us safe.”
Chief of Police Bryan Vaughn closed the ceremony by addressing his officers.
“We're building a championship team, and we're still growing,” Vaughn said. “We've hired the best of the best, and if you don't meet those criteria, you don't come to our campus.”
The following members of the police department were recognized for their dedicated service:
Administration:
Chief Bryan Vaughn
Assistant Chief Kyle Lowe
Administrative Support:
Melanie Clayton
Lisa Rudd
Mandy Shaw
Lieutenants:
Jason Bone
Glen McCull
Sergeant Investigators:
Chad Ballard
Ray Dittrich
Security Officers:
Logan Fountain
Tyler Rogers
Erick Weeks
Communications Officers:
Kimberly Huffman
Jerry House
Justin Hobbs
Jennifer Smith
Patrol Sergeants:
Jason Irwin
Lance Sharp
David Wallace
Patrol Officers:
Kraig Betterton
Chris Davis
William Hall
Chris Nutt
Rodney Sneed
Alejandro Carr
Stephen Douglas
Wayne Hatfield
Harry Patrick
Josh Cato
Will Ford
James Jenkins
Amy Richardson