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The city of Elgin Police Department held its swearing in and promotion ceremony at the Civic Center in downtown Elgin June 7, to a crowd of experienced peers and proud family members.
Mayor Theresa McShan and Chief of Police Chris Noble lead the rite with special guests Tom Mattis, city manager, and Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez. The event saw badges pinned on three new recruits fresh from the academy, among six others with up to 28 years of service experience, as well as one new animal control officer.
There was a focus on family throughout the ceremony’s entirety, and an emphasis on the importance of building and maintaining relationships with coworkers and community members alike, attendees noted. Speakers gave advice on how to navigate the balance of duty and family perseverance.
“You’ve chosen a career that will drain the mental and physical strength right out of you. Take care of yourself, because if you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others,” Hernandez said. “Take care of your family. Not just your family at home, but your family here at the Elgin Precinct.”
“I know what we used to be like, and I’m so grateful for what we are now.”
— Mayor McShan After reading the oath of office, inductees had a loved one join them on stage to pin their EPD badge on for them, finalizing their indoctrination. The event was for everyone, crowd members said, with wives, husbands and little cousins all sharing the spotlight alongside their new connection to the department.
McShan delivered her benediction and closing remarks with tears in her eyes, “I get emotional because I’ve lived here all my life, and I know what we used to be like, and I’m so grateful for what we are now. Know that you’re in my prayer every night, that you be safe and that your families are taken care of.”
Noble noted that with this group of recruits, and five others in the academy, it’s the first time they are fully staffed.
EPD honored and swore in Christopher Wolf, Mathew Decker, Ted Hernandez, Nathan Neitsch, Brice Tippe, Isaac Coronado, Michael Panzino, Jason Bollinger, Grethel Argueta and Raven Locke.
Todd Johnson was also recognized for his promotion from sergeant to commander.
