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Officer Leslie Bond -Strychar - My name is Officer Leslie Bond Strychar, and I joined the Corpus Christi Police Department in 2007. Prior to that I spent six and a half years in the Marine Corps and departed as a Sergeant. Immediately after separating from the military, I got married and moved to South Texas where my husband worked. The Corpus Christi Police Department caught my attention shortly after arriving and I began calling the department regularly with questions about employment. I submitted my application and was accepted to the department in January of 2007. My personal and professional backgrounds provided me with the pride and perseverance to be competitive with my male comrades throughout the 30 weeks of the police academy.
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Upon completion of the academy and the pursuant months in our Field Training Officer program, I was assigned to Patrol. Since then I have become a Crisis Intervention Team Officer, and I was also selected to be a member of our Honor Guard. Currently I am assigned to an administrative position within Patrol while I await the birth of my first child.
A career in law enforcement is attractive to a person like me because it is important to me to know that I am contributing to my community, my state, and my nation as a whole. My husband and I are starting our family here, so working toward a safer, more wholesome city is no small commitment. Rather, it is the commitment all parents make at some level. In my case, I simply have a more visible and tangible outlet to meet those goals. Finally, apart from the innate attraction of pursuing another career in service, CCPD also has incredibly good benefits and a reputation of treating its officers well.
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Sr. Officer Denise R. Pace - I have been with the Corpus Christi Police Department for seven years. I was a stay at home mom/college student for nine years before I applied to the police academy. I have always had an interest in law enforcement, so when my children became old enough I made the decision to "go for it." It was the best decision of my life!
I began a workout routine as soon as I filled out the application. I would run three miles a day and do sit-ups and push-ups. The list for the physical fitness requirements was taped to my refrigerator door. The police academy challenged me, and made me strong, both physically and academically.
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I worked in the Uniform Division assigned to a patrol shift when I finished the Field Training Officer program. I started out working on a graveyard shift. I found the job exciting, and found a great deal of satisfaction in problem solving and working with citizens on my beat to improve their quality of life. This form of community policing led me to my current assignment as a Directed Patrol Officer.
My philosophy on getting as much education as possible and my hunger for learning led me to apply for any and every type of training available. I didn't stop there; I volunteered to teach classes once I received the training. I now teach many classes in both in-service and the academy. My background and education in psychology brought about my involvement in the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. I requested permission to research the CIT concept and bring it to the CCPD. Our Chief of Police liked the concept and allowed me to be an integral part in developing training and implementing the CCPD CIT program. I am now the CIT Coordinator for the CCPD. I am also a member of our Peer Support Team.
My plans are to begin working on my master's degree in forensic psychology and to take the lieutenant's exam the next time it is offered. My career as a Corpus Christi Police Officer has gone far beyond by expectations. I am proud to serve my community and hope I am a positive role model for my daughter and young women I come in contact with while I am in the field.
This job is challenging, satisfying, and exciting. With the CCPD the possibilities are endless. If you are self-motivated, goal oriented, and interested in being a member of the finest agency in Texas, this job is for you!
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Sr. Officer Denise Hagedorn – I have been with the Corpus Christi Police Department 18 years. I still remember the phone call I received in December 1990 advising me I'd been accepted to the 47th Academy. After working as a Lab Technician and a Secretary, I felt something in my life was still missing. I had jobs but did not have a career.
I was approaching the age limit to be accepted and knew my time was limited. I was married and had three children; ages 9, 10, and 14. They were just as excited as I was and were very proud of me when I graduated the academy.
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I began on graveyard shift in patrol. My first move was for a temporary assignment in Special Services. I worked primarily in Narcotics while assisting at times with the Vice Squad. After returning to patrol, I was assigned to the downtown "walking motors" unit where I rode a moped along the city's seawall and walked the downtown business beat with a partner. These experiences taught me quite a bit about myself and I was able to take something from these assignments and give back to the department.
My present assignment is the Review Officer for the red-light photo enforcement program. This was a drastic change for me after many years in patrol. I work office hours and have a new respect for anyone assigned to desk work.
When I first joined the department, there were 8 female officers. Today, there are over thirty-five. I believe that number will continue to increase. Being one of the female officers for the Corpus Christi Police Department is truly a rewarding experience with many opportunities.
This job will reveal confidence you never knew you possessed and I encourage each and everyone of you to become a part of something that makes a difference in people's lives.
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Sr. Officer Catherine McDonald - - When I first joined the Corpus Christi Police Department, I was a single mother who needed a stable career. It is now nine years later and not only do I have a stable career, but a job I truly enjoy. As a female officer, I have had many opportunities to be a part of many aspects of the police department. While on patrol, after receiving the rank of Sergeant, I became a Field Training Officer for four years. This allowed me to share my experiences and pass on my police training skills to new officers out on the street. I have also had the opportunity on many occasions to assist with Vice in "undercover" stings. |
I also accepted a position in Recruiting and Background Investigations. Most recently, however, I am assisting with Administration Support Services. I value all of my experiences that I have gained with the Corpus Christi Police Department. They have helped me to grow into the police officer I am today. I will continue to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.
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Officer Mary Helen Martinez - I began working in March 2001 as a staff assistant at the Corpus Christi Police Academy/Training Division. I enjoyed working around police officers and assisting them with personal certifications and training requirements, but I felt a strong desire to do something more fulfilling with my career. I began to go on police ride-a-longs and admired and respected the desire each police officer displayed in the field to help the people in our community. I could see the excitement and adrenaline rush that came with heightened situations. I had a long lost dream to be in a career in the criminal justice field, but thought I would never be able to reach that goal. Until that one day, I accomplished that dream when I became a police officer with the Corpus Christi Police Department in October 2006.
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It was a physical and emotional challenge during the police academy and field training program, but the end result was everything I had hoped for and more. I patrol the streets to prevent crime and lock up criminals to protect the community. I serve as a role model for our young female children. I have experienced reading to students during "DROP EVERYTHING AND READ" in the public schools and watching those admirable, tiny eyes look upon me. It gives me a great sense of pride in being a female police officer. Everyday is a learning experience and can be very challenging and exciting. At the end of the day I have protected and served my community to the fullest with honor and pride. I make sure that I come home safe to my family.
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Officer Brenda Garza - I just joined the city of Corpus Christi Police Department, so my name has changed to "Rookie". My actual name is Brenda Garza and I've always wanted to become a Police Officer. I grew up and graduated from high school in Runge, Texas (small town). In high school, I played every sport that I could join and I've always loved the thrill of competition. I also attended Coastal Bend College for two years in Beeville, Texas.
My husband, Bernie Garza (boyfriend at the time) and I moved to Corpus Christi in the summer of 1993. I've been with the City of Corpus Christi since 1994. I have two kids that are ten years old, Brandan and Breauna (twins).
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I was working for Neighborhood Service Department as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City. I was always out in the field working with the public and enjoyed helping them. I also worked with the City of Corpus Christi Directed Patrol Officers (DPO) on a daily basis. It was this experience that influenced me to consider being a police officer. I told one of the Directed Patrol Officers that I was interested in becoming a police officer and he encouraged me to "go for it" but I backed out of doing so that year. I recall that some people told me that I could not do it because I was a female.
Throughout the year I kept thinking about it more and more. I watched the DPO's professionally interact wit the public. I decided I had to go for it and discussed it with my family. They told me they were behind me all of the way. I remember my husband stating, "If you don't go for it, you will regret it," so once again, I spoke with my DPO and he gave me all of the information on how to prepare for it. I was excited and extremely nervous, but I tried out. The hiring process was long and arduous, but I made it. My dream was within reach.
The Academy was a challenge for me, but I never gave up. I graduated as part of the 67th Academy and just recently completed the Field Training portion of the process. In enjoyed every minute of it and learned a lot from my other officers. I have no regrets and I am so glad I tried out. Now, I am doing what I've always wanted to do under my new Pseudo name, "ROOKIE".
To everyone out there, follow your dream! If you don't make it the first time, keep on trying. If you don't try, you will never know what you might accomplish.
Good Luck!!!
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Commander Heidi Frese - Recruit Officers come to our department for different reasons. I am one of the many who simply has always desired to serve the public. I first learned about the concept of Community Policing in 1989 as an undergraduate student at California State University. I was inspired by the concept of Community Policing – including the public to work with police to improve quality of life and combat crime in neighborhoods. Although my intention was to become and F.B.I. agent, I ended up in Corpus Christi after serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. I was accepted into law school just a few weeks before being offered a seat in the Police Academy. |
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I knew in my heart that being a police officer was how I was meant to serve but being one of seven children in my traditional Hispanic family, I knew that becoming a police officer would be an extremely unpopular idea. I didn't ask permission or seek approval from anyone. I just asked God for His blessing and he gave it to me. If you are a woman considering becoming a police officer, I encourage you to give yourself permission first and believe you can do it. Otherwise, you can be assured that you will hear a list of reasons why you should not. That's just what people do; people who don't know the job and the meaning of service.
I was a single mother for nine years but the difficulties weren't because I was a police officer but because motherhood is challenging no matter what. Whether you work at home or outside, single or married, parenting is the most important job you will ever have.
I have four children ranging from pre-school to college. My assignments have been in patrol, crime prevention, directed patrol, and I've worked numerous undercover assignments. An additional assignment I've enjoyed for many years has been instructing Cultural diversity and Human Relations to Cadets and Officers at our training center. Now I am a Commander and oversee our department's Communication Center, Property and Evidence Warehouse, and Central Records Unit.
This year I was diagnosed with renal cancer and had major surgery. The support I received from fellow officers was unbelievably encouraging. I hang a banner on my bedroom wall that was signed by Corpus Christi officers and employees and it still serves to strengthen my faith and focus. There has not been a single assignment that I haven't enjoyed immensely while serving the City of Corpus Christi.
There is no greater honor than public service. |
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