Brownwood Police Department welcomed a newly hired officer and promoted a long-time officer to the rank of lieutenant during the Tuesday morning Brownwood City Council meeting.
Born in Brownwood, Officer Kevin Ard is no stranger to the area. Ard is newly hired with Brownwood Police Department as a patrol officer.
Chief Mike Corley explained that he feels it is important to swear in officers and give them the oath of office in front of the community they serve.
“It is not a requirement that we do this in a public forum, but I like to do this as a commitment to our community and this is who we serve,” said Corley. “Kevin comes to us from Lubbock, and I think he is going to be a great addition to our police force.”
Officer Tracey Delgado helped to pin the badge on Officer Ard.
Sergeant Delgado was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, sworn in and given the oath of office.
“She went through a lot to get here,” stated Corley. “I am proud to have her here and just as proud to promote her to lieutenant.”
Lt. Delgado’s husband, DPS Trooper Chris Delgado pinned the new badge on her uniform.
Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes gave comments of praise to the officers and of the choice to have the public ceremony when hiring new and promoting officers.
“Let me say how proud we are of you for your promotion, I know a lot of hard work and dedication went into that,” stated Haynes. “I think it is great that our officers come here to take the oath. We as a council then get to see the conviction in the eye, the pride in the accomplishment in what you have done. That is very special to us to get to do that and we are very proud of you and thank you for your service to the community.”
A reception in honor of Ard and Delgado followed the ceremony.
Officer Kevin Ard takes the Oath of Office administered by BPD Chief Mike Corley.
Lieutenant Tracey Delgado takes the Oath of Office administered by Chief Corley.