The City of Brownwood welcomed a new officer to the Brownwood Police Department during Tuesday morning’s City Council meeting.

Officer Harold Thomas, an experienced law enforcement officer of 30 years joined BPD on May 13th.   He took his Oath of Office, administered by City Secretary Christi Wynn, and the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, administered by Chief of Police Mike Corley, at Monday’s meeting.  Sgt. Michael Sheedy officially pinned the badge on his BPD uniform.

Thomas has a wide experience in law enforcement from serving as an officer to holding the office of Chief of Police in Hutto, Texas.  He also worked as the hostage negotiations trainer for the Odessa Police Department.

Thomas comes to Brownwood from Odessa; however, he stated that he has had family in the area for quite some time.

“My grandparents were here in Brownwood and my dad was raised on a farm just outside of May,” said Thomas.  “My parents bought Mountain View Lodge in 1979 and ran it until 1992.”

He explained that his mother sold the lodge in 1993 and moved back to Odessa but that it just wasn’t the same after being in Brownwood for 14 years, so she moved back.

“I’ve had family in the area for quite some time, so it’s almost like moving back home,” said Thomas.

Mayor Stephen Haynes welcomed Thomas to the department and offered him well wishes.

“We’re so happy to have you.  We’ll continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers and wish God’s speed be with you,” said Mayor Haynes.

Pictured above are Chief Corley (left) and Officer Thomas (right) as he took the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor at Tuesday’s meeting of the council.

Below, Sgt. Sheedy pins the badge on Thomas’ uniform.