Officers Alexander Watkins and Felix Williams IV.
For the first time in its history, the Pearland Police Department held a swearing in ceremony Tuesday (Nov. 10) for two new officers that recently graduated from the Pasadena Police Academy.
Ceremonies are traditionally held for promotions and retirement, but this is the first time that new hires were sworn in publicly. This event is usually held behind closed doors in City Hall.
“It’s time to give our new officers a public ceremony,” said Captain Chad Randall. “We are introducing them to policing by providing public scrutiny, doughnuts and coffee,” he joked.
Officers Felix Williams IV and Alexander Watkins took their oaths from Chief J.C. Doyle in front of family, friends and co-workers.
Watkins was pinned by his grandfather. Williams was pinned by his Training Officer from the Academy.
Williams received the “Top Gun” award for the best shooting record in his Academy class as well as the highest grade point average (GPA).
Mayor Tom Reid, City Manager Clay Pearson, Deputy City Manager Jon Branson, Councilman Tony Carbone, Fire Chief Vance Riley and Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Baum were among the City officials in attendance.
The next swearing in ceremony will be held in December, when four cadets graduate from Alvin Community College Police Academy.
To learn more about the Pearland Police Department, visit PearlandPD.com.
