Alberto Guajardo officially sworn-in as Eagle Pass Police Chief

By: Ricardo E. Calderon
Copyright 2013 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

Eagle Pass Police Department Detective Alberto Guajardo was officially sworn-in as the new City of Eagle Pass, Texas Police Department Chief of Police on Friday, October 25, 2013, at a special swearing-in ceremony held at the City Council Chambers at City Hall in Eagle Pass.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by over 20 law enforcement representatives from local, state, and federal agencies and over 150 persons from the community, including the family of Police Chief Alberto Guajardo and the Eagle Pass City Council.

Rafael Garza was the Master of Ceremony for the swearing-in ceremony. The Eagle Pass Police Department Color Guard presented the flags of the State of Texas and United States. Elizandra Guajardo, daughter of Police Chief Alberto Guajardo, led the guests in attendance to the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. Eagle Pass City Manager Gloria Barrientos welcomed the distinguished guests and family of Police Chief Alberto Guajardo to the ceremony. Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu congratulated new Police Chief Alberto Guajardo on his appointment and pledged the Eagle Pass City Council’s support to working with him and the Eagle Pass Police Department in protecting and serving the citizens of Eagle Pass. Mayor Cantu highlighted the City of Eagle Pass’ commitment to improving and working with its Police Department and all law enforcement agencies by developing a new $2 Million Eagle Pass Police Department headquarters at the former Texas National Guard Building on South Monroe Street.

Eagle Pass Police Chief Alberto Guajardo was administered his official Oath of Office by a City of Eagle Pass employee and his lovely wife, Maricela Ruiz Guajardo, pinned the official Chief of Police Badge on his uniform.

Newly sworn-in Eagle Pass Police Chief Alberto Guajardo thanked his family, City Manager Gloria Barrientos, Mayor Ramsey English Cantu and the Eagle Pass City Council, the Interview Committee, the Eagle Pass Police Department officers, and all law enforcement representatives in attendance for their confidence, support, and well wishes as the new Chief of Police. Police Chief Guajardo recited Robert Frost’s famous poem describing taking the road least traveled to relate his rise to becoming the new Eagle Pass Police Chief, commencing with graduating from Eagle Pass High School, serving in the United States Army as a Medical Specialist for four years, marrying his high school sweetheart, working for a national electricity company as a utility lineman, returning to college to complete his degree in criminal justice, and starting a new career as an officer for the Eagle Pass Police Department.

Police Chief Guajardo acknowledged the unconditional love and support of his wife, Maricela Ruiz Guajardo, for helping him attain his goal of becoming a law enforcement officer. He also thanked his children, Elizandra, Joaquin, and Stefan, for their support. He thanked his father and mother, Mr. & Mrs. Arturo Guajardo, for their love and support. He also recognized his brothers, Arturo Guajardo, III, Roberto Guajardo, and Ricardo Guajardo, and sister, Elizabeth G. Sifuentes, for their love and support.

“I will do everything within my power within the law to uphold the integrity of this Chief of Police Badge,” said Police Chief Guajardo. “This moment is about the community of Eagle Pass, not about me,” said Guajardo. “There will be many positive changes within the Eagle Pass Police Department for the betterment of the community,” added Guajardo. “We are here for you. I want to meet everyone in the community. My office is open to everyone,” said Police Chief Guajardo.

Attending the swearing-in ceremony were Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu, Mayor Pro-Tem Luis E. Sifuentes, Councilman William Davis, Councilwoman Gloria Hernandez, City Manager Gloria Barrientos, and Municipal Court Judge Francisco Martinez III.

Law enforcement representatives attending included Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber, Maverick County Attorney Ricardo Ramos, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Port of Entry Director Cynthia Rodriguez, Eagle Pass Independent School District Police Officer Ricardo Flores, and representatives from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Drug and Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the City of Laredo Police Department. Laredo Assistant City Manager Jesus Olivares and wife, Linda Olivares, also attended the ceremony.

A reception was held in the atrium lobby of City Hall following the swearing-in ceremony where guests were provided hor’s d voures and refreshments.