To the 21st century

John “Ty” Bermea may seem young — at 21 years old, he certainly doesn’t have the kind of experience his opponent David Lewallen does.

But, his focus isn’t on experience.

After graduating high school when he was 15, Bermea clocked many hours in law enforcement.

“I’d like to make (the constable’s office) a working office,” Bermea said. “Right now the constables are fairly inactive, and I’d like to change that.”

Bermea said he has plans to take the office into the 21st century if he is voted in as Constable Precinct 2.

“By trade, I’m an IT engineer, so of course I’m going to want to do computer stuff that would be useful,” he said.

That includes creating a database for outstanding subpoenas.

Bermea said he’s been a police officer for four years.

He attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville before moving back to Odessa in 2004.

Back in Odessa he spent a short time as a police officer for Odessa College.

After a year, he became a police officer for the City of Odessa. He eventually left the police department and took a job at a computer company, before finally settling down at a local oil company.

“One thing I did when I was an Odessa College officer is I went out with the city and backed up officers on whatever was going on. Right now, they have a lot of openings, so they can use all the assistance possible,” he said.

Bermea stressed that the biggest thing a constable should do is be available to assist other law enforcement agencies.

“It always helps to have two or three people on any kinds of calls,” Bermea said. “(I would) go out on nights and weekends and back them up.”

Bermea’s running on a campaign of change, particularly in the technological field.

“Any kind of improved technology, I think, is a good thing,” he said. “Most people would agree with that.”

>> Name: John “Ty” Bermea.

>> Age: 21.

>> How long have you lived in Ector County? 2.5 years.

>> What office, if any do you hold now? N/A.

>> If you are an office-holder, when were you first elected? N/A.

>> Occupation: Engineer, 1.5 Years.

>> Education: Midwestern State University, Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Computer Information Systems and Criminal Justice; Odessa College, Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement; Odessa College, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Odessa College, Associate of Applied Science in Management; Kermit High School, Diploma; Texas Peace Officer License, with Intermediate and Instructor Proficiencies.

>> Family: Mandy Bermea, 2 years, no children.

>> Why are you seeking this office?: I intend to utilize my education and previous law enforcement experience to create a working Constable's office in order to fulfill the duties of serving process required by law.

>> What are the issues and where do you stand on them?: I am enthusiastic that I can bring change and actually work for the residents of Ector County by carrying out the duties of the office as well as assisting other law enforcement agencies. With my prior law enforcement and current computer knowledge, I intend to make the Constable's office one that the citizens can be proud of, as I use 21st century processes to make the office the most efficient and professional in the county.