FUNDRAISER SUCCESS
The community raised $21,435 for medical expenses for Cpl. Mike Troglin as he battles cancer at the recent “Burgers for Mike” fundraiser The Chuckwagon Gang cooked more than 2,100 burgers and OPD Officers and other volunteers delivered several hundred plates that were order.
OPD CHAPLAIN
OPD Chaplain Isaiah Tunson Jr. has served as a Chaplain for the Odessa Police Department since 2020 and is also the Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Odessa. Back in 1987, he started a career in law enforcement that lasted for 10 years. The Volunteer Police Chaplains Program was created in 1986 to serve the citizens of Odessa and the officers and employees of the Odessa Police Department. The Police Chaplains Program is staffed by volunteer chaplains from various church denominations. These chaplains provide a valuable and much appreciated service to public safety officials, families in need and the community at large. Volunteer chaplains receive training in police regulations and procedures to increase their understanding of the police role in society. They are available to provide specialized counseling to citizens, officers and their families upon request. There are chaplains on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
RECRUITS
Keirsten Scott is one of the recruits in the 25th Session of the OPD Academy. Scott loves the quote “The best way to predict the future is to create it” by Abraham Lincoln. She was born and raised in Odessa. She eventually wants to end up as a Field Training Officer or in the K-9 Unit.
Alan Avila is one of the recruits in the 25th Session of the OPD Academy. He was born and raised in Midland. His goal is to work his way up to becoming a detective.
Tyler Griffith is one of the recruits in the 25th Session of the OPD Academy. He was born and raised right here in Odessa. He hopes to become a K-9 Officer one day. Griffith also says he was raised by his grandparents and that his grandpa, a veteran, had a big impact on him.
Bailey Martin is one of the recruits in the 25th Session of the OPD Academy. He was born and raised right here in Odessa. Even at a young age, he knew he wanted a career in law enforcement. He hopes to become a detective at the Odessa Police Department.
Francisco Olvera Jr. of Brownsville is one of the recruits in the 25th Session of the OPD Academy. “I chose to become a police officer because I like helping people, being there when they need me, and believe I could make an impact in the community,” Olvera “I chose to become a police officer because I like helping people, being there when they need me, and believe I could make an impact in the community,” said Olvera.
He says he chose Odessa for the opportunity and because it is “the right place in Texas.” He says he chose Odessa for the opportunity and because it is “the right place in Texas.”
GRADUATES
WACO Lauren Elizabeth Simmons of Odessa recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing degree from Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University.
WACO Hays Morriss of Van Horn recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Film and Digital Media from College of Arts & Sciences at Baylor University.
DEAN’S LIST
WACO Nicole Ramirez and Lauren Simmons, both of Odessa, and Kassidy Epperson and Emma Porter, both of Andrews, have been named to the Dean’s Academic Honor List at Baylor University for the spring semester.
To be eligible, students must have earned a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.70 with no grade lower than a “C” while enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours.
