OPD officers receive awards, promotions

Odessa Police Department celebrated a wealth of promotions and awards on Monday.

The ceremony took place at the Zant Community Room at Odessa College.

There were seven officers promoted to corporal, while one was promoted to sergeant.

Three officers received their TCOLE intermediate certificates, three officers earned their TCOLE advanced certificates and three officers received their TCOLE master certificates.

The seven officers promoted to corporal were John Langs, Stephen Lofton, Thor Prosise, Michael Baer, Ian Kapets, Yolanda Medrano and Randy Carruth. The lone officer promoted to sergeant was Polo Frescas.

The three officers that received their TCOLE intermediate certificates were Cpl. Lauren Gonzales, Cpl. Tyler Rodgers and Cpl. Vijitta Y. The three officers that received their TCOLE advanced certificates were Cpl. Justin Caid, Cpl. Donnie Rocha and Sgt. Diana Seago. The three officers that received their TCOLE master certificates were Cpl. Sam Chavez, Cpl. Yolanda Rincon-Medrano and Sgt. Brad Cline.

Cpl. Jason Ball was recognized for second education with two associate degrees from Odessa College. Ball received a degree in computer science and a degree in arts and general studies.

Olga Carrillo was honored with the civilian employee, while Cpl. John Langs received operations bureau officer of the year. Frescas also received criminal investigation employee of the year.

David Sanchez, Jesse Ruiz and LaDonna Ruiz each received civilian awards, while officer Brian Cordero, Cpl. Iliana Davis, Cpl. Ian Kapets, Cpl. Michael Troglin, Cpl. Jared Wescoat and Sgt. Craig Goodson each were honored with life saving awards.

Professional police officers association employee of the year was Cpl. Tyler Rodgers. Officer Nicholas Moore, Cpl. Tyler Rodgers and Cpl. Kendrick Barragan each received meritorious conduct bar award. Cpl. Gary Potter received the police medal of valor award.