News Flash

Chief of Police, Mike Gerke, proudly announces the induction of eleven new police officers into the Odessa Police Department. The Odessa Police Academy 21st Session Graduation Ceremony took place on March 5, 2021 at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. 

Legna Alonso: Alonso is 39 years of age and was born in Havana, Cuba. Alonso was raised in Miami, Florida. Alonso graduated from Southwest Senior High / Florida International University in Miami, Florida. Alonso began her career with the Odessa Police Department on September 1^st, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. 

Jody Max Baer: Baer is 34 years of age and was born and raised in Odessa, Texas. Baer graduated from Permian High School. Baer began his career with the Odessa Police Department on August 3^rd, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. Baer is a veteran of the U. S. Army as an Imagery Analyst. 

Tyler Nathaniel Bullard: Bullard is 22 years of age and was born and raised in Odessa, Texas. Bullard graduated from Odessa High School. Bullard began his career with the Odessa Police Department on August 3^rd, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. Bullard has an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Odessa College. 

Joselyn Chapa: Chapa is 28 years of age and was born in Plainview, Texas. Chapa was raised in Del Rio, Texas and graduated from Del Rio High School. Chapa began her career with the Odessa Police Department on August 31^st, 2020. Chapa is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. 

Saman Salahuddin (Sa-lah-hu-deen) Mariwany:   Mariwany is 30 years of age and was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. Mariwany graduated from Shwresh High School, As Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Mariwany began his career with the Odessa Police Department on August 3^rd, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. Mariwany is a veteran of the U.S. Army as a Sergeant E-5, Active Duty Army, 4-6 Infantry Battalion, 3^rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Armored Division. 

Dalton Wade McSweeny: McSweeny is 23 years of age and was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico. McSweeny was raised in Midland, Texas and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. McSweeny began his career with the Odessa Police Department on August 31^st, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. 

Michael Edward Miller, Jr.: Miller is 21 years of age and was born and raised in Odessa, Texas. Miller graduated from Permian High School. Miller began his career with the Odessa Police Department on July 6^th, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. Miller has two years of Law Enforcement experience as a Jailer. 

Annette Martinez Rios: Rios is 28 years of age and was born in Killeen, Texas. Rios was raised in Midland, Texas and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. Rios began her career with the Odessa Police Department on August 31^st, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. Rios has prior law enforcement experience as a Correctional Officer.

Felipe Jesus Rodarte: Rodarte is 31 years of age and was born and raised in Odessa, Texas. Rodarte graduated from Odessa High School. Rodarte began his career with the Odessa Police Department on August 3^rd, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. 

Bailey Alexander Thurman: Thurman is 21 years of age and was born and raised in Odessa, Texas. Thurman graduated from Permian High School. Thurman began his career with the Odessa Police Department on August 30^th, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. Thurman is a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps.

Elizardo Vasquez: Vasquez is 24 years of age and was born and raised in Odessa, Texas. Vasquez graduated from New Tech Odessa High School. Vasquez began his career with the Odessa Police Department on June 8^th, 2020 and is a graduate of the 21^st session of the Odessa Police Academy. Vasquez has prior experience as a Jailer and as a commissioned Security Officer.