By Police1 Staff
DALHART, Texas — A Texas police department has made history with a new addition to the force.
KVII reports that newly-hired Dalhart PD Officer Erica Trevino became the first female deaf commissioned officer in the department’s history and is believed to be the first in Texas. Trevino said becoming a police officer is a passion for her.
“It’s not something I just want, it’s something God has called me to do. That’s what I believe. This truly is a career and I can’t tell you how much I look up to the people and I respect how much work the officers put into becoming a police officer,” Trevino said.
The newly-hired officer said she is fluent in four sign languages and can communicate with people in ways some officers can’t.
“With officer Trevino being here that’s going to be tremendous asset for those who are hard of hearing or deaf,” said David Conner, Dalhart Police Chief. “She will be able to communicate and assist us in that realm as well.”
Both Conner and Trevino acknowledge that day-to-day communication will present some challenges in the future. Trevino said she’s prepared to go to work and “be the best officer I can be.”
“Is it going to be a challenge for her and us? Yes, there’s no doubt,” Conner said. “Through all the obstacles she’s had to face in life and all the times she’s been told now she can’t do something she has succeeded. Who am I to say she can’t do this? There’s no doubt she can do it and she is qualified.”
Trevino reports to work on April 14 and will work the night shift. She said her goal is to climb up the ranks in the department and eventually work in the Criminal Investigations Division.