My name is Esmeralda Guerra and I grew up in South Texas. I am honored to serve as the newest Police Lieutenant for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. My law enforcement career began back in March of 1990 when I was hired as a police cadet for the City of McAllen, Texas Police Department. I spent my first seven years as a police officer working the patrol division. I then had the opportunity to work at the McAllen Police Academy as a background investigator. Thereafter, I earned my basic instructor certification and assisted as one of the instructors for the police academy. I also had the privilege to conduct in-service training for all police personnel.
In June of 2000, I was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant. I spent the following ten years working three different divisions. These divisions were the Uniform Patrol Services, Communications Division, and Crime Record Division. During this period of time, I always took the opportunity to apply for new positions at least every three years. I always strived to improve my knowledge in all functions within the law enforcement organization. I was extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to coach, lead and encourage great police officers and civilian personnel.
I was then promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant in March of 2011 and spent the following five and a half years overseeing multiple divisions within the McAllen Police Department. I acquired experience, knowledge and training in supervising the daily operations of police personnel to include; Uniform Patrol Services, Motorcycle Traffic Unit, K9 Unit, Municipal Court, Airport Unit, Jail Facility, and the Criminal Investigation Division, which incorporated CSI and Youth Crimes Unit.
In July 2016, I closed this chapter of my life after retiring from the City of McAllen Police Department. I took about a year and a half off, before I realized there was only so much fishing a person could do. I missed my chosen profession and was determined to return to law enforcement. In September of 2017, after searching the internet for law enforcement opportunities, I found UTRGV Police Department had an opening for a patrol sergeant. I applied and was hired on January 2018.
Overall, my experience in management of police personnel has varied throughout the last twenty years. The principles I have learned in order to strive to be an excellent supervisor is to be knowledgeable in your field, lead by example, always be open and transparent and treat everyone with respect.
On a more personal note, I want to mention I have two adult children. They both have also chosen a path of service. My daughter having followed in my footsteps, became a McAllen Police Officer in November 2014. My son who joined the United States Army in December of 2014 is currently serving at the rank of Sergeant. As of today, they are both proudly serving in their chosen professions.
In closing, I would like to take this time to thank every police officer for their unwavering dedication to this selfless job, for all the sacrifices they have made, and will continue to make in order to serve and protect our communities. Stay strong my brothers and sisters in blue and May God Bless You All.
