HARLINGEN — When Texas State Technical College buckled down to prepare for the unprecedented winter storm that recently made its way across the state, TSTC campus police immediately answered the call to ensure that both the campus and its residents were safe.
The TSTC Incident Command Post (ICP) team began preparations for the storm well in advance of the storm and developed an action plan to prepare for any situations that arose because of the weather.
TSTC Chief of Police Eduardo Patino is not only proud of his team for being responsive during critical moments such as this, but also for their dedication to service at TSTC.
“The safety and wellbeing of all members within our community are very important to us,” he said. “Our preparation for all incidents is a year-round process.”
Through the duration of the power outages and icy roads, Patino’s team worked diligently to ensure that situations on campus were handled as smoothly as possible, while also dealing with no electricity or water at their own homes.
“My team was onsite, maintaining the safety and security of the campus while being responsive to our housing residents,” Patino said. “The officers that make up the team are dependable and hold themselves to higher standards. Accountability is one of our core values, which all members in my team truly live up to.”
He said that this work ethic makes the ultimate difference.
“When individuals adopt and live up to such values, it fosters a great working environment and is essential in building a cohesive team. Being responsive to all calls while maintaining visibility is part of our daily police operations.”
TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez appreciates the team’s efforts, which included one officer staying overnight to keep a close eye on the students and their needs on campus. .
“The officer stayed for safety purposes,” she said. “To say our police department is always prepared would be an understatement. They are the lead and front line in every emergency situation. They understand that they are the exemption to the rule of campus closures.”
Hernandez added that the campus is grateful for what the police department, and other TSTC departments, contribute to the college.
“The team we have built in Harlingen is amazing,” she said. “Seeing our staff and faculty rise to the occasion is what makes us an efficient team. From facilities to information technology to the police department, we work with one goal: the safety and well-being of our TSTC family and our TSTC home.”
