The Houston Police Department has seven full-time officers again after adding two last week: Travis Thompson and Adam Stevenson.
Thompson, 27, is a resident of Cabool and graduated from high school there in 2010. He took criminal justice courses at Drury University’s Cabool campus and then graduating from the state Law Enforcement Academy in June 2013.
His work history includes 10 months as a jailer, bailiff and reserve deputy with the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and close to five years as an officer with the Cabool Police Department.
“Joining this department will give me better opportunities,” Thompson said. “Here, there’s a faster pace and tempo, and more call volume. I felt like I could gain more experience by coming to Houston.
“The department is very respectful and professional; I think very highly of the guys here and think of them as friends.”
Stevenson, 26, is a resident of Houston and a graduate of HHS. Following high school, he joined the Marines and served for four years.
He graduated from the Academy on Aug. 10.
“I miss serving and doing something that has a purpose,” Stevenson said. “I really like this department so far, and these are good guys to work with.”
The positions became available when officers Greg Ryan and Kenny Reynolds recently departed, both becoming Texas County deputies.
“Both young officers are excited to join our team and want to make Houston Police Department their careers,” said HPD Chief Tim Ceplina. “Each are eager to learn and bring positive skill sets to our department. We had nine applicants for these positions and I believe we made the best selections for the community and the department.
“I look forward to working with these young officers and welcome them to our law enforcement family.”
Thompson is married and has two children, while Stevenson is single. Thompson’s official first day was Aug. 10 and Stevenson’s was Aug. 13.
Last Thursday marked the beginning of another school year in Houston, and officer Josh Green’s first day being around students as the district’s new school resource officer (SRO).
“We will work more closely with the school than we ever have with the addition of our school resource officer,” Ceplina said. “This is a program we have worked to establish for several years and I could not be happier that we have made it happen through a partnership between the city and the school.”
Green completed SRO training this summer.
“I know his presence at the school will be very positive and help establish rapport with the students and staff,” Ceplina said.
The HPD’s phone number is 417-967-3348.