Members of the Garland Citizens Police Academy Association (GCPAAA) recently attended the annual Texas Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Awards Dinner. During the dinner, the Garland Police Department’s Liaison Officer Matt Pesta was selected as the 2022 Ray Ramon Peace Officer of the Year Recipient.
The Ray Ramon Peace Officer of the Year Award is presented to one officer in the State of Texas. The winner of the award is selected for their commitment to community relations.
The GCPAAA board of directors nominated Pesta and provided information that demonstrated his professionalism, commitment to community and his support of the Garland Police Department, the Citizen Police Academy Class as well as the GCPAA Alumni Association. The nomination package was evaluated using a defined scoring system to select this year’s recipient.
GCPAA is pleased that the committee recognized Pesta’s commitment and accomplishments by selecting him for this prestigious award.
The members of the organization are fortunate to have such an outstanding Liaison as Pesta and it is a pleasure to work with him to help our association support all employees and staff of the Garland Police Department.
Congratulations Officer Matt Pesta. Job well done!
Information and photo provided by Garland Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.
About Officer Matt Pesta:
Officer Pesta has been with the Garland Police Department since 2006. He began his career working as a Detention Officer in the Garland Detention Center. After five years, he joined the Garland Police Academy Recruit Class 56. Pesta worked several years in the Patrol Division and, in October of 2016, joined the Neighborhood Police Officer Unit. In March 2020, he became a Community Relations / Public Information Officer. He also served the department as a Negotiator for the SWAT team for two years. He is currently an active member of the Honor Guard and the department’s Crisis Intervention Stress Management (CISM) team.