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Columbus PD induct two graduates into police force
Columbus Texas PD welcomed two new personnel into their staff, Officer Israel Salinas and Officer Flor Sanchez, last Wednesday, July 17.
The two new officers are recent graduates of the Wharton County Junior College Police Academy and were honored with CPD badges during their graduation ceremony, presented by Columbus Police Chief Milton “Skip” Edmond.
While both graduates completed their respective courses at the same time, their journeys to get there were quite different.
■ OFFICERS, 12
Officer Sanchez Officer Sanchez, 27, was raised in Needville by a Mexican father and Salvadoran mother as a single child. She graduated from Needville High School in 2017, planning on entering the military upon graduation, but had to put aside her “dream” due to an unfortunate circumstance.
“Growing up I always wanted to do something so I could give back to my country,” said Sanchez. “I wanted to join the military but due to my father passing away when I was 17, I had to put my dream aside.”
Sanchez’s journey into law enforcement first began while she was working at the Fort Bend County Mail Center, being encouraged by her manager to pursue a career in law enforcement after showing an interest in studying law and helping people.
From there Sanchez would initially find her time difficult to manage, balancing full-time work with school. She eventually found what worked best for her, completing her course in just under a year, meeting colleagues she now calls friends, along the way.
“My journey was a little difficult at first, due to trying to manage working full time and going to class right after work,” said Sanchez. “After I learned how to manage my time it soon got easy for me, as well as finding time to study. I also had the privilege of meeting amazing people in the academy that I’m still able to call my friends.”
Sanchez hopes that in her time as a member of the Columbus PD, she can leave a lasting impact on the people she helps. She believes despite the challenges, she’ll be able to accomplish her main goal, and voices her excitement about working in the community.
“One of the many things I want to accomplish as part of the Columbus PD is that I wanted to be able to change somebody’s life for the better one person at a time,” said Sanchez. “Many people say that it’s impossible but, in my heart, I believe that it is possible. What I want the people of Columbus to know is that I’m extremely grateful that I’m able to start off my new journey in such a wonderful community, and I can’t wait to see what my future has in store with such a great community.”
Officer Salinas, 22, was born and raised in Columbus to Hispanic parents, being a first-generation U.S. Citizen. Salinas is the oldest of three siblings, with a younger brother Alejandro Salinas (20) and younger sister Karley Salinas (17). He attended Columbus ISD from K-12, graduating high school at the peak of COVID in May 2020.
Salinas would go on to attend Sam Houston State University following high school, graduating Cum Laude in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He would quickly begin and graduate from his tenure at the WCJC Police Academy, joining in January 2024 and graduating six months later as Valedictorian June 14th, immediately beginning the FTO program with Columbus PD.
“During my time at the police academy,” said Salinas. “I earned the Squad Leader position and ultimately graduated Valedictorian of PA 115. The Police Academy was my first step in joining the law enforcement world.”
As a child, Salinas says his dream was to always become a police officer, even dressing up as a police officer multiple times growing up for Halloween. He said despite the backlash for pursuing this career because of his background, he was able to develop a deep appreciation for the people he saw as “truly compassionate.”
“My mother Diana Tellez would even vouch that I used to dress up as a police officer for Halloween growing up,” said Salinas. “The true compassion for being in law enforcement. My journey has been different than others coming from immigrant parents and receiving the backlash I have for choosing this career.”
Salinas wants residents to know that he is fully dedicated to Columbus and is ready to tackle and take on any task for the safety of the residents. He says despite his short stay so far, he’s already experienced moments that remind him of why he chose this profession.
“I promise to protect and serve as much as God allows,” said Salinas. “I have just begun my career in law enforcement, and I have already had on-duty encounters with children that were at first terrified of police officers, but I was able to change their perspectives. Just to know that I have made a positive impact on those children to where they now trust us instead of fear us, reminds me of why I chose the law enforcement profession. I love law enforcement, and to the Columbus community, I promise to give you my all. I believe I can bring diversity, athleticism, and education to the PD as I plan to also obtain a master’s degree in the Spring to help with my lengthy career here at Columbus PD.”
