Allen Police Department is welcoming three new officers to its force. Officer Lugardo Garcia, Officer Roberto Yanez and Officer Taylor Thomas were sworn in at a ceremony held Friday, December 14 at Allen City Hall. Each brings years of experience and training to the Allen Police Department.
- Officer Lugardo Garcia was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He holds a Master’s Degree in the Science of Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso. He worked for the El Paso Police Department for five years serving as a Field Training Officer, a TCOLE Instructor, a Firearms Instructor and a Tactical Weapons Instructor.
- Officer Roberto Yanez was born and raised in Garland, Texas. He attended Richland College and the University of Texas Dallas to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 2012 he began a path of law enforcement and was hired by the Dallas Police Department. He served five years in the Northeast Patrol Division receiving eight commendations along with being awarded the Police Commendation Bar and the Meritorious Conduct Bar.
- Officer Taylor Thomas was born and raised in Crandall, Texas. He attended Trinity Valley Community College earning the credits to become a peace officer. In 2014 he attended the Police Academy for the Dallas Police Department. In the four years he spent in the Patrol Division with Dallas PD, he promoted to the rank of Senior Corporal
Allen Police Department is one of the few police departments in Dallas-Fort Worth with a lateral entry program, which encourages experienced officers to join our force. Officers who meet the criteria are no longer required to attend the written exam or physical agility test. Learn more about career opportunities with Allen Police.