Sandoval latest addition to the force
New Officer Dillon Sandoval joined the ranks of the Taylor Police Department during a swearing-in ceremony this past week at the Taylor Public Library.
He took his oath of office in front of Taylor leaders and fellow police at the special ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 18, which included an introduction by Police Chief Henry Fluck.
“In June of this year, he started with the Taylor Police Department as a police recruit. Last Friday he graduated from Central Texas College Police Academy,” Fluck told the assembled dignitaries.
Sandoval, who attended Pflugerville High School, became a correctional officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 2019. In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant in the state prison system.
“We have some traditions in this department,” Fluck said, asking Sandoval to first recite the Police Department mission statement, followed by its core values.
Sandoval then repeated the law enforcement oath of honor and the oath of office before the final swearing in by Fluck.
During the ceremony, the newly minted peace officer promised to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this state.”
Sandoval’s wife, Jennifer, then pinned his badge on his new uniform and the chief presented him with a plaque to commemorate his swearing in.
“Dillon, you have a shiny new badge,” Fluck told him. “Don’t ever tarnish it.”
Commander Joseph Brannon said Sandoval’s training will continue as he begins patrolling the city, accompanied by an experienced officer. happen is he will enter into the field-training officer program, which is performance based,” Branson said. “It follows a schedule, but he’s not released until he feels like he’s ready and we feel like he’s ready, usually about four to six months of training before he’s really out on his own.”
While the academy teaches cadets how to be a peace officer, the field-training portion teaches law-enforcement personnel how to carry out the job while reflecting the community’s values.
“We expect, and honestly, demand it. We’re going to treat people well,” Branson said. “We’re going to be firm but fair enforcing the laws of the state and the United States.” The commander added, “Young officers like this are just what this agency needs as we go forward. It’s a good day for the Police Department and we’re excited and happy for Dillon.”
Sandoval and his wife have three sons, ages 9, 6 and 2.
He joins a staff of over 30 sworn officers who handle about 20,000 reported incidents
New Taylor Officer Dillon Sandoval recites his oath of office.
Taylor Police Chief Henry Fluck gives Officer Dillon Sandoval a plaque commemorating his oath of office. Photos by Edie Zuvanich
