2015 HAPCOA OPENING EVENT AND AGUILA AWARDS LUNCHEON

HAPCOA, the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, established in 1973, is the oldest and largest association in the U.S. of Hispanic American command officers from law enforcement and criminal justice agencies at the municipal, county, state and federal levels. It members represent law enforcement agencies from across the United States, and around the world.  HAPCOA is a national organization with a local presence.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 8:30 am, at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, HAPCOA opens its 42^nd Annual National Law Enforcement Training Symposium, with San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor, Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau, DPS Director Steve McCraw, US Marshal Robert Almonte and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus providing welcoming remarks.  Delivering the official opening Keynote address will be Mr. Ronald Davis, Director, Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Washington, DC.

The theme of this years HAPCOA symposium is  “Hispanic Policing in the 21^st Century:  Communication, Trust, and Inclusion”

The 2015 HAPCOA Aguila Awards Luncheon is scheduled for 11am to 1pm. Delivering the luncheon address at this year’s Aguila Awards Luncheon will be the Mr. Eric Velez-Villar, Executive Assistant Director (EAD), Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Washington, DC.  EAD Velez-Villar serves as the highest ranked Hispanic in the FBI today.

This year’s award categories include:

THE HAPCOA AGUILA STATUE AWARD

This award is the highest form of recognition provided by HAPCOA for exceptional contributions by an individual or an organization in support of HAPCOA’s mission and goals. Nominees exemplify the highest levels of concern for Public Safety and embody the principals on which HAPCOA was founded to promote.

The 2015 HAPCOA Aguila Statue Award recipient is: 

Bernardo Matias “Mat” Perez
Special Agent in Charge (retired)
Federal Bureau of Investigations

THE HAPCOA GOLD MEDAL OF VALOR

The Gold Medal of Valor Award: presented to an individual, who while on official duty, performed beyond the call, exemplifying courage and boldness.

The 2015 HAPCOA Gold Medal of Valor Award is proudly awarded to:

Cindy Hernandez & Michele Avila
Deputy Sheriffs
Bexar County Sheriffs Office, Bexar County, TX

THE HAPCOA SILVER MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

The Silver Medal for Meritorious Service: presented to an individual, who has performed meritorious work in law enforcement.

The 2015 HAPCOA Silver Medal for Meritorious Service awardees include:

David A. Montoya – Inspector General
Office of Inspector General (OIG)
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Washington, DC

Miguel E. Montalvo
Postal Inspector
US Postal Inspection Service
San Francisco Division 

Marisela “Mari” Nash
Special Agent
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)

THE HAPCOA BRONZE MEDAL FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Bronze Medal for Community Service: presented to an individual who has contributed to the civic projects or programs, which have resulted in the betterment of the community.

These awards are presented annually to individuals, agencies, or departments nationwide in recognition for promoting a standard of excellence that exemplifies law enforcement’s contributions and dedication to the quality of life in local communities. This Awards Program helps law enforcement agencies nationwide and the communities they serve by redefining the concept of law enforcement and how it is routinely performed.

The 2015 HAPCOA Bronze Medal for Community Service selectees include:

US Embassy Panama HAPCOA Chapter
Panama City, Panama

Richard Perez
Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge
TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service
Dallas Field Office, Dallas, Texas

THE HAPCOA PRESIDENT’S AWARD

The HAPCOA President’s Award is presented to an individual or organization that has provided support, direction and guidance to HAPCOA’s membership.

The 2015 HAPCOA President’s Award will be presented to:

• Eric Velez-Villar, Executive Assistant Director, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigations Washington, DC.

In addition, HAPCOA sponsors will be recognized for their support, contributions and donations.  This year’s sponsors include:

• Harris Communications
• American Military University
• Verizon
• Motorola
• Davila Construction and DES Business Solutions of San Antonio, TX

To achieve its vision, HAPCOA follows its mission to “Empower the Future of Law Enforcement” by assisting law enforcement, criminal justice and community organizations nationwide in their efforts to recruit, train and promote qualified Hispanic American men and women.

The 2015 HAPCOA National President is Don Tijerina, Captain, Bexar County Sheriffs Office, San Antonio, TX.