HAPCOA SELECTS 2014 AGUILA AWARD WINNER

The HAPCOA Board of Directors and its Aguila Awards Committee is proud to announce the selection of Art Acevedo, Chief of Police, Austin, TX as its 2014 Aguila Award winner. 

The Aguila Award is the highest form of recognition given 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 of HAPCOA was founded to promote.

This year’s award will be presented at the HAPCOA 41^st Annual National Training Symposium, Aguila Awards Luncheon to be held in San Antonio, TX on Tuesday, December 2^nd, 2014.  The keynote speaker at this year’s Aguila Awards Luncheon will be Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC.

Chief Art Acevedo is recognized as a national leader in community policing and serves as a command level role model for all in law enforcement to follow.  Chief Acevedo immigrated to the United States from Cuba when he was a child.  Following his dream to serve the public as a police officer Acevedo joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP).  At the CHP Acevedo rose to the rank of Chief  where he served the Greater Los Angeles Community.  Chief Acevedo was selected to the position of Chief of Police in 2007 and became the first Latino Chief of Police of Austin, TX.

Chief Acevedo is a past President of the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) and is active within HAPCOA, the International Association of Chief’s of Police (IACP) and with Major City Chiefs. 

The HAPCOA Awards Committee will soon release the names of its 2014 Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal winners.  Medal winners will also be recognized and presented at the 2014 Aguila Awards Luncheon.

Chief Paul Chapa, Trinity University Police Department & immediate past President of HAPCOA, delivers the news to Chief Art “Ace” Acevedo of his selection as HAPCOA’s 2014 Aguila Award Winner.