Last Tuesday, the Southmayd Police Department welcomed its newest member, Rolando Benitez, with a swearing-in ceremony during the monthly city council meeting.
Police Chief Jeff Laughlin introduced Benitez and shared some of his history. Benitez graduated from high school in Pilot Point, Texas, and married his high school sweetheart, Gemma. They have two sons. Rolando attended North Central Texas College, where he earned an associate’s degree, and then attended the University of North Texas, graduating in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
In 2015, Rolando graduated from the Collin College Law Enforcement Academy and became a full-time police officer with The Colony Police Department. During his time with The Colony, he was a patrol officer, a bike officer, drone operator and assisted in developing their first Spanish Citizens Police Academy.
Benitez has approximately 10 years of law enforcement experience, over 2,000 hours of training and holds an Advanced Peace Officers License. Benitez is excited for the opportunity to serve the City of Southmayd.
When not working and caring for his family, Benitez enjoys going to the gym, traveling and spending his summers on the lake. He also enjoys coaching his youngest son in football and baseball.