Brownwood Police Department Welcomes New Officers

Written by Ben Cox – The Brownwood Police Department welcomed seven new officers to its ranks yesterday during a ceremony at the Law Enforcement Center.

Chief Terry Nichols read a brief description of what lead each officer to the force, and some of their background. He then asked each new officer who they would like to have pin on their badge, swearing the group in as a whole after each officers badge was pinned on.

“Officer James Wells started with the Police Department on June 21^st.  Prior to joining us, James worked as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City for more than 2 years.  He was born in Colorado Springs, CO and raised in California.  He saw the Promised Land, also known as Texas, and moved here approximately 15 years ago.  James worked for the Brown County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer for more than 5 years.  He is married to Rachel and has four children (Thane, Drtanyon, Ruby and Arimus).  Officer Wells is actively involved with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and he is also a great farrier as I have been told.  We are honored to have Officer Wells as part of our team.”

“Officer Jeff Carey started with the Police Department on August 8^th.  He was born in Portsmith, Virginia and finally made his way to Texas a little over 20 years ago.  Jeff served as an Officer with the Portsmith Police Department for several years before relocating to Texas.  He served 15 years with the Lewisville Police Department before retiring in 2013 to pursue work in the private sector.  He could not stand being away from law enforcement and jumped back in with us a few months ago.  Officer Carey is a veteran and served more than 5 years is the United States Air Force as a Crew Chief in the 340^th Air Refueling Wing.  He is married to Amy and has 4 children (Ashlee, Halee, Colton and Hayden).  Jeff, we are thankful you joined our team here at the Brownwood Police Department.”

“Officer Shad Tidwell started (again…more on that in a minute) with the Police Department September 6^th.  Shade was born in Andrews, Texas and has lived in the Brownwood area most of his life.  When I said he started with us “again”, it was in reference to him having started his law enforcement career with the Brownwood Police Department back in 2008.  He served with us for almost 4 years before joining the Brown County Sheriff’s Office for 6 years.  Shade has found his way back home.  He is a veteran and served 4 years in the United States Air Force 366^th Component Maintenance Squadron.  He is married to Caitlyn and they have two children (Andie and Asher).  Welcome back Shade and we are glad to have you back.”

“Officer Josh Holmes started with the Police Department on September 27^th.  Josh was born in Austin and has lived in Brownwood most of his life.  He is a graduate of Brownwood High School and was working for the City of Brownwood as a welder in the Sanitation Department before joining the Police Department.  Josh attended the West Central Texas Council of Governments Police Academy here in Brownwood this year and graduated on August 15^th.  Josh is married to Nicole and they have one child (Maximus).  We are proud to have you join us Josh.”

“Officer Trevor Sears started with the Police Department on September 27^th also.  Trevor was also born in Colorado Springs, Colorado and lived in Florida most of his life.  He has been in the Brownwood area since 2015.  Trevor was a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Florida.  He also attended the West Central Texas Council of Governments Police Academy here in Brownwood this year and graduated on August 15^th.  Trevor is married to Ashley and they have three children (Liam, Alieanna and Jerry).  We are honored to have you as part of our team.”

“Officer Jeremiah Biggs started with the Police Department on October 4^th.  Jeremiah was born in Abilene and attended Jim Ned High School in Tuscola, Texas.  He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Midwestern University where he maintained a 3.5 GPA.  Jeremiah attended the West Central Texas Council of Governments Police Academy in Abilene this year and graduated on September 27^th.  We are proud to have you join Jeremiah.”

“Officer Matt Thompson started with the Police Department on October 4^th as well.  Matt was born in Abilene and grew up in Anson.  He graduated from Anson High School and then attended Howard Payne University.  Matt comes from a family of law enforcement professionals (father Chief of Police in Anson, brother works for Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and sister also in LE).  Matt began his law enforcement career with the Hale County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer and then went to Taylor County Sheriff’s Office.  He attended the West Central Texas Council of Governments Police Academy in Abilene this year and graduated on September 27^th.  We are proud to have you join our team.”