More than 2 dozen SA police officers receive promotions

Deputy Chief Gus Guzman has worked for SAPD for almost 24 years

SAN ANTONIO – It was a proud day for more than two dozen members of the San Antonio Police Department and their families after the officers received promotions.

One of those moving up the ranks is Deputy Chief Gus Guzman. In October, he will have been with the department for 24 years.

"It has been a long journey, but it seems like only yesterday that I graduated from the police academy," Guzman said. “When I was in the academy, I would have never dreamed that I would be here in the position today where I could affect some positive change."

Guzman's wife and children attended the ceremony. His son, Tomas, was able to help pin on his new badge. Tomas and Jenna said they were both excited about their father's move up the ladder.

"We're very proud of him," said Bridget Guzman, Gus’ wife. "He has a love for this department that really has no words. He enjoys this community. He wants the best for this community."

Guzman will be in charge of three substations: Prue, North and East. They cover about 700,000 residents, some of whom he has served before as a young officer.

"It will be good to go back and see how those folks are doing. (I will) reintroduce myself because it has been a while since have been back," Guzman said.

Since things in certain areas across the country have changed when it comes to being a part of the community, Guzman said communication is vital.

"It makes you wonder if our social rules have changes in a short time, because when I came on police were respected, authority figures were listened to," Guzman said. “I don't know if that is the case anymore, so we have to work not only at the police department as police officers, but I think communities. Society has some work to do, reflecting on what's important to them."


About the Author:

David Sears, a native San Antonian, has been at KSAT for more than 20 years.