WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of officers with the San Antonio Police Department were sworn Thursday as deputy U.S. marshals in Washington, D.C., where they will provide security for the presidential inauguration.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the D.C. Armory, where 45 SAPD officers were among 3,000 law enforcement officers from around the country.
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The officers will be in charge of controlling a massive crowd expected to line Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol building and the White House for the inaugural parade.
Even though the officers will be working a 16-hour workday, they are embracing the experience.
"It's humbling. First of all, to be asked to do this was a fantastic opportunity. So of course when it was offered, we jumped on it," said SAPD Officer Tim Garcia. "Feeling the love from the other departments in the United States. It's fantastic."
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SAPD Sgt. Tonja Brandt was among thousands of officers exchanging uniform shoulder patches with their counterparts from across the country.
"What an incredible privilege and honor that so many people don't get to experience," Brandt said. "Being here among all these people, like I said, for a singular purpose to be considered among that group, it's almost indescribable."
Brandt and the other officers will wake up bright and early to begin their shift at 4 a.m.