WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”? by Karina Cuenca
T
exas without a Hispanic influence would not really be Texas. Fortunately, the Lone Star State has evolved alongside a culture that dates back hundreds of years. After all, among the historical six flags of Texas are Mexico and Spain. Our Hispanic heritage has been wonderfully fluid through the years, growing in size and influence and adapting alongside the rest of Texas to a more international culture. Consider rodeo, chili, barbecue, Cinco de Mayo, macho, fiesta, tacos—words, foods, and events that now belong to all Texans.
between officers and Spanish speaking members of the community. We can thank Lt. Alvarez for the translation of many of Georgetown's official documents and informational pamphlets. For many years he also led language immersion and customs training to help other officers communicate with and identify norms within the Hispanic community.
Today, we honor some of those making lasting impacts on the community right here in Georgetown.
Lieutenant Rene Alvarez , a first generation Mexican-American and oldest of three children, joined the Georgetown Police Department (GPD) in February 1998. Following in the footsteps of his hardworking parents, who came to the United States in the 1970s to work in the oil fields, and his grandfather, who was a police officer in Mexico, Lieutenant Alvarez currently ensures the training and readiness of the Georgetown Police Department as head of the training division. He has had countless opportunities to serve the community, but some of his most rewarding days were facilitating communication and understanding 42
photo credit: Rene Alvarez
FIRST RESPONDERS
These days Lieutenant Alvarez spends most of his time training and supporting patrol officers, but he recalls being a young patrol officer himself and the work he was able to do as a part of a program called “Neighborhood Interaction,” a predecessor to CommUNITY, which seeks to place police officers in leadership roles to engage the community. Lt. Alvarez recalls his favorite story, “I met with the San Jose neighborhood…with the community leaders and
