Mesquite, TX – August 13, 2021 – On Aug. 13, the City of Mesquite honored Captain Paul Pecena for 33 years of service to the Mesquite Police Department. Mayor Bruce Archer presented a proclamation at his retirement ceremony.
Here is the proclamation:
WHEREAS, Paul Pecena was hired as a Mesquite Police Officer on June 10, 1988 and has earned three promotions of Sergeant in 2009, Lieutenant in 2012 and his current rank of Captain in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Paul has led the Technical Services Bureau, Operations Bureau and served as Watch Commander, has received a Certificate of Merit and certifications as a Master Peace Officer and Pistol Master, recognized by an amazing 71 Commendations during his career with the Mesquite Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Paul earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Stephen F. Austin State University as well as being a graduate from the Leadership Command College, the Senior Management Institute for Police hosted by Boston University, the School of Police Supervision at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration and the North Texas Regional Police Academy; and
WHEREAS, Paul was Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1986 in the Texas Army National Guard and served for 26 years which included anti-terrorism operations at the state military headquarters starting on September 11, 2001; flood relief operations in south Texas, direct participation in the Space Shuttle recovery and in downtown New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina as well as serving as Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army in Kosovo in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Paul’s military career included earning the Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service medals, the Humanitarian Service medal, the NATO medal, The Kosovo Campaign Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Ribbon, and the Major General Winfield Scott Award, while also being a graduate of the Command and General Staff College; Valedictorian of the Adjutant General’s Officer Advanced Course, and first Honor Graduate of the Armor School at Fort Knox and retiring from 36th Infantry Division in 2011 as a Lieutenant Colonel; and
WHEREAS, Paul has been married to Leslie West Pecena since 1988, and their children include Caroline, Cody, William, Alice and Jayne and he plans to live in peace
And seek new opportunities for service.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce Archer, Mayor of the City of Mesquite, do hereby proclaim August 13, 2021, as:
Captain Paul Pecena Day
in the City of Mesquite and urge Mesquite citizens to thank Paul for his service to our country and his 33 years of service to the community of Mesquite.
PROCLAIMED this 13th day of August 2021.
