Beaumont Police Department honors life-saving actions, swears in 14 new officers

The Beaumont Police Department (BPD) honored officers for life-saving actions and recognized retirees, while also welcoming 14 new officers to its ranks, during an event at the Event Centre on Crockett Street in Beaumont on Jan. 19.

Three officers were recognized for heroism when they quickly took action to save lives in two separate incidents.

On July 28, 2021, Officer Erin Smith earned a life-saving award for rescuing the driver of an 18-wheeler involved in a major accident. Smith was off duty at the time of the accident when he saw the overturned truck. Smith rapidly acted, checking on the driver, who was trapped inside the vehicle. As Smith reached into the smoky cab of the truck, he leaned against an exhaust pipe, receiving second-degree burns. In spite of his injuries, he continued to untangle the driver from his seatbelt and ultimately, with help from local citizens and the fire department, freed the man from the smoking truck.

On Aug. 22, 2021, Officer Dominic Gradozzi arrived at a wreck on Major Drive, in which the vehicle caught fire with the driver trapped inside the burning car. Gradozzi immediately grabbed a fire extinguisher and attempted to snuff out the blaze. As flames subsided, he attempted to pull the driver from the vehicle, but the man was pinned. Gradozzi then removed the passenger from the car. While the car still burned, Officer Zachary Guidry arrived and was able to extract the pinned driver from the vehicle.

In addition to awarding the officers for recent heroic actions, BPD Chief James Singletary swore in 14 new recruits during the Oath of Office Ceremony at the event, the largest group of new hires since 2012, he shared.

“This is the toughest time in our history to be a police officer… These young people will need your support,” Singletary said. Addressing the new officers, he said, “Please remember you are not alone. You are part of a much larger family… This is a family that will be there for you in difficult times. Please call on us if you need help.”

Singletary swore in the following officers:

Elisha Jones, 24, was previously employed at St. Elizabeth hospital as an armed security guard.

Benjamin Moore, 22, serves in the Texas Army National Guard, currently holding the rank of Specialist.

Ryley Collins, 24, previously worked as a vessel agent in the maritime industry.

Alex Sikes, 24, previously worked as a personal trainer and a full-time loss prevention officer at Walmart.

Dereck Jennische, 24, is currently pursuing his Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Nicholas Lamb, 26, is currently working to earn his Bachelor’s degree. Prior to joining the Beaumont Police Department, Nicholas was employed by FedEx as a dangerous goods specialist.

Mark Hall, 26, is active with the Army National Guard. Before his employment with BPD, Mark was working as an air conditioner repair technician.

Craig Murphy, 23, worked as a Security Guard at the Port Arthur Medical Center.

Jacolby Hatcher, 28, was employed as an Assistant Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

John Harrell, 36, worked in a local refinery as a process operator before joining BPD.

Eric Elliott, 27, worked as a welder, then as a truck driver prior to joining BPD.

Dakota Gaines, 27, comes to BPD from the Vidor Police Department.

Like father, like son

Two of the 14 new officers sworn in on Jan. 19 have family connections at BPD.

Reginald Boseman, 22, graduated from Central High School in Beaumont in 2017. Reginald earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2021 from Lamar University, where he also played football.

Reginald’s father, also Reginald, a longtime employee of BPD, began his career with the department in 1985 and honorably retired in 2007. He has worked for the Beaumont ISD Police Department in the years since. The new officer’s sister, Autumn, is also a member of BPD, where she is currently employed as a dispatcher.

Michael Tamayo, 25, is a graduate of Vidor High School. After graduation, Michael participated in a mission to Peru with his church in Vidor to work with underprivileged residents. Upon returning to the U.S., Michael joined the Marine Corps Reserves and is currently still serving.

Michael’s father, Jesus, and sister, Brianna, are also employed with the Beaumont Police Department. Jesus is a Sergeant and is currently assigned to the Crimes Against Persons Unit, and Brianna is currently assigned to the Patrol Division.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, BPD recognized the following six retirees for longtime service to the department: Officer Louis Matthews, 39 years; Officer David Apple, 32 years; Officer Jimmy Bartley, 27 years; Sergeant Michael Custer, 21 years; Cheryl Ridinger, 28 years; and Roxanne Stafford, 26 years.

– Sharon Brooks