The City of Mesquite paid tribute to a seasoned enforcer of the law, Officer Jason Leyva upon his retirement after 23 years on the force. The Mesquite Police Department, in a show of respect, heralded Leyva's long-standing commitment with a dedicated day in his honor, as declared by the city's Mayor Daniel Alemán Jr.
Entering the department back on April 3, 2000, Officer Leyva has since then played multiple roles, including patrolling the streets and delving into the intricacies of forgery investigation. The multitude of positions he held, including being a mental health officer and crime scene technician, reflects his diverse contributions to the force. He also devoted time serving on the Meritorious Conduct board, and assisting with the charitable Santa Cop program, according to the Mesquite Police Department.
Accolades for Officer Leyva's dedication are many, including two Perfect Attendance awards, and two Safe Driving awards, and he was a four-time recipient of the Service award. Indeed, the mantelpiece at the Leyva household must be crowded, considering he was also recognized as the MPCAA Officer of the Month, obtained a Police Commendation Bar, and received not one, or two, but 24 Letters of Commendation throughout his tenure. His personal life is just as rich, sharing 28 years of marriage with his wife Kim and being a father to their daughter, Jaden.
The Mayor's proclamation earmarked February 2, 2024, as "Officer Jason Leyva Day," inviting the people of Mesquite to extend their gratitude towards Officer Leyva for his notable contributions. For over two decades, Leyva has been a part of preserving the order and safety of the Mesquite community, an effort that hasn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated. "NOW, THEREFORE, I, on behalf of Daniel Alemán, Jr., Mayor of the City of Mesquite, do hereby proclaim February 2, 2024, as: Officer Jason Leyva Day in the City of Mesquite", the official proclamation stated, as per the Mesquite Police Department.
The department celebrated the culmination of Officer Leyva's impressive 23-year career with ceremony and recognition amongst peers and community members alike. Such celebrations not only honor the individual but also serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility that the men and women in uniform undertake to serve and protect. For residents and fellow officers in Mesquite, Officer Leyva's retirement marks the end of an era and sets a high bar for commitment to the shield.
