El Paso Community College's Lieutenant Heriberto Franco, stationed at the Transmountain and Northwest campuses, has been distinguished with the Law Enforcement Command Officer Program certification, as reported by EPCC News. This certification from the Texas Police Chiefs Association earmarks Franco as the first officer in El Paso County to reach this level, a feat that recognizes his proficiency and readiness to hone his leadership within law enforcement.
Hitting the books and the road over 18 months, Lt. Franco has dedicated himself to completing 250 hours of leadership and criminal justice training in various locales across Texas, a journey comprising not only theoretical learning but also critical reflections on the evolving dynamics of law enforcement. "I wanted to enhance my ability to make a meaningful impact within my department and contribute more effectively to the development of those around me," Franco conveyed, as obtained by EPCC News.
Central to the LECOP program are lessons that delve into the fundamental virtues of dignified policing and leadership, honesty, integrity, and respect. Lt. Franco emphasized the lasting impact of the program by underscoring one particular aspect: the concept of "Policing the Police," which focuses on upholding character, competence, compassion, courage, and commitment within the ranks, as he told EPCC News.
Back at EPCC, Franco is determined to leverage his expanded knowledge to bolster not only personal leadership refinement but to also elevate his peers' professional trajectories, saying, "I'm honored to be the first in El Paso County to earn this certification, and I look forward to applying what I've learned to serve our community with excellence," as he revealed to EPCC News, he hopes other officers find the same value in such leadership development programs, recognizing it as a privilege that greatly strengthened his capabilities and connected him with a network of progressive law enforcement thinkers.
By achieving the TPCA's prestigious LECOP certification, Lt. Franco has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to leading by example, and EPCC extends its congratulations to him, acknowledging the dedication and effort necessary to attain this statewide distinction of professional superiority in the realm of law enforcement leadership.
