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Two-time awarded ECPD officer terminated following arrest

The 2020 Officer of the Year for El Campo Police Department (ECPD) and Life Saving Award recipient was terminated from the force on Thursday, Nov. 5, following his arrest on two felony charges.

Cesar Olmedo joined the department in February of 2019 and became the first recipient of the ECPD life saving award. 

Photo courtesy of the El Campo Police Department. Olmedo receives the ECPD Life Saving Award at the Monday, June 22 City of El Campo Council meeting.

“On January 31, 2020, Officer Olmedo responded to a call of a gunshot victim,” the department said. “Upon arriving, officers found the house engulfed in flames. They heard screaming coming from inside of the house. Officer Olmedo kicked in the front door. The female gunshot victim was located just inside the front door, but was unable to escape on her own. Officer Olmedo escorted her to safety where EMS personnel treated her.”

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In August, the now retired ECPD Chief of Police Terry Stanphill made the following remarks regarding Olmedo’s work performance in presentation of the Wharton County 100 Club ECPD Officer of the Year award. 

“This year’s officer of the year has been with the department for about a year and a half,” Stanphill said. “He is a graduate of Wharton High School, Wharton County Junior College and also, the Wharton County Junior College Police Academy. He’s been a very hardworking officer. His fellow officers and dispatchers have had some great comments about him. The officer of the year shows up ready for work everyday.

Staff photo. Pictured is former ECPD Chief of Police Terry Stanphill and former ECPD officer Cesar Olmedo.

“He gets there and he works the entire shift. As soon as he gets to work, he’s ready to go. He doesn’t stop until it’s time to go home. He is always ready to help anyone. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. He’s a very hard worker and puts other’s needs before his own. He stays busy, he’s a joy to work with and he always has a great attitude. During his short career, he’s had several narcotics and gun seizures working nightshift patrol. On one traffic stop, he recovered six pounds of marijuana. Earlier this year, he was awarded the life saving award, when he kicked in a door of a burning house and assisted a victim to escape. Officer of the year is Cesar Olmedo.”

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Olmedo sur­rendered at the county jail on Sept. 29 and was booked on a Class B misde­meanor. He is alleged of leaving the scene of a single vehicle wreck near Wharton and failing to report the incident.

Though the department was made aware of the incident and internally addressed the matter, Olmedo remained on the force. 

In a press release issued by ECPD, the department announced the circumstances surrounding the department’s decision to terminate Olmedo’s employment. 

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“On November 5, 2020, the El Campo Police Department was notified of a possible domestic violence case involving one of its officers. A criminal and an internal investigation were immediately initiated. 

Photo courtesy of bustednewspaper.com

“It is alleged that Cesar Olmedo entered the residence of the victim, whom he had previously been in a dating relationship with, without permission and assaulted her. Based on the criminal investigation, warrants were obtained for Olmedo for burglary of a habitation and assault bodily injury family violence. He was arrested, transported to the Wharton County jail and his employment with the El Campo Police Department was promptly terminated.”

If convicted, Olmedo faces suspension of his Texas Com­mission on Law Enforce­ment certification which could prohibit any future service as an officer. 

Newly appointed ECPD Chief of Police Gary Williamson issued the following statement regarding Olmedo’s departure.

“I expect the officers of the El Campo Police Department to hold themselves to a high standard and follow the laws they swore an oath to uphold,” Williamson said. “My highest priority in all matters is to maintain the public’s trust in the legitimacy of this police department.”

The County Gin will continue following this case and will update the public when information becomes available. 

Jessica Hartmanhttps://www.thecountygin.com
Jessica Hartman is the publisher of The County Gin and a realistic dreamer with creative expression. She can be reached at jessica@thecountygin.com or (979) 533-0122, but careful — she's a talker.

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