The Unique History of the Fort Bend ISD Police Department

National Police Week 2022

National Police Week was established in 1962 by a joint resolution of Congress and President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The calendar week in which May 15 falls is annually recognized as National Police Week.

In 2022, National Police Week begins on May 11 and continues through May 17. As a way of acknowledging the commitment of law enforcement officers from across the country, we will shine a bright light on the men and women who honorably serve and protect the Fort Bend ISD (FBISD) community. In observance of National Police Week, we look back at the unique history of the FBISD Police Department and pay tribute to its officers and those who passed away during their tenure.

The FBISD Police Department was established in 1990 when it began with four officers who served a district that consisted of 18 elementary, seven middle and three high schools with a population of over 36,000 students and 3,600 staff members. As Fort Bend County and the district have grown considerably, so too has our Police Department which now has 75 officers that serve a district that consists of 51 elementary, 15 middle, 11 high schools and 5 specialty schools with a population of just under 78,000 students and 12,000 staff members.

Part of what makes the FBISD Police Department so distinct is the continuity that has been maintained throughout the growth of the district. Since the department’s inception 32 years ago, there have only been three Police Chiefs: Glenn McManus (5), J.L. Campbell (15) and David Rider (12). Establishing a short and long-term vision for the department has proved critical as each Chief pioneered new safety and security, community outreach and education initiatives.

Current FBISD Chief of Police, David Rider, understands the shift in school policing and the emphasis that should be placed on educating our students and building positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. “Our department is built on the relationships we establish with our students, staff and community members,” said Chief Rider. “These relationships are critical as we foster trust and understanding that allows us to better maintain a safe environment so our students and staff can learn and teach freely.”

For law enforcement officers in FBISD, building relationships on our school campuses is a daily process. The department is proud to say that 26 of their officers and civilian employees are FBISD alumni. These “homegrown” servants of our community intimately understand what our students are experiencing, which is an invaluable asset that creates trust, empathy and ultimately strengthens the connection between students and our officers. As relationships grow, our officers have a vested interest in each student and become some of their biggest fans and supporters through graduation and beyond.

The Police Department employs six officers who have dedicated over 25 years of service to FBISD:

Sergeant Russell Walton: 35 years, 8 months
Sergeant Kenneth Perry: 27 years, 4 months
Officer Martin Tavarez: 26 years, 5 months
Lieutenant Michael Harvey: 26 years, 1 month
Investigator Michael Rios: 25 years, 9 months
Investigator Ramon Martinez: 25 years, 3 months

*Telecommunications Operator, Nancy Serrata, and Alarm Technician, Raul Ayala, will both reach the 25-year milestone this calendar year.

These long-standing employees in the department are seasoned leaders who not only excel in their role, but they also serve as valuable mentors for new officers, providing them with guidance and support as they navigate the complexities of being a school resource officer.

The department’s longest tenured employee, Sergeant Walton echoed the sentiments that were shared by Chief Rider by saying, “In my 34 years of service, building relationships is something I always try to do with the students, staff, parents and the community. In order to do that effectively, the most important thing is to provide a safe learning and teaching environment so the relationships are free to grow.”

As we recognize National Police Week, the district would like to express our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for our FBISD officers. “The Fort Bend ISD Police Department not only keeps our students and staff safe, but they exemplify the values we hope to instill in each of our students,” Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck said. “These men and women are truly servant leaders. On behalf of Fort Bend ISD, we thank them for their unwavering commitment and dedication to positively impact our communities.”

In the spirit of National Police Week, the FBISD Police Department wishes to honor the lives of three of its officers who passed away during their employment with the district: Sergeant Richard Frankie, Officer Coy Rosenbaum and Officer Charles Coombs. These three officers are memorialized in the FBISD Police Department and their spirit will serve as a guide for all the men and women law enforcement officers who follow in their footsteps for years to come.