Celina Police Department Officer Dan Thomas received the 2025 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award for Public Service, an honor presented annually by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) to officers demonstrating outstanding service and community impact.
Thomas, who joined the department in 2015, transitioned from patrol duty to the school resource division in 2021. He has since become a daily presence at Moore Middle School, where his calm leadership style and approachability have helped redefine the role of school-based policing.
A Calm Presence on Campus
Thomas is known among students and staff for being more than a uniform. He spends time in the cafeteria during lunch breaks, joins classroom activities and attends after-school events. He is often the first person students approach, not just for safety concerns, but for support and guidance.
“His approachable demeanor, consistent presence, and sincere investment in students’ well-being have made him not only a protector but a mentor,” said Sgt. Shane DiGeorge in an official statement.
His approach to conflict resolution emphasizes de-escalation and conversation over confrontation.
Junior Police Academy Grows Under His Leadership
In 2024, Thomas took the lead on the department’s Junior Police Academy, a hands-on summer program aimed at teaching middle school students the basics of law enforcement. The camp mixes police education with team-building exercises and confidence-boosting activities…