SAN ANGELO, TX - The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office held a swearing-in and recognition ceremony on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Tom Green County Commissioner's court room, honoring new appointments, promotions, and distinguished service among its personnel.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Chief Deputy Roger Looka, followed by an invocation delivered by Sergeant Jimmy Torres. Lieutenant William Fiveash then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
Sheriff Nick Hanna delivered remarks expressing appreciation for the dedication and exemplary professionalism of the men and women of the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office and the importance of aggressive law enforcement work in serving the citizens of Tom Green County.
The ceremony featured the swearing-in of Deputy Eric Scott Ballard, administered by Sheriff Hanna, followed by the traditional badge pinning ceremony.
Additional recognitions included the introductions of recently promoted personnel:
- Corrections Sergeant Vanessa Guzman
- Corrections Lieutenant Adam Cooper
- Patrol Sergeant Dwayne Zavala
- Criminal Investigations Division Sergeant Investigator Jimmy Torres
- Criminal Investigations Division Sergeant Investigator Corey Speck
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Michael C. Pederson Homeland Security Investigations Award to Investigator Nick Hammer for exemplary investigative work in a multi-state child pornography investigation in which the suspect would obtain nude images of juvenile females and then blackmail the children for additional child images and sexually related performance.
The suspect, Juelz Armstead, was convicted and received 245 years in Federal Custody.
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Sheriff Hanna concluded the ceremony by commending the agency's ongoing commitment to service and public safety before formally dismissing attendees.
"The Sheriff's Office extends its congratulations to Investigator Hammer, those who have recently been promoted, and to Deputy Ballard," information from the sheriff's office stated.
Deputy Eric Ballard was sworn in and Investigator Nick Hammer received a federal award during Monday’s Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office ceremony.
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