Tom Green County Sheriff's Office Welcomes 2 New Deputies

Sheriff Nick Hanna addressed DeLaCruz and Rodriguez before they had their badges pinned on their uniforms.

"The badge is a symbol of a few things, and I think it's good for us to all remember," Hanna said. "It's a symbol of that oath that you're going to take today. It's a symbol of the duty that you're swearing to, to protect the public and put your life in front of others. And it's also a symbol of the people you serve and to understand that you're there to protect them and serve them. Keeping those things in mind are important as you progress through your career."

DeLaCruz, who graduated high school from TLCA in San Angelo, worked previously for the Sheriff's Office at the Tom Green County Detention Center. He most recently worked as a security officer at Shannon Medical Center while he attended the police academy.

His badge was pinned by his wife, Samantha.

Rodriguez graduated from Ozona High School and recently earned her associate's degree in criminal justice from Howard College.

Her boyfriend, Jaden Gonzales, pinned her badge.

The courtroom was filled with family members and numerous staff members from the Sheriff's Office to mark the occasion.

"You're part of the family now," Hanna said. "If you call for help, every person in this room will come stand shoulder to shoulder with you. At the same time, you've got our backs."