UTSA Police Department Honors Individuals Contributing to Campus Safety
The UTSA Police Department (UTSAPD) recently held its annual award ceremony to recognize officers, staff and community members who provided exemplary service over the past year, as well as those celebrating retirements or promotions. The Golden Whistle is the department’s top award, which honors individuals who provided a service either to the police department or the community that had a direct impact on public safety. This year, UTSA Police recognized James Jinks, assistant director of utilities operations, Gerard Bustos, video production manager, and Raul Rosas, local business owner.
Jinks and his team have long been strategic partners with Public Safety. In April 2021, he recommended a change to the way fire alarms are monitored in the UTSAPD Communications Center. In helping the department obtain a new server and larger monitor, he made it easier for the team to do their jobs – and he did so without cost to the department. Jinks exemplifies trust and respect. Thanks to his dedication and commitment, Jinks has established a valuable relationship with UTSAPD.
In 2020, Bustos assisted Public Safety by producing a video for the CALEA Virtual On-Site Review. His professional, high-quality video showcases the department while adhering to COVID-19 protocols. Bustos went above and beyond to complete this project, including visiting campus multiple times to film the Bosque Building and members of the department. Additionally, Bustos and his colleague provided professional voice-over. The completed video provided a valuable tool to promote and showcase the department while demonstrating compliance with CALEA and IACLEA accreditation standards.
Rosas owns the Fiesta Chevron near the university and has always been extremely supportive of UTSAPD. As the pandemic began to change campus operations and policies, local businesses were hit hard. Throughout the year, Rosas’ business, which relies on fuel and food purchases, continued to support the department by ensuring UTSAPD had fuel for their vehicles. When the winter storm hit in February, he went above and beyond by ensuring UTSAPD and other first responders had enough fuel to continue operations without interruption. He also generously donated food and drinks to the department even though his business was struggling as a result of the pandemic. Rosas is an outstanding, valued member of the community that surrounds our university.
To view photos from the awards ceremony, visit Business Affairs on social media.
