The Los Fresnos CISD has hired Alex Casares as the new Chief of Police for the District. The Board of Trustees approved the hire during a special called board meeting on August 28.
Chief Casares, who takes the helm of the Los Fresnos CISD Police Department this month, brings 25 years of experience in law enforcement. Chief Casares follows the tenure of Chief Joe Vasquez who served in this role since 2012. Mr. Vasquez will transition into an administrative role and will lead the district’s efforts as the Emergency Management Coordinator.
He was officially sworn in by Dr. Gonzalo Salazar during a ceremony on September 14, 2023.
“Providing a safe learning environment for our students and staff is the number one priority of the District,” said Dr. Gonzalo Salazar, Los Fresnos CISD Superintendent. “We are grateful for the leadership of Joe Vasquez in his tenure as Chief over the past 11 years and admire his commitment to ensuring we took a proactive approach to school safety while complying with Board Policy, local and state regulations. The Office of Emergency Management is in good hands.”
“Chief Casares was chosen to lead the Los Fresnos CISD Police Department based on his experience and vision for the security of our schools,” Salazar stated. Casares is a veteran police officer who spent the majority of his career with the Weslaco Police Department. Casares started out as a dispatcher before transitioning to a police officer in 2000. He has experience in various roles and divisions, including SWAT, criminal detective, auto theft task force, and interim-captain for Support Division. Most recently, Casares served as the department liaison to Weslaco ISD and assisted with their Student Resource Officer Program.
Casares has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Wayland Baptist University. He also has over 3,700 hours in certifications and training, including TCOLE, during his time with the Weslaco Police Department. In his new role, Casares will oversee the Los Fresnos CISD Police Department and ensure that the officers are up to date with certification standards and trained on best practices regarding campus safety.
"I’m looking forward to expanding upon the already successful security initiatives that the District has implemented in order provide safe campuses for the students and staff of Los Frensos CISD, " Chief Casares said. “I will work diligently with administration and the department to review and execute state-mandated safety protocols. I also look forward to maintaining relationships with other law enforcement agencies to ensure plans and are in place,” he added.
Casares also hopes to engage the department in more campus and community education and outreach efforts.
"I want to give students the opportunity to interact with our officers, to learn about crime prevention, and educate them on social issues affecting them today," said Casares. “Creating a secure learning environment where students feel safe and thrive is my number one priority.”
You can contact the Los Fresnos CISD Police Department at (956) 254-5320.