By Pat Trevino | May 28, 2026
Cuero, Texas — Ten Cuero residents recently took the stage as the newest graduates of the Cuero Citizen Police Academy — a hands‑on, behind‑the‑scenes experience that shows what policing in Cuero really looks like.
The academy, created and coordinated by Cpl. J. Serbin, has grown into one of the most unique community programs in the region. Serbin, who also serves on the state board of the Texas Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, built the course around a simple idea: “Understanding Through Education.” But the experience goes far beyond classroom lectures.
Over 16 weeks, participants received an up‑close look at the people, tools, and split‑second decisions that shape public safety in Cuero. Students sat face‑to‑face with prosecutors, probation officers, game wardens, EMS crews, firefighters, and a rotating lineup of Cuero Police Department officers who shared stories from the field — the kind you don’t hear unless you’re in the room.
One of the most impactful sessions came from the department’s Patrol Captain, who walked the class through a Civilian Response to an Active Shooter. A favorite was the K9 demonstrations, where handlers from neighboring agencies showed how their four‑legged partners track suspects, detect narcotics, and light up a room with pure excitement.
Students also toured the Texas prison in Cuero, giving them a rare look at life on the corrections side of the justice system — a visit many described as “eye‑opening” and “something everyone should see at least once.”
Throughout the course, presenters hammered home one message: If you see something, say something.
This year’s graduating class included: Adela Sanchez, Alma Rios, Diana Milder, Esperanza “Hope” Ortiz, Isabelle Noblett, Jennifer L. Dodds, Juanita Navarro‑Montgomery, Leroy Fajkus, Matthew Bryand, and Veronica Perez.
Registration for the next Citizens Police Academy class will open in October, residents are encouraged to sign up for the course.