“This moment reflects years of planning and a strong commitment to public safety in our community,” said Mayor Shane Davis. “This marks the beginning of building a department rooted in strong morals, meant to serve and protect Aledo.”
The first officers for the department are Terry A. Bessire (ID #2), James K. Foster (ID #3), Juan R. Saucedo (ID #4), and Matthew I. Shipman (ID #5).
“These officers are not simply filling positions and filling budgets…They are setting the foundation of who we are and what we will become as a department,” Riddle said.
The combined law enforcement experiences the officers bring is nearly 60 years’ worth, according to Riddle. “That experience matters not just in years served, but in judgment, perspective, discretion, and professionalism,” she said.
Bessire began his career with the Fort Worth Police Department in 1986 and rose to the rank of lieutenant, retiring after 31 years. He knew retirement wasn’t for him and went back to work after six months at the Mineral Wells Police Department before becoming the assistant jail administrator at Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Department for the past six years. Bessire holds a Master Peace Officer license and has been recognized for his hard work through numerous awards and commendations, including Commander of the Year and a Medal of Merit. Now, for the Aledo Police Department, Bessire said continuing his career in Aledo got him home, and he is excited to serve a brand-new police department and make history.
Foster began his career in 2014 at the Fort Worth Police Department, where he was on patrol for eight years. He then moved to the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, where he held the title of patrol deputy and criminal investigator until coming to Aledo. He has worked on significant cases alongside the Texas Rangers and holds a Master Peace Officer license like Bessire. Foster has received numerous awards and commendations, including a lifesaving award and Medal of Valor, a prestigious public safety award recognizing his bravery.
In 2018, Saucedo began his career at the Mineral Wells Police Department, where he first received the Rookie of the Year award before climbing the ranks from patrol to detective to detective corporal. He also served as a field training officer and became president of the Mineral Wells Police Officer Association. Saucedo said he is excited for the unique opportunity to be a part of a new department because of the potential for growth.
Shipman began his career in 2023 at the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office. There, he served as a detention officer before being promoted to detention corporal and then transferred to patrol. “While Matthew may be the junior officer, he has vast experience in traffic and interdiction enforcement,” Riddle said.
“I’m honored to have each one of them standing here with me today, prepared to go out and serve you for the years to come,” Riddle said. “The Aledo Police Department is now a department of five that is ready to serve its citizens in any scenario that may arise, while maintaining its moral and ethical values.”
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