April 2024 STEEL Awards: Corporal Dawin Vazquez

Ellison High School police officer Dawin Vazquez named most recent recipient of employee recognition award!
Vazquez worked four years as a Bell County deputy before moving over to KISD as a police officer five years ago.
He patrolled across several schools before this year taking on the lead position at Ellison High School.
Vazquez said he loves interacting with students and staff members at the large high school. His days are largely talking with whoever needs assistance or advice or guidance in the right direction.
The officer sees himself as a positive mentor working proactively to keep students from winding up like the people he picked up as a county deputy.
When he has time, he makes his way to the baseball field to play catch.
“I wanted to make a difference,” said Vazquez, explaining that he saw the need juvenile offenders had for positive mentors.
“At the school, you wear many hats. You are a police officer. You are a mentor. You are a counselor. It goes on and on.”
The officer said he feels well-placed to help students understand why they get in trouble and how to make better choices.
“You will see me talking and joking with kids,” he said. “You see me giving me high fives. I like to go to the baseball field and throw a baseball.”
Vazquez helped to develop the Blue Elf program two years ago. KISD police officers manage a toy drive leading into the holidays to help families in need.
“I was surprised,” he said of earning a STEEL Award. “I like to work behind the scenes. You don’t do anything by yourself. Being nominated, it was an honor.”
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Killeen ISD is a great place to work. Come and be a part of our team. Search openings and apply online today! www.killeenisd.org/apply