At a ceremony in Houston, the Metro Police Department on an unspecified date formally swore in and pinned 11 new officers, with Mayor Whitmire and Chief Tim Banton urging the recruits to uphold professional standards and accountability.

The event honored the newly sworn officers and recognized Metro leaders and families who attended. “This is a special day,” Mayor Whitmire said, adding that public safety is a top priority. He told the room that the newly completed hiring was “a huge step forward” and said Metro must use its full complement of officers to increase public confidence in transit safety and to raise ridership.

The mayor framed the moment as part of broader public service, recounting a story about President Lyndon B. Johnson and the Civil Rights Act to urge officials and officers to take bold action: “why be president if you're not gonna do bold things and make a difference?”

Chief Tim Banton administered the oath and led the pinning portion of the ceremony. He addressed the officers on the responsibilities that come with policing, emphasizing core values and conduct. “Always do the right thing, especially when no one is watching,” Chief Banton said, urging recruits to meet the “Metro standard” governed by the U.S. Constitution, Texas law and department policy. He listed a set of conduct principles and stressed communication, professionalism and accountability.

Names called during the pinning included Jose Rodriguez, Cody Powers, Abdul Kareem Esaki, Jason Pryor, Grama Woodson, Jonathan Motu, Marc Meyda, Evan Dominic, Leroy Thomas, Orlando Grama and Elsie Duran. Family members or friends participated in several pinning moments; Chief Banton or department presenters pinned others.

Other officials on the platform included Chairwoman Brock, Metro Board Public Safety Committee Chair Alex Mueller and Reverend Preston, who led a police officer’s prayer and recognition of military and public-safety veterans in the audience. Sheriff Ed was also acknowledged as attending.

Chief Banton asked the crowd to support the officers’ families during the upcoming months of training and schedule adjustments. The ceremony closed with an announcement about photos and light refreshments; organizers said lunch was not provided.

The ceremony was largely celebratory and ceremonial; no policy votes or board actions were recorded on the transcript. Officials described the hiring as a staffing milestone for the Metro Police Department and emphasized follow-up accountability and community trust as next steps.