Hero of the Week

Dallas Police Department – Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Born in East Texas and raised in Tyler and Mineola, Senior Corporal [Name] felt a strong calling from an early age to serve and protect his community. Driven by a lifelong desire to “be the good guy,” he began his law enforcement career with the Dallas Police Department (DPD) in 1999.
After serving more than five years on patrol in the Northeast Division, he was selected for the Dallas SWAT Team in 2005, where he has remained a dedicated member for nearly two decades. Promoted to Senior Corporal in 2006, he has served as one of four Assistant Squad Leaders (ASL) since 2014.
In his current role, Senior Corporal [Name] is responsible for planning and overseeing tactical operations, managing day-to-day training, and ensuring the operational readiness of his squad. He develops and implements detailed operation and lesson plans covering hostage rescue, warrant service, barricaded subjects, and dignitary protection. His leadership ensures each team member maintains strict standards in physical fitness, firearms proficiency, and tactical preparedness.
He holds advanced certifications as a TCOLE-Certified Instructor and NRA Tactical Firearms Instructor (Select-Fire Weapons and Precision Rifle). His specialized training includes sniper operations, high-angle/rappel rescue, ballistic breaching, and gas/less-lethal deployment. As a member of the SWAT Equipment Committee, he works closely with manufacturers and distributors to evaluate and procure mission-critical gear.
Throughout his distinguished career, Senior Corporal [Name] has received multiple internal commendations recognizing his professionalism, leadership, and innovation. Notably, he streamlined SWAT’s operational reporting process by consolidating seven redundant forms into two, significantly improving efficiency and data accuracy in the field.
With over 25 years of dedicated service, Senior Corporal [Name] continues to exemplify the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and commitment to public safety within the Dallas Police Department.

Born in Long Island, New York. Grew up in Texas, Florida, and New York before moving to California for college. 

I have served the community in Los Angeles for 27 years. During that time I have worked in various stations and assignments. Some of those include patrol, gangs, FBI Task Force, Underwater Dive Unit, Metropolitan Division, and SWAT. 

Currently serve as an Element leader in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics. 

My main focus is dedicated to the peaceful resolution of high risk incidents. 

Typical responses may include barricaded suspects, high risk warrants, hostage rescue, and suicidal subjects. 

In addition to being an element leader, I am a crisis negotiator, tactical waterborne member, and breacher. 

I have been fortunate enough to be recognized with over a 120 commendations and several awards. Those include the Medal of Valor, Life Saving Medal, and SWAT Officer of the Year. 

I am proud to have also written a book on crisis negotiation and earned my Masters degree in Dispute Resolution. 

I can be contacted through my LinkedIn account. 

I think you got the LAPD description!!

Thanks Mark, let me know if you need additional information. 

Respectfully,
Jon Pultz 

My name is John Negrete, and I have dedicated 27 years of my career to the Los Angeles Police Department. Currently, I serve as a Senior Lead Officer in the Hollywood area, a role that allows me to foster stronger bonds between the LAPD and the diverse communities we protect. My journey into law enforcement began in South Central Los Angeles, where I was born and raised, and was profoundly influenced by the LAPD's Explorer program at the age of 14.

The mentorship I received from officers at LAPD Newton Division was instrumental in shaping my career path. Their willingness to include me in ride-alongs and share meals created a strong sense of camaraderie and inspired me to join the force in 1998. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving in various divisions, including Van Nuys, Pacific, Newton, Hollywood, Olympic, Southwest, and the Public Engagement Section, each offering unique experiences and challenges. Hollywood Division, in particular, is a vibrant and dynamic area where something distinctive and engaging always seems to unfold.

Beyond the daily duties of law enforcement, my most profound impact comes from paying forward the mentorship I received. Growing up in South Central LA, where resources were and remain limited, the guidance from LAPD officers was invaluable. This experience fuels my commitment to the Los Angeles Police Boxing Team and the Los Angeles Police Cadet Scholarship Foundation. Through fundraising for these causes and providing financial support to aspiring LAPD Cadets, I use my position as a police officer to empower and assist the youth in the communities I serve.

I extend a special thank you to Mr. Mark Aguilar and his team at Flashbang Apparel for providing me with this platform to share my story. I encourage everyone to follow the LAPD Boxing Team on all social media outlets to support our ongoing efforts.

Senior Lead Officer John Negrete

Nominate Someone Who You Know Deserves The Recognition For Outstanding Service To Our Country, City Or State. The Person Must Be Actively Serving As A Police Officer, Medical, Military Or Federal.