Corpus Christi Police Lieutenant Raymond Lara attended his last roll call of his 40 years of service as a Corpus Christi Police Officer Thursday, July 26, 2012.

Raymond Lara began his career in the Corpus Christi Police Department July 18, 1972. Lieutenant Lara was promoted to Sergeant in 1979, then promoted to Lieutenant on August 19, 1991. Lieutenant Lara served on the Honor Guard, a supervisor of Special Services, and as a supervisor of the SWAT team. Lieutenant Lara concluded his career as a police patrol shift supervisor. The shift roll call was attended by the Uniform Division Commander Heidi Frese, Assistant Chief Jesse Garcia, Assistant Chief Mike Markle, and Chief of Police Floyd Simpson.

Chief Simpson explained that his decision to leave the Dallas Police Department after 25 years and 11 months of service was not easy and a life changing event. Chief Simpson said with that in mind, the entire department should celebrate the 40 years of service from Lieutenant Lara in a strongly meaningful manner.

Chief Simpson listed a few items of interest like the price of houses, and gasoline in 1972 to place in perspective the difference in time of 40 years. Chief Simpson concluded with the fact that Lieutenant Lara’s chief of police, Floyd Simpson, was just 9 years old in 1972.

Lieutenant Tim Brown will take over as shift supervisor for the vacancy caused by Lieutenant Lara’s retirement.

The Corpus Christi Police Department honors Lieutenant Lara’s 40 years of service and wish him well for the next chapter of his life.