Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson promoted Michael Pena from the rank of Senior Officer to Lieutenant in a ceremony at the Police Headquarters building Tuesday morning.

Lieutenant Pena began his employment in the Corpus Christi Police Department in August of 1993. He was previously employed in the United States Air Force where he served in Operation: Just Cause in 1989 (which was the invasion of Panama); Operation: Desert Shield and Operation: Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991 (known as the Persian Gulf War).

Lieutenant Pena was born in Dallas, Texas and moved around as his father served in the United States Army. Lieutenant Pena graduated from American High School in Stuttgart, Germany.

Lieutenant Pena’s badge was fastened onto his uniform in the ceremony by his wife of 8 years, Velma Pena. Congratulations, Lieutenant Mike Pena and good luck with your new assignment as first line supervisor of officers in the street.

The Corpus Christi Citizens Police Academy Alumni will host their fifth annual All You Can Eat Waffle Breakfast on Saturday March 30^th.   This fun event will take place at the First Christian Church, 3401 Santa Fe Street from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.

The Waffle Breakfast is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the CPAA, which has been in existence for over twenty years.  All proceeds from the event are donated to the officers of the Corpus Christi Police Department in the form of equipment and other support.  Over the years the CPAA has generously made over $100,000 in contributions to our men and women in blue.  Past donations include roads spikes, trauma kits, emergency response tools, digital cameras, digital recorders, hostage negotiation communication equipment, and life preservers for the CCPD Rescue and Recovery Dive team.  The equipment donated by the CPAA is generally equipment that the Police Department is unable to budget for, but still essential for our officers to safely serve our community.  By filling that gap, the CPAA performs a tremendous service to all the citizens of Corpus Christi. In addition, CPAA members volunteer at the Police Department on a daily basis, working alongside our officers to achieve our mission of reducing crime, reducing the fear of crime and enhancing public safety.

This year’s waffle breakfast promises to be the best ever.  For a $6.00 donation, customers are treated to all you can eat waffles, a serving of sausage, and their choice of juice, milk or coffee. For the youngsters, there will be clowns, balloons, and free children’s fingerprinting.  Grownups can take advantage of free VIN etching for their vehicles, courtesy of the CCPD Auto Theft Task Force and their new VIN etching machines donated by the CPAA.  There will also be a silent auction, with many valuable items available.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or from any CPAA member.  So come on out, enjoy a great breakfast, have some fun, and support the wonderful men and women who support our officers.  For more information or to make a donation, contact CPAA President Cheryl Daubs at 886-2784.