Houston retires from OPD after 24 years of service – The Oxford Eagle

James Kevin Houston was hired by the Oxford Police Department in 2000, starting as an auxiliary officer.

On Tuesday, the Oxford Board of Aldermen read a resolution at its regular meeting, recognizing Houston’s accomplishments and his retirement from the force after 24 years of service.

After becoming a full-time patrol officer, he became a field training officer, K9 officer, school resource officer, bailiff/warrant officer, SWAT team member, housing officer, patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant and finally captain. .

Houston has been recognized with several awards over the years, including SWAT Officer of the Year, winning several community service awards and being named Officer of the Month several times.

He was most recently the school resource officer at Bramlett Elementary School.

After OPD Chief Jeff McCutchen read the resolution at the meeting, Houston thanked city officials and OPD for allowing him to serve Oxford.

“Becoming a police officer is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I had a great career. I had ups and downs; I made some good friends…I will miss the Bramlett kids. These are probably the best years I’ve had in a long time.