Paul Pecena announces campaign for Justice of the Peace

(ROCKWALL, TX — January 8, 2018) Paul Pecena has officially announced his campaign for election as Justice of the Peace, Precinct Two, in Rockwall County. Pecena, an experienced police captain and retired Army officer, is seeking election to office after more than 30 years of public service.

Pecena began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer at Mesquite Police Department in 1988. He was selected early in his career for detective and was assigned to the juvenile and gang crimes section for more than three years. During this time Pecena worked extensively with troubled youths, truants, and runaways. He also worked closely with community groups and schools. Pecena was promoted to police sergeant in 2009 and worked as a jail sergeant in a facility that processes more than 6,000 prisoners a year. Promotion to Lieutenant in 2011 brought a new assignment as Watch Commander where he supervised more than 25 patrol officers. Pecena was promoted to Captain in 2013 and commanded the Patrol Bureau with more than 110 officers, sergeants, and lieutenants and a budget of $15 million. He is currently in command of the Technical Services Bureau.

Pecena also served his country in the Texas Army National Guard beginning in 1986 as a Second Lieutenant in an armored cavalry regiment. He later commanded an M-1 Abrams tank company as a Captain. Pecena was mobilized on September 11, 2001 to serve in anti-terrorism operations. More mobilizations followed in the next few years, including the search and recovery missions following the space shuttle Columbia disaster and serving in downtown New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. After promotion to Major, Pecena served as Chief of Public Affairs for the American sector in Kosovo in 2006. He then served a year with 18th Airborne Corps in Iraq in 2008. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service during combat operations in Baghdad. Pecena returned to the 36th Infantry Division and retired from the military in 2011 after 26 years of service.

Pecena’s civilian education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Pecena was an honor graduate of his police academy class, holds a Master Peace Officer license, and is a recent graduate of the Leadership Command College for senior police leaders. Pecena’s military education includes first honor graduate from the Armor Officer Basic Course, valedictorian and recipient of the Major General Winfield Scott Award at the Adjutant General’s Officer Course, the Red Team course at the University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies, and the Command and General Staff College.

Paul Pecena has been married to Leslie West Pecena since 1988. They have four children and are members of Lake Pointe Church. His family has been active in the church’s AWANA Bible study program for more than 18 years. Pecena is a 1982 graduate of Rockwall High School.

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