The Odessa Police Department is recognizing the following officers during Black History Month. They are:
Cpl. Michael Hamilton has been with the Odessa Police Department for eight years and is one of the Community Relations Officers. He can be seen at many of the local city community events.
He’s OPD’s “Best Dancer.” Back in the day, he was on tour with T-Pain and danced for countless shows. He’s been in various music videos for many multi-platinum artists including T-Pain, Tech N9ne, Chris Brown, B2K, Omarion, and Ne-Yo.
Hamilton also served for 6 1/2 years in the U.S. Army. He was on active duty for 5 years and in the National Guard for 1 1/2. He has multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.
His motto: “Each one, teach one!” It takes a village! No matter who you are, you can teach good qualities and good lessons to others. He says, “We all have to watch out for each other.”
He’s proud of the African American Culture and wants to serve as a good role model.
Lt. Sherrie Carruth is one of OPD’s most senior officers. She’s a wealth of information regarding the law enforcement world and is a valuable asset to OPD.
She is a native West Texan born and raised in Midland, graduating from Midland Lee High School. Carruth began her career with OPD in August of 1992, graduating from the Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy. During her tenure, she has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiator, Sergeant with the Patrol Services Bureau, and Public Information Officer with the Chief’s Office. In October of 2017, She was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and currently, commands the Criminal Investigation Division.
When it comes to the African American Culture, Lt. Carruth said, “I’m proud of family ties, upbringing, fellowship, and cooking, handed down by my great grandparents and grandparents. I miss my grandmothers, they were literally the glue that held the families together.”
