EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Independent School District marked a milestone in its police department’s history with a special ceremony on Thursday welcoming its new police chief, Donica Pedregon, the first woman to lead the district’s police department.
Pedregon is taking over the department after nearly 14 years of experience with the district’s law enforcement.
“It’s been a long road to get here, obviously; throughout years in law enforcement, there’s a lot of bumps in the road,” Pedregon said. “I’m very honored and humbled to be named the chief of police here.”
District members celebrated Pedregon during Thursday’s ceremony, honoring her years of experience and expertise in law enforcement since joining El Paso ISD Police Services in 2014.
“Chief Pedregon understands the unique role school-based law enforcement plays in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, and we are confident she will continue strengthening the department and its connection to the community.” EPISD Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk said.
Pedregon previously made history in 2021 as the first female sergeant in department history and again in 2024 when she became the district’s first female lieutenant.
Speaking to KFOX14/CBS4 on Thursday, Pedregon said she wants to spend more time in the community as she begins her new role and hopes to work more with district leadership to keep students and staff safe.
“One thing I do want to do is I want to be out in the field, so to speak, more often. Be out there with the community, with the kids, with the staff,” she said.
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