Maldonado a big asset for LCC police

By Abby Cowels
Staff Writer

Sgt. Ruben Maldonado has been supervisor of the LCC Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) team since 2023.

His dedication to keeping the campus safe led him to win multiple awards at this year’s LCC Police Awards Dinner, including the Community Service Award, Years of Service Award, and the Safe Driving Award.

“Sgt. Maldonado has been in this supervisory position for less than two years,” LCC Police Chief Daryl Gaines said. “He is already one of the better sergeants I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and in my 23-plus years in law enforcement, I’ve worked with more than 100 different sergeants, so I don’t say that lightly.”

Gaines praised Maldonado for his hard work and integrity in a position that demands exceptional responsibility. It is apparent that he is greatly appreciated in the department.

“He’s a natural leader; composed, patient, knowledgeable, self-motivated with great initiative and problem-solving skills” Gaines said. “Often times as supervisors and leaders we have to be innovative, out-of-the-box thinkers that are able to adapt quickly to change. Ruben does all of these things exceptionally well.”

With a skill set as prolific as Maldonado’s, he is looking ahead at the possibility of moving into a higher position within the department. Based on Gaines’ comments, it looks like a promising future for his career.

“I would like to be the Chief of Police for the LCC Police Department,” Maldonado said. “I have learned a lot since becoming sergeant that I’m putting on my ‘tool belt.’  I have been to leadership trainings that I feel is helping me in the role I have right now.”

As supervisor, Maldonado said he has his sights set on cultivating a positive and safe place for everyone at LCC. He expressed his pride in the student body and everyone who is part of the LCC LEO team.

“At the end of each semester, its rewarding for me to see the students graduate,” Maldonado said. “The smiles on their faces (are) what makes me the proudest to work at LCC.

“I like to take the time to appreciate the work the police officers have done to prevent crimes and keep campus safe, and reflect on ways that we can keep it that way.”