After successfully testing and making it through the interview process, longtime Escalon Police Officer Gustavo Flores has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. Police Chief Mike Borges said Flores was tops among the candidates from within the department to fill a vacant sergeant position and he now joins Sgt. Milt Medeiros at that rank.

The promotion became effective earlier this month, and The Times recently posed a few questions to the department’s newest sergeant.

How long have you been in Escalon and what do you enjoy most about the work?

I have worked for the City of Escalon as a police officer since 1999 (15 years). The thing that I enjoy the most about my job is that I have the ability to make a difference. Working for a small department like Escalon, I have the time and opportunity to talk to people about their concerns, issues, and I am able to connect with them. Each year I am involved with the Toys for Tots and that really makes me happy.

What are your plans/goals for taking on the new duties as sergeant?

My plans and goals are to attend supervisor school and educate myself so that I can make the best decisions. My goal is to learn as much as I can from Sergeant Medeiros and Chief Borges who, combined, have an overwhelming amount of experience. I plan to continue my career with the Escalon Police Department and retire someday. I guess my ultimate goal is to possibly someday have the opportunity in becoming the Chief of Police for the Escalon Police Department.

Do you feel the department is headed in the right direction, now that new officers are being added?

Yes, I feel that the department is heading in the right direction. Chief Borges has brought new ideas and philosophies that have reenergized the department. The officers are happy with the new changes and their morale is great. With the new officers coming on board, we (EPD) will be able to have more officers on the streets. Chief Borges made excellent choices with the new officers and they will become strong assets to the police department and city.

Borges said he is confident in the selection of Flores for the sergeant’s position, and said his knowledge of and years of experience in the community will only add to what he will bring to the department as he takes on his new responsibilities.

For Sgt. Flores, it is a challenge he is eager to take on.

“I am extremely excited about becoming a new sergeant for the Escalon Police Department. It’s something that I had hoped to achieve in my career and now I have,” Flores pointed out. “I am following my father’s footsteps, as he was also a sergeant in the military. With the new position come more responsibilities and duties.

“I am fully embracing my promotion and I look forward to working with the citizens of Escalon to continue promoting community oriented policing. I have had the opportunity to work under several administrations and I have gained knowledge that will assist me through my career.”