Thomas Warner
As we roll into May, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to one of our newest officers, Thomas Warner. Thomas first applied with us a few years ago, but he did not have any law enforcement background. We suggested he get some experience and reapply. So, he got hired on with the Arlington Police Department, got a couple years under his belt, reapplied with us, and has been a significant addition to our Port Aransas Police Department team ever since.
-Chief Scott Burroughs
My name is Thomas Warner. I am a three-year law enforcement veteran and have been working with the Port Aransas Police Department since August of 2023. I am currently assigned to midnight patrol, and if you listen to a scanner, my radio call sign is 2231 or simply 31.
Before arriving in Port Aransas, I served as a patrol officer for the City of Arlington Police Department in Arlington, Texas. Additionally, I dedicated a part of my life to serving in the United States Army National Guard from 2015 to 2023 in both West Virginia and Texas.
I was born and raised in a small town in central West Virginia where I graduated from college with degrees in criminal justice and American history. I met my wife, Mallory, in college, and upon graduation, we relocated to Texas, her home state.
My connection with Port Aransas began seven years ago when I visited Port A with Mallory’s family, who owned property here. For years, I joked with her that someday we would end up here long-term, and here we are. The close-knit community and familial atmosphere in Port Aransas resonated with me, providing an opportunity to positively contribute as a police officer, reminiscent of my upbringing in a small town.
I chose a career in law enforcement because public service felt like my life’s calling. I knew if I wasn’t going to continue serving in the military, I wanted to serve the community differently – through police work.
The most interesting experience I’ve dealt with in Port A was recovering a stolen sailboat and returning it to its owner. Coming from the city, I dealt with and recovered multiple stolen vehicles, so recovering a sailboat was something I never thought I would encounter.
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending my time fishing, traveling, going to the beach, watching baseball and hanging out with my family.
One thing I admire about the department is the unique opportunity to become a more well-rounded police officer through diversifying roles. Compared to a larger department, Port Aransas values a hands-on approach that requires each officer to wear multiple hats and see an investigation through from start to finish.
The community’s unique dynamics provide the time and space for personal and professional growth, enabling me to utilize a broader range of law enforcement skills to ensure the safety and protection of the community. Moreover, in a small town like Port Aransas, individual officers can directly address specific community desires. This personalized approach contributes to a more responsive and community-oriented policing experience.
If I could send one message to the Port Aransas community, it would be a heartfelt appreciation for the support and trust you place in the Port Aransas Police Department. Our commitment to your safety and the well-being of this tightknit community is unwavering. Together, let’s continue fostering a strong partnership between law enforcement and the community to make Port A an even safer and more vibrant place to live, work and enjoy.
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