ODESSA, Texas — One of the newest recruits to the Odessa Police Department has some big shoes to fill.
Officer Taylor Martin, 21, officially became a police officer on July 23. His father, who has been with the department since 2003, was able to pin his son's badge at the ceremony.
"Just a very proud moment," Taylor Martin said. "One that I've been waiting for for a long time, and I am just very thankful and blessed for the opportunity to be able to work for a great agency, the Odessa Police Department, and I'm just excited to be able to serve the citizens of my hometown Odessa, Texas."
Taylor looks to his dad as a role model, and now, they're getting the opportunity to work together.
"He’s just a great role model to have, and I’ve watched him work hard throughout the years and now it’s my turn to put in the hard work and make him proud," Martin said.
Even though OPD has a father-son duo, chief Mike Gerke considers the whole team a big family.
"Well, this is great because we really believe that these officers are a part of our family. We bring them in to our family, and we want their families to be a part of our family. They need to understand that whatever they need, we will try and help them out. If there are issues, let us know, we'll help you out. That's absolutely how we view our officers: as members of our family," Gerke said.
Martin's father, Sergeant Rusty Martin, believes this is only the beginning for his son.
"He’s a good kid. I hope he continues to chase his dreams and overshoot his goals," Rusty Martin said.
Taylor Martin graduated from Permian High School and is attending Odessa College to obtain an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.
OPD also recently highlighted another father-son team. Lieutenant Randall Jones and Corporal Reed Jones are the first father and son on the SWAT team in Odessa.
Lt. Jones has been in law enforcement for 38 years but joined SWAT 25 years ago. Corporal Jones, 26, has been with the team for two years after being inspired by his father.