Corpus Christi Police Department

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS - (News Release) On May 21, 2024, while conducting traffic control for a funeral procession on his police motorcycle, Senior Officer Vicente Ortiz was struck by a vehicle. Senior Officer Ortiz later passed away from his injuries. This makes the second police officer to pass away while on duty in two months.

Senior Officer Ortiz served with the Corpus Christi police department for 15 years.

Updated on June 5, 2024, at 5:58 am

Senior Officer Vicente Ortiz Jr. served with the Corpus Christi Police Department for 15 years. Vicente began his career in 2009 as a cadet in the 68th Police Academy. Immediately following graduation, he served in the Uniform Division as a patrol officer.

In 2014, Vicente received the Life Saving Ribbon for saving his father’s life. His father collapsed due to having a heart attack, and Vicente immediately began CPR, which doctor’s credited Vicente’s immediate actions to saving his life. Later in 2014, Vicente was promoted to the rank of Senior Officer. In 2015, Vicente was commended by an employee of the Alabama Bureau of Investigations for his professionalism on duty. Vicente was awarded his second Life Saving Ribbon in 2016. Vicente saved the life of a person in crisis who was actively attempting to commit suicide. In 2017, Vicente received a Letter of Recognition for his proactive work of taking three firearms off the street in a matter of weeks. It was during this same time, he was chosen to be a Field Training Officer (FTO).

Field Training Officers train and mentor recruit officers, and act as supervisors, counselors, supporters, and role models. Officers, throughout their career, will often return to their former FTO’s for guidance and support throughout their career.

In 2018, Vicente was transferred to the Traffic Division and initially worked in a traffic car. Vicente then completed the rigorous two-week motorcycle certification course through Northwestern Center for Public Safety. He then served in the Motor Unit in the Traffic Division.

In 2022, he was commended by the United States Secret Service for his contributions to a major operation involving former President Donald Trump.