61 SAPD law enforcement members will leave for the 47th Presidential Inauguration Saturday.
SAN ANTONIO — Four days out from the 47th Presidential Inauguration and SAPD is gearing up to join forces with departments from across the country in Washington D.C.
SAPD has been preparing for months now to help keep watch at this historic event.
The team of 61 men and women are expected to leave for D.C. this Saturday.
SAPD has been invited to Presidential Inaugurations for years. The only year not being in attendance was 2021 because of COVID.
Now they’re ready again to protect people at the inauguration just like they do in the Alamo City.
Lieutenant Jacob Garza has a wife and a six year old at home who will watch him on T.V. while he makes history.
24 years on the force this will be the first time Garza will join the watchful eyes of Washington D.C. with 60 of his colleagues.
“We just try to give everyone an opportunity who hadn’t been before,” Garza said.
They also chose those who are best qualified and put them through a vetting process that began when applications went out in May of 2024
“Due to recent events security is paramount and we will be vigilant,” Garza said.
SAPD will have a security briefing the day prior, collaborating with local, state and federal authorities.
D.C. Metro has also been holding briefings with SAPD every month to prepare.
“Obviously the police work we do here is the same we will do there…helping with maintaining crowd control and maintaining order.”
One good sign being that their biggest challenge Garza said is expected is staying warm.
Garza sends this message back to his city:
“I’m very humbled but very proud to be going and representing San Antonio,” Garza said. “Of course we are ambassadors of SAPD so we’re there to ensure we are professional and dignified.”
D.C. Metro is paying for everything from the flights to the hotel and food for SAPD to be there.
SAPD said they prepared for these officers to be in D.C. so it will have no impact on their ability to protect San Antonio during the MLK Parade.