Treasurer
In April 2018, the Weslaco City Commission recognized Dr. Joel Rivera for his unwavering commitment to public safety, which led to his appointment as Chief of Police. Chief Rivera implemented several initiatives that significantly reduced crime rates and improved community relations during his tenure. His journey in law enforcement began in 1999 at the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office where he first served as a reserve deputy, in the spring of 2000 he earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice—Police Administration. From 2003 – 2008, he served as a Deputy Constable with Hidalgo County Precinct 1.
Chief Rivera’s leadership prowess was acknowledged in 2009 when he was elevated to Chief Deputy Constable for Hidalgo County Constable Precinct 4. In his capacity, he was responsible for administering budgets, strategic planning, and enforcement of policies. His responsibilities also encompassed training in all matters concerning employment, application, and administration of state and federal grants, as well as overseeing civil processes and criminal investigations, showcasing his adeptness in navigating complex situations.
During his tenure as Chief Deputy Constable, he assumed the role of Program Chair for the South Texas College-Public Safety Program from 2010 to 2014. As the program chair, Chief Rivera was tasked with spearheading the development of the public safety program, certificate and associate degrees, faculty management, marketing functions, coordination with various facets within the college, creation of curriculum, administration of budgets, and instruction. Simultaneously, in 2011, Chief Rivera earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration.
In 2014, Chief Rivera became the Division Chief for the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. During his term, he implemented several operational changes that streamlined processes and improved efficiency. His primary duties included overseeing the following divisions: patrol, criminal investigations, civil process/warrants, sheriff’s academy, crime prevention, intelligence operations, and courthouse security. He continues his skill set of managing personnel, budget, policy-making and its implementations, grant management, and strategic planning.
Since 2016, Chief Rivera has been adjunct faculty for South Texas College, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Liberty University. This role reflects Chief Rivera’s commitment to education and his belief in the importance of continuous education.
