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Awards

Officer of the Year Award

The Superintendent and the Chief of Police of the Pasadena Independent School District Police Department take immense pleasure in presenting the
2018 – 2019 Pasadena ISD Police Department
Officer of the Year Award to

Damon Sonnier

Damon Sonnier Professional badge photo.

Officer Damon Sonnier was born to Alma and James Sonnier in Houston Texas.  Damon graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1991 and attended the University of Houston – Downtown, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Prior to his career in law enforcement, Damon taught band in local private schools from 1993 - 2013.  In 2003, he and his twin brother, Derek, started their own music school.  Officer Sonnier attended the Houston Community College Police Academy and graduated in July of 2013. Damon joined the Department on February 25, 2014. Before beginning his tenure with Pasadena ISD, he served 6 months with the Klein ISD Police Department.  Damon is currently assigned to patrol, while simultaneously teaching Gang Awareness to district staff members. In 2016, Damon became a Crisis/Hostage Negotiator and is assigned to the Department's Crisis Negotiations Team, while maintaining an active role in the department's Honor Guard Team. Additionally, Damon serves as one of the Department’s Field Training Officers.  He also holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certification and is a TCOLE Certified Instructor.

Damon is well-known across Pasadena I.S.D. and is well received by administrators and students alike.  One of Officer Sonnier’s favorite parts of his job is his interaction with students.  He can be found high-fiving a Kindergarteners, listening to the rants of “teenage problems” at a high school and can be consistently found dancing in the gyms with elementary PE students.  Officer Sonnier is an approachable figure and is rarely seen without a smile, hence his nickname, “Sunny D.” Officer Sonnier demonstrates a passion for his work and is constantly looking for opportunities to learn and grow.  He is a respected source of information and guidance for new officers.  If he does not have the answer to a question, he will aid the person in the process of finding the answer to the issue alongside the person asking.  He is an encouragement in the department.
 Damon is married to Nicole Sonnier, one of Pasadena I.S.D.’s own teachers, and is the father of a beautiful daughter, Grace.  His dedication and commitment to the Pasadena Independent School District Police Department and the community he serves have earned him the distinction of being selected as the 2018-2019 Officer of the Year.

DeeAnn Powell

Superintendent of Schools

Stewart Russell

Chief of Police