Recently appointed Katy Police Chief Jose Noe Diaz Jr. introduced recently hired officers to Mayor Chuck Brawner and Katy City Council members at the April 8 meeting to begin establishing a relationship within the community. Each of the five officers faced the council and briefly introduced themselves. New hires included Katy native Emily Riley, who spent three years with Houston Police Department before deciding to return to serve her hometown and 22-year-old Rocio Ayala, who recently graduated from the Houston Community College Police Academy. Council Member Durran C. Dowdle addressed Diaz during council members' reports to show his appreciation for his efforts. “Chief Diaz, thank you for bringing the new officers,” Dowdle said. “I think that’s a wonderful thing to do.” After expressing their gratitude to the city of Katy, the five officers were welcomed with smiles and a round of applause. “They’re a great asset to the city, and I want them to be plugged in with everyone in the city as well as the city administrators,” Diaz said. Other topics addressed in the meeting include: • Katy followed the lead of the United States government and declared April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Sexual Abuse Awareness month. Brawner encouraged the community to join advocates in communities across the country in acting to help prevent sexual violence. • Council Member Janet Corte reported turnouts from Keep Katy Beautiful Trash Off Saturday, including 63 on-site volunteers and 182 vehicles that passed through to dispose of recyclable items. Newly hired Katy Police Department officers meet Katy City Council. (Nola Z. Valente/Community Impact Newspaper)[/caption]