After an incredible journey, Sergeant Eric Fickessen is hanging up his badge! Born in Galveston, TX, and a proud graduate of Dobie High School in 1978, his dream of becoming a police officer was as far back as high school when he shared his dream of joining the Houston Police Department in his senior yearbook.
Upon graduation, he began juggling part-time jobs and full-time studies as he attended San Jacinto College, where he ultimately earned his Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. It was there that fate led him to an advertisement for the Pasadena Police Department, and on June 16, 1980, he began his journey at the police academy.
For the next 10 ½ years, Eric patrolled the Evening Shift, also contributing as a Field Training Officer. Then, in 1990, while balancing duty and education, Eric continued his education by returning to school and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Houston. A short time later, in 1991, Eric was promoted to the rank of sergeant, where he embraced diverse roles, including Criminal Investigations, Night Shift and Day Shift supervision, and serving as the SRT sergeant. Transitions continued, leading him to Property Crimes supervision and later to the Internal Affairs/Public Integrity Division.
Of his many accomplishments with our department, Eric played a crucial role in forming the Pasadena Police Patrolman’s Union in 1986, where he proudly holds membership card #4—his dedication to service extended to board membership and a decade as the political PAC Chairman.
Eric’s personal life is equally fulfilling. He and his wife, Mischelle, reside in Pasadena and are proud parents of two daughters working as school teachers in Boerne, TX., and Stanton, TX., respectively. Their joy expands with three grandchildren.
Beyond the badge, Eric’s passions are as diverse as his career—international travel, reading, languages, genealogy, history, politics, weightlifting, Judo, and his latest interest in finance and investing.
As he steps into retirement, Eric looks forward to rediscovering long-dormant interests and savoring a well-deserved break from extra commitments. Congratulations, Eric, on your much-deserved retirement, and we wish you the best as you begin the next chapter in your life.
