Colonel Hector F. Alvarado was born and raised in a small village in the mountains of Cayey, Puerto Rico. After graduating from high school, he began his career as a public servant by joining the Puerto State Police as a Cadet. At the age of 19, he became the youngest law enforcement officer in the Department. In 1974, Colonel Alvarado was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Education has also been very important to Colonel Alvarado. He graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and earned a Master’s degree in Education from American InterContinental University. He also attended and earned degrees in related fields from the University of Puerto Rico and the FBI National Academy.

Aside from his impressive educational achievements, Colonel Alvarado has honorably served our country in several military capacities. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Active Duty, the National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves, and also served in the Multinational Security Transition Command in Iraq in the Global War on Terrorism during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Colonel Alvarado’s services in Iraq were highly commended by General Casey, General David H. Petraeus, and the Minister of Interior. In 2006, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) awarded Colonel Alvarado the “Excellence in Military Service Award.”

In recognition of his service and dedication to his country and community, Colonel Alvarado has received 18 awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Action Badge and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Colonel Alvarado volunteers with many local veterans organizations and also works as a Probation Officer for onroe County. He and his wife, Helen, have been married for over 35 years and have one child together.