Congratulations Captain Orlando Hinojosa
The Longhorn Council’s Frontier Trails District honored Captain Orlando Hinojosa with the 2026 Investment in Character Community Reception Award. This recognition acknowledges Hino’s outstanding leadership, dedicated service, and unwavering commitment to the core values of Scouting. Community leaders, local business partners, and supporters gathered to celebrate an individual whose integrity and dedication exemplify the spirit of community service while actively supporting programs that cultivate the next generation of leaders.
Captain Hinojosa’s commitment to public service spans decades. A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Police Science, he began his law enforcement career in 1986 with the Denton Police Department. His early roles included patrol officer and traffic section duties, where he enforced traffic laws, investigated crashes, made DWI arrests, and became one of the department’s first motorcycle officers in the early 1990s.
He was promoted to Detective and later served as a Community Resource Officer, building strong relationships with Denton residents and businesses through outreach and community events. Hinojosa retired from the Denton Police Department as the Public Information Officer and, in 2017, joined the Denton County Sheriff’s Office as the Community and Media Relations Captain. In this role, he continues to engage with the community, overseeing programs such as Crime Stoppers, Volunteers in Policing, the Citizens’ Academy, the Juvenile Impact Program, Explorers, and the Woman’s Empowerment Program.
Hinojosa’s longstanding dedication to service is evident in his Scouting journey. His early years in Troop 184 in Robstown, Texas, were marked by camping adventures, merit badge achievements, and special accomplishments, including earning the Mile Swim award. He fondly remembers summer camps at Camp Karankawa, a memorable trip to the National Jamboree in 1977, and other notable Scouting achievements. Not only did he complete the Philmont Scout Ranch hike once in 1978, but he also successfully completed it again in 1980.
His ongoing engagement with Scouting continued through high school and beyond, culminating in a career that seamlessly blends public service and community involvement. Throughout his law enforcement career, he has shared his experiences with countless Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, inspiring them to earn merit badges and skill awards and encouraging their pursuit of becoming Eagle Scouts.
The Sheriff’s Office congratulates Captain Orlando Hinojosa on his achievements and for embodying the values that Scouting aims to instill in youth leadership: integrity, service, and dedication.
To connect with Sheriff Tracy Murphree, visit: dentoncounty.gov/sheriff
