Meet Deasembra Garcia: RTD bus operator, soon-to-be RTD police officer
Deasembra (Dee) Garcia started at RTD last year as a bus operator but quickly realized her true passion lay elsewhere within the organization, in the RTD-Police Department (RTD-PD). Joining the ranks just as Steve Martingano was being sworn in as RTD’s new Chief of Police and Emergency Management, Garcia is eager to help the community she loves.
“I used to ride RTD transit all the time growing up and in high school,” Garcia recalled. “I have lived here my whole life, I’ve seen the changes on the trains, the crime, and I knew I wanted to be part of the change to make them better.”
Before becoming an RTD bus operator, Garcia drove a school bus for four years. “That job was so rewarding, but difficult, because it was 60 teenagers, the worst age.” Garcia laughed at the memory, reflecting on how that position drove her to RTD.
“I loved being able to communicate with them, with anyone. That’s what is so special about transit. When you communicate with people, and learn their stories, it just breaks the barriers, it causes those relationships to work and flourish.”
Garcia joined RTD at the beginning of 2024. “I drove the 16 on Saturdays and Sundays on West Colfax, then at night I was doing the 104L out to the airport, the RX, the 0, I was going everywhere. And I was seeing a lot.”
RTD’s security efforts have increased over the past year, with security-related calls cut by half and 24/7 officer patrols being implemented. The increases in security caught Garcia’s attention.
“That was a big factor in why I chose to move over. Driving the routes, noticing the changes, I saw what was happening, this is a growing department. A difference is being made, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
Steve Martingano was sworn in as RTD’s new police chief on May 13 announcing his commitment to the agency, the force and the community, and highlighting the importance of relationship building. Garcia is looking forward to his leadership, “Our roles here basically lined up. I think it’s awesome what he’s doing and how RTD-PD has evolved, people know that we’re here.”
At RTD, Garcia is excited about making a difference by bringing her relationship-building and communication skills over to the police department and connecting with customers across all RTD stations and areas. She is looking forward to starting the five-month police academy training that begins in July.
“When I think of myself as a police officer, I know I am becoming a better version of myself. We can always grow and learn. I want to be the person that can do anything, to show my kids that we’re capable of so much, and nothing is impossible if you try.”