Lakeland PD proudly welcomed four new officers to the department today during Graduation and Swear-in ceremonies at City Hall. Officers Clint Harris, Melissa Sellers, Peter Serrano, and Jonathan Thompson (left to right below) took their oath of office and received their police shields as part of a time-honored ceremony that included family members pinning the badge on each officer's uniform.
These officers have completed three weeks of their initial orientation academy at the police department with one more week to go before they enter the formal Field Training program. This intense field training lasts three months, during which time the new officers ride with experienced training officers who ensure the "rookies" are ready to work on their own.
Officer Harris spoke on behalf of the class and recalled the many challenging experiences faced by the new officers so far as they learn the basics of police work in the initial phase of the department academy. Officer Sellers read the Police Officer Code of Ethics to reinforce the ethical standards of the policing profession.
City Commissioner Gow Fields was the keynote speaker for today's ceremony. Commissioner Fields recalled the humble beginnings of community policing in Lakeland over 15 years ago as the department sought to forge partnerships with the many neighborhoods throughout the city. He urged the new officers to continue practicing the philosophy of community policing during their careers and to reinforce the belief that citizens and the police, working together, can solve many of our neighborhood problems.
We welcome the latest LPD officers to the department.
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