Four new police officers became members of the LaVergne Police Department at a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, January 5th. The officers were hired from funds put in place as part of the five-year plan city leaders adopted in early 2010.
“I am excited about the opportunity to hire four new officers,” said Police Chief Mike Walker. “These four will give us more people working the streets and that’s where we need the most help.”
New patrol officers include Daniel Bean, 23, a former U.S. Marine; Stephen Hale, 35, a former U.S. Marine and current member of the Army National Guard with experience from both the Murfreesboro and Metro Nashville police departments; Travis Wilson, 28; and Matt Fracker, 32. Both Wilson and Fracker served as reserve officers prior to joining the force full-time.
Of the 48 current sworn law enforcement officers in LaVergne, nearly 20 percent began as reserve officers. These officers go through standard hire procedures that include physical and mental tests; however, they are volunteers who are able to get a feel of police work before leaving their regular jobs. Bean and Wilson will begin their training at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy on Sunday, January 8th.
“More boots on the street are a general deterrent for crime, along with aggressive patrols,” Walker said. These additions will certainly help us meet our goal of reducing crime.”
The LaVergne Police Department has already made huge strides in crime reduction. Crimes in the following areas were down in 2011, compared to 2010: Residential burglary 13%, Business burglary 41%, Drugs 10%, Vandalism 20%, and Theft 30%.
Additionally, the number of arrests increased as follows: Burglary 68%, DUI 12%, Theft 25%, Drivers license violations 14%, and Vandalism 70%.
“Our officers are doing outstanding work under the quality leadership of Chief Walker,” said Mayor Senna Mosley. “We are now seeing very tangible numbers from last year’s planning and these fantastic results have gone beyond our wildest expectations. Congratulations to both our existing officers and to the new ones on a job well done.”
