Gary Welcomes 8 New Police Officers
Gary Mayor Jerome A. Prince, Gary Police Chief Brian Evans and the Gary Common Council today welcomed eight new police officers to the Gary Police Department in a ceremony at City Hall.
The City of Gary Board of Public Works and Safety, led by Deputy Mayor Trent A. McCain, also swore in the police department recruits as part of their weekly meeting.
Mayor Prince said working in public safety is a calling, not just another job.
“After they complete their training at the police academy, these young men will come to work every day and commit to serving our citizens and businesses in all types of situations,” he said. “You really can’t ask for more than that from anybody, and I’m proud to welcome them.”
Deputy Mayor McCain also congratulated the new recruits. He later said the Administration was able to find the funding for the new officers’ training and wages through careful management of the City budget.
“Public service is a calling, not just a job, and it’s always necessary and very demanding,” Deputy Mayor McCain said. “We’re proud and excited to grow the ranks of our police department with recruits of the highest caliber.”
The new recruits are:
• Adam Campos, 26, of East Chicago
• Ahmed Hamed, 22, of East Chicago
• Alphonse Mariani, 23, of Hammond
• Timothy Martin, 33, of Gary
• Ryan Matthis, 30, of Crown Point
• David Poindexter, 33, of Chicago Ridge, Ill.
• Damion Woods, 22, of Chicago Heights, Ill.
Gary Common Council President William Godwin (D- 1st Dist.) thanked the recruits for choosing a public service career in Gary.
“There is a serious need for men and women to step up and serve,” said Council President Godwin. “For you to step up and serve is an honor. It is something we don’t take lightly.”
Chief Evans said the recruits will join the police department in a transformative time.
“We welcome these recruits on the team. They have a lot to learn, but they also have a great deal to teach us,” Chief Evans said. “Public safety continues to change every year, and these new recruits will help us adapt as they learn the ropes.”
