SMITHFIELD – In what may be a record, ten new police officers were sworn in simultaneously during a ceremony at the September 17 meeting of the Smithfield Town Council.
Mayor Andy Moore administered the oath to the 10 officers as family members held Bibles for the ceremony.
“The Smithfield Police Department thanks the community for their continued support. Based on that support these ten officers have enabled us to provide coverage in our schools and further strengthen our patrol and investigative abilities,” Chief Pete Hedrick told The Johnston County Report.
The new officers are: Sergeant Matthew Parrish, School Resource Officer (SRO) Supervisor; Master Police Officer Stephanie Archino (SRO); Master Police Officer Kevin Johnson (SRO), Police Officer II Steven Gibson, Police Officer I Brandin Bass; Police Officer I Aubrey Banks (SRO); Police Officer I Kayla Taylor (SRO); Police Officer I Thomas McKay (SRO); Police Officer I Austin Votjko; and Police Officer I Brandon Thornton.
“I’m very pleased to be doing this. This possibly could be a record (number),” Mayor Moore said. “It’s a good sight.”
Chief Hedrick said the Smithfield Police Department is actively hiring 11 more officers and anticipates being fully staffed in the near future.
May the Lord Bless You and Keep you and shine His countenance upon every single one of you.
I certainly HOPE they read and UNDERSTAND the oath and THE CONSTITUTION ‼️ They are NOT just words !
I do support the blue , but I support the constitution above all !
Far too many of our rights are being infringed upon by arrogant and uneducated police !
Want to improve the way ppl react and respond to law enforcement, it starts with you !
Respect peoples constitutional rights at all cost , and understand you DO work for the people, to protect and serve, NOT enforce your feelings !
I do get it, it’s a mighty tough job, but you only make it worse by not respecting ppls rights!
Do your own research, and uphold justice, no matter who you have to go against to do so!
Having each others backs is so very important, but upholding the Bill of Rights is so much more important and powerful!
Go with God on your side and justice at heart !
Nomore tyrants, nice way to great10 new officers to Smithfield PD. These are not new officers but officers from other departments. They know the deal and know what they are doing. When you say they work for the people, are you asking them to serve you breakfast in bed? Just wish them well and to be safe in this thankless job. So, as I have said to you, now I say to the 10 new officers of the Smithfield PD, BE SAFE, always remember, you have a family to go home after shift and best of luck and may God be with you at all times.
May God be with you and keep you safe!
#BlueBloodForever
#gotyoursix