This week, the Clayton Police Department welcomed two new faces to the force. On Tuesday, Officers Daniel Evans and Erick Martinez were officially sworn in inside the Town Council Chambers. Town of Clayton Police Chief R.W. Bridges, Town Councilman Jason Thompson and numerous police and town coworkers joined the families in welcoming these young men to the department.
Town Clerk Kimberly Moffett administered the Oath of Office as Evans and Martinez pledged to be vigilant in carrying out their duties and enforcing the laws of the State of North Carolina. Clayton Police Chief, R.W. Bridges then administered an ethical oath and they both pledged to uphold the ethics and responsibilities required by the Town of Clayton Police badge they now wear.
Each new officer, eager to assume their duties, is in their early twenties and comes to the Clayton Police Department with an excellent law enforcement education under their belts.
Evans, a North Carolina native and Lucama resident, received a Criminal Justice degree from Barton College in Wilson before successfully completing Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at the Coastal Plains Police Academy which has statewide reputation for preparing well-trained, entry-level officers.
“It’s a difficult time in this country for police, but I have major respect for law enforcement,” said Evans. “Every one always thinks law enforcement only sees the worst in people, but I could be responsible for helping bring out the best in people. When I interact with the public, I hope to help leave people feeling better than when I found them.”
Martinez is proud to have grown up in Clayton. Born in Anaheim, California, he moved with his family to Clayton 13 years ago attending Cooper Elementary, Riverwood Middle School and graduation from Clayton High School. He graduated from Johnston County Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. When asked what appealed to him most about police work: “It’s the ever-challenging and the ever-evolving environment that an officer works in. I take pride in giving back to the community I live in.”
