News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
FWPD announces hiring initiative to add 20 new officers
Chief York also announces promotions
(July 15, 2013) – Police Chief Rusty York today was joined by Mayor Tom Henry to announce the police department’s hiring initiative to add 20 new police officers.
Today’s announcement was made possible by the leadership of Mayor Henry’s Administration, the Fiscal Policy Group, neighborhood and business leaders, and the members of City Council who supported and passed a financial plan for the future that provides funding for an academy class to put additional officers on the streets to keep the City as safe as possible.
The police department will be utilizing the already established pool of applicants compiled during its recruitment campaign last fall. No other applications are being sought at this time.
Individuals on the current list of applicants have been notified of the next step in the application process. The next phase in the application/hiring process is the physical agility test to be administered later this week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The scheduled starting date for the 60th Recruit Class of the Fort Wayne Police Department is February 10, 2014, with graduation scheduled for June 27, 2014. All new officers will experience six months of supervised probation before being released to solo patrol.
“We’re pleased to be in a position to add police officers to serve and protect our community,” said Chief York. “It takes a collective effort to make positive changes. We’re a department that’s committed to providing excellent services and being accessible to citizens.”
“Today is a great step forward in our continued commitment to being a safe and thriving City with an excellent quality of life,” said Mayor Henry. “The dedication that’s demonstrated each day by the members of the police department is an example of why we’re so encouraged about the future. We’re investing in public safety to enhance our ability to sustain and grow neighborhoods and bring our community together as one.”
In addition, Chief York today announced promotions and transfers within the police department.
- Steven Reed will be transferred to the Fort Wayne Police Academy as Director of Training from his former position as Deputy Chief Southwest. Reed is a 20-year veteran of the department and served for two years as a trainer at the Academy. He holds an Associate of Science degree from Vincennes University.
- Stephen J. Haffner is a 23-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department. He’s been promoted to Deputy Chief of the Southwest Division from his previous position as Captain Southwest. Deputy Chief Haffner holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tri-State University.
- Derrick W. Westfield is being promoted to Captain of the Southwest Division. Derrick most recently served as a Sergeant of the Northwest Division and as a supervisor with the Emergency Services Team. Captain Westfield is a 17-year veteran of the department and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University.
- Brian C. Williams is being promoted to Sergeant from his current position as a Detective in the Neighborhood Response Team, a plain clothes unit that focuses on career criminals. Williams is a 15-year veteran of the department. He’ll be assigned to B-Shift Operations.
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