PRINEVILLE — At a short meeting of the Prineville City Council, Police Chief Jeff Profield administered oath ceremonies for two newly hired sworn officers, introduced a community service officer and announced the official promotion of Thomas Volmer to lieutenant.

Jeff Profield, police chief for the city of Prineville, described the swearing-in events as mutual commitments between the department and its new members, saying, "These opportunities also remind me of the commitment that each individual's family members have made" to support those who serve. Profield introduced the four department members and provided background on each.

Officer Mitch Merritt was sworn in after joining the Prineville Police Department in November 2024. Profield said Merritt began his law enforcement career with the Oregon Department of Corrections in December 2021 and later worked as a police officer for the Madras Police Department beginning in September 2023. Merritt was joined at the ceremony by his partner, Officer Karen Miller, who pinned his badge.

Officer Emily Jerome was sworn in after joining the department in January 2025. Profield said Jerome began as a reserve officer with the Sunriver Police Department in 2018, worked two years as a corrections technician for the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, served as a deputy with the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office starting in 2019, and later worked for the Oregon Humane Society as a law enforcement agent beginning in September 2022. Profield said Jerome holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in psychology, is working toward a master's in clinical social work, and was recently certified as a qualified mental health professional (QMHP) in Oregon; the chief said she will serve in a sworn mental-health role. Jerome was joined by her husband, Oregon State Trooper Taylor Jerome, who pinned her badge.

Chief Profield introduced Community Service Officer Andy Pearson and described his background in law enforcement and evidence processing. Profield said Pearson began his career in 1994, spent about 25 years with a police agency in Jackson, Wyo., worked as a detective at the Teton County Sheriff's Office, served as Crook County's emergency manager beginning in September 2023, and joined the Prineville Police Department in December 2024 as a CSO. Profield noted Pearson's specialized training in evidence collection and processing.

Thomas (Tom) Volmer was promoted formally to lieutenant after serving as interim lieutenant during an administrative transition beginning in January 2024. Profield said Volmer began his career in 2015 with the Warm Springs Police Department as a conservation and enforcement ranger, joined the Prineville Police Department in 2018, was assigned to the detectives division in 2021, promoted to sergeant in 2022, and served as interim lieutenant in 2024. Profield said Volmer is nearly finished with an associate degree in criminal justice and holds a supervisory certificate from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

The oath recited at the meeting referenced the U.S. Constitution, the Oregon Constitution and the charter and ordinances of the city of Prineville; the ceremony emphasized both legal duties and the department's commitment to supporting its members and families.