St. Marys City Council administers oaths to new firefighter and police officer

At the St. Marys City Council meeting that began at 5:30 p.m., council members administered the oath of office to two new public-safety hires: firefighter/EMT Corey Hoglefort and police officer Zach Cook.

City Council Director Foxhoven introduced Corey Hoglefort as the council9s newest firefighter and EMT, saying Hoglefort graduated in 2022 from Fort Lohrman High School, earned level 2 fire and EMT certifications at the Ohio Fire Academy and is completing paramedic training through Rhodes State College. Hoglefort recited the standard oath of office, saying, "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio," and that he will "faithfully, honestly, and impartially discharge the duties of the office of firefighter with the city of Saint Mary's," as recorded in the meeting transcript.

Later in the meeting staff introduced Zach Cook as a new member of the St. Marys Police Department. The presenter said Cook is a New Knoxville High School graduate who holds a bachelor's degree in crime and justice studies from Wright State University, served six years in the Ohio Army National Guard and graduated from the Wright State University Lake Campus police academy. Cook recited the oath of office, repeating the pledge to support the U.S. and Ohio constitutions and to "faithfully, honestly, and impartially" discharge the duties of a police officer for the city.

Neither hire was reported as the subject of a formal vote during the public portion of the meeting; the introductions and oath administrations were presented as personnel actions and ceremonial certifications. Council members did not raise substantive policy questions during the introductions; staff indicated they would answer questions after the formal remarks if requested.