South Russell council appoints and swears in Julia Bennett as full‑time police officer

The South Russell Village Council approved the mayor's appointment of Julia Bennett to a full‑time police officer position and swore her in during the meeting.

Why it matters: The hire fills an open, full‑time police position. Council described the appointment as the result of a screening process and reference checks, and the chief reviewed Bennett's prior experience during the meeting.

Police Chief (name not specified) told council Bennett began her career in 1995 with the Andover Police Department, spent three years with the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office, 12 years with Perry Village, and 13 years with the Middlefield Police Department, serving most recently as a sergeant for five years. The chief also said she served four years with the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, is a certified field-training officer and child-safety-seat technician, and recently became a volunteer firefighter in her hometown.

Councilman Nadell made the motion to approve the mayor's appointment. The council voted in favor and the mayor administered the oath of office; Bennett repeated the oath and was sworn as a full‑time police officer.

Next steps: The newly sworn officer will assume duties as assigned by the Police Department and complete any additional onboarding or training required by department policy.