Middleburg officer Melvin McCord promoted to officer first class

Middleburg — The council and police department presented Officer Melvin McCord with a certificate of promotion to officer first class and recognized his 26 years of law-enforcement experience.

A police department representative introduced McCord to the council and recounted his prior experience in Florida and Virginia and roles including canine and training assignments. "Melvin brings to us 26 years of law enforcement experience," the presenter said. McCord took the oath and spoke briefly about his priority of community engagement and behavioral-health contacts, saying officers made themselves available to sit with residents in crisis and talk through issues.

Why it matters: The department said McCord is entering solo patrol shifts and that the promotion reflects both his background and a program that allowed him to hire in at a higher initial rank given prior experience. Council and residents congratulated him and noted the department’s emphasis on de-escalation and behavioral-health engagement.

Outcome: Certificate of promotion presented; no formal council action required.

Ending: McCord and the department thanked the council and the public for their support.