Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Staffing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City manager names Andy Caldwell permanent police chief; new officer sworn in
Summary
City Manager Mike Thomas announced Andy Caldwell as Centralia’s permanent police chief and Chief Caldwell swore in lateral hire Officer Drew Johnson in a short ceremony that included a reading of the law enforcement code of ethics.
City Manager Mike Thomas announced Feb. 11 that Andy Caldwell has been appointed Centralia’s permanent police chief, ending his interim assignment.
Following the announcement, Chief Caldwell led a brief swearing-in ceremony for Officer Drew Johnson, a lateral hire from Tenino. Chief Caldwell spoke about the impact of policing on families and the importance of community trust before introducing Johnson and asking him to recite the law enforcement code of ethics.
Drew Johnson, who previously served as a reserve and later as a full-time officer in Tenino, was sworn in with his wife Lydia present to pin the badge. Chief Caldwell said Johnson brings certified instructor experience and that lateral hires are valuable to the department’s recruitment and retention efforts.
Mayor Smith Johnston and councilors welcomed the appointment and swearing-in and thanked the chief and the new officer. The council commended Caldwell’s work while interim and expressed support for the department’s direction under his permanent appointment.
(Ending) Chief Caldwell and staff said the department will continue recruiting and working on staffing levels discussed elsewhere on the agenda.
