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Hamilton City Council hires police recruit, approves purchase of two patrol SUVs
Summary
At its meeting, the Hamilton City Council approved hiring Joslyn Littman as a police recruit and authorized purchase and outfitting of two Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicles from the lowest state bid, totaling $136,560.
Hamilton City Council approved the hire of Joslyn Littman as a police recruit and authorized purchase and outfitting of two Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicles for the Hamilton Police Department.
The council voted to hire Joslyn Littman as a police recruit; Littman is expected to undergo in‑house training before attending the Jacksonville Police Academy and, upon graduation, to be certified as a law enforcement officer in the state. Police Chief Benfield described Littman as having prior experience as a corrections deputy in Florida, including supervisory duties and a CERT qualification, and said her background investigation met department standards.
Council members also approved buying two Chevrolet Tahoes from Donahoe Chevy, the lowest state bid, with a vehicle purchase and equipment total of $136,560. The council recorded a $36,760 estimated cost to equip the vehicles; the chief explained the department has maintained a multi‑year replacement schedule of two vehicles per year to keep the fleet current and reduce repair costs. He listed common equipment to be added to base‑model pursuit vehicles, including consoles, spotlights, radios, radar, light bars, sirens, transport barriers, weapon locks, power management systems, docking stations for computers and dash cameras.
The chief told the council the decision followed research and networking with other agencies and that maintaining a single vehicle platform (Chevrolet) simplifies upkeep and scheduling. Council members moved and seconded the motions; the purchase motion was called and the presiding member said the vote was unanimous.
The new recruit will do in‑house physical fitness and training before academy attendance; the council record shows an anticipated academy cohort in August. The council approved the hire and the vehicle purchase as formal agenda items during the meeting.
No additional contingencies or alternative funding sources for the vehicle purchase were specified in the discussion.
