Caldwell recognizes new police hires and promotions; names Brian Ritchie fire training chief

Caldwell city leaders used a special session before the regular City Council meeting to recognize five new hires and promotions in the Caldwell Police Department and to introduce Brian Ritchie as the new training division chief for Caldwell Fire.

Deputy Chief Sopaewaga opened the presentations and introduced each officer by name and background. "He's an asset to the department," Deputy Chief Sopaewaga said of returning officer Paul Stevens, who has about five years with the Caldwell Police Department, served previously as a school resource officer and on SWAT, and recently returned to patrol after a brief hiatus.

The council recognized Heather Nicodemus as a lateral hire. Deputy Chief Sopaewaga said Nicodemus has about seven years of law enforcement experience, previously worked as a patrol officer and detective with the Emmett Police Department and with the Idaho Attorney General’s Office on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Nicodemus told the council her family could not attend and called the department her second family.

Also introduced were Louis Sargent, described by Deputy Chief Sopaewaga as a nearly 10-year law enforcement veteran who has spent just over two years with Caldwell and currently serves as corporal for the OSS gang unit; and Craig Gregory, promoted to sergeant after about eight years with the Caldwell Police Department. Sergeant Craig Gregory introduced his wife, parents and a 2½-month-old son.

Aaron Scribe, a 21-year law enforcement veteran who earlier served with the Hawaii County Sheriff’s Office and on an Internet Crimes Against Children task force, was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, Deputy Chief Sopaewaga said. Scribe identified family members and retired mentors in attendance.

Mayor (unnamed) thanked the officers and their families for their service and support. "Thank you so much. Appreciate you, deputy chief, and all you do. And congratulations to all those new hires and promotions," the mayor said.

The meeting then shifted to the Caldwell Fire Department, where Fire Chief Shoop introduced Brian Ritchie as the training division chief. Chief Brian Ritchie, who the chief said has about 27 years of firefighting experience including five years in wildland firefighting and approximately eight years leading a training division in the Glendale, California, area, told the council he was "quite ecstatic to serve the citizens of Caldwell." Ritchie introduced his wife and two sons and said he looked forward to building the department’s training program.

Deputy Chief Sopaewaga closed the presentation by thanking families and staff for attending. The special portion of the meeting concluded and the council announced it would reconvene for the regular meeting at 6 p.m.