Pinole Police mark new hires and several promotions at badge-pinning ceremony

Pinole — The Pinole Police Department held a badge-pinning ceremony Oct. 21 to welcome four recent hires and to pin badges for multiple promotions within the department, Acting City Manager and Police Chief Melissa Clavune said at the start of the event.

Chief Clavune told attendees the ceremony recognizes both new employees and those promoted into leadership roles, and she thanked council members, department staff and families for their support. “Badge pinning is symbolic. It represents not only the trust that the community places on our officers and our employees, but it also represents the commitment that our employees have to the city and residents,” Clavune said.

The department introduced new staff including Taylor Breckenridge (dispatcher), Yvette Simon (administrative assistant), Jesus Guerrero (lateral police officer) and Jessica Morey (lateral police officer). Each was formally pinned by a family member. Clavune also announced promotions that have taken place in recent months: Brianna Sosa to lead dispatcher; Powell Meads and Jonathan Porter to sergeant; and Troy Oviatt and Justin Rogers to commander positions. Families and loved ones participated in the pinning.

Clavune described the demands placed on sworn and professional staff and thanked families for their support. She also expressed optimism about the department’s mix of experience and new personnel and said the department will continue pursuing community-oriented policing and professional development.

The ceremony concluded with an invitation for photos and light refreshments. No formal council action was taken as part of the ceremony.