Lynchburg Police swear in eight new officers at City Hall ceremony
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Summary
Eight recruits were sworn in at a Lynchburg Police Department ceremony at City Hall. Chief Ryan Zudeman and Deputy Chief Jerry Stokes emphasized community trust and officer wellness as the new officers recited the oath of office and received badges from retirees and family members.
Eight recruits were formally sworn in at a Lynchburg Police Department ceremony at Lynchburg City Hall, where Chief Ryan Zudeman framed the day as both an honor and a reminder of the department’s long history.
Chief Ryan Zudeman opened the ceremony and noted that the LPD has served the community for 219 years, called retirees and former officers forward for recognition, and asked Acting Captain Adam Sexton to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The Honorable K. Todd Swisher, Lynchburg Circuit Court Clerk, administered the oath of office, which the recruits repeated, promising to support the constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The ceremony included a series of badge presentations. Chief Zudeman announced badge assignments and the prior badge holders as part of a department tradition of passing along legacy badges. Officer Naja Campbell received badge number 264 (previously worn by retired Lt. Ann Riley). Officer Christian Harris received badge number 183 (previously worn by Lt. Joe Tucker). Officer Theodore Jose received badge number 217 (previously worn by retired Lt. Eddie Cook). Officer Matthew Marsh received badge number 199 (previously worn by Sgt. Gary Tackix). Officer Seth Morris received badge number 178 (previously worn by retired officer Frank McFarland). Officer Crystal Rebsman received badge number 234 (previously worn by retired officer Betty Leonard). Officer Lane Weems received badge number 181 (previously worn by retired officer Greg Meacham). The transcript did not specify a badge number for Officer Nathan McClimans.
Deputy Chief Jerry Stokes, who introduced many staff members and the bureau assignments the recruits will join, emphasized both the privilege and the difficulty of police work and urged the new officers to prioritize their safety and mental health. Retired Lieutenant Eddie Cook led the department’s oath of honor and advised the recruits to "take care of your physical and mental health," a theme echoed by department leaders during closing remarks.
Several new officers offered brief remarks of thanks. Officer Naja Campbell thanked family, faith and command staff; other officers similarly thanked instructors, classmates and relatives who participated in pinning their badges. Captain Lisa Singleton read a list of visiting officials and community partners in attendance, including representatives from Lynchburg City Schools, the Lynchburg Police Foundation and elected officials.
Chief Zudeman closed the ceremony by recognizing personnel and volunteer support staff, thanking veterans in attendance, and announcing a reception upstairs at City Hall with refreshments provided by the Lynchburg Police Foundation.
The swearing-in was ceremonial and administrative; there were no recorded votes or policy decisions during the event. The department said the recruits will begin patrol and field operations assignments as they transition into active duty.
