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Springfield swears in seven new police officers; leaders emphasize training and dignity
Summary
The Springfield Police Department swore in seven new officers during a public ceremony. City and department leaders highlighted 21 weeks of academy training, the department Code of Ethics and family support as officers took the oath of office.
The Springfield Police Department formally swore in seven new officers in a public ceremony, a milestone city and department leaders described as both an honor and a heavy responsibility.
Chief Joe Bill opened the event by welcoming family members and introducing city and department leadership. "You're in a profession of law enforcement at a critical time in history," he said, urging the recruits to "treat everyone you encounter... with dignity." Mayor Misty Buscher called policing "a calling to uphold values of justice" and thanked families for the sacrifices they will make.
The ceremony included a public reading of the department's Code of Ethics by Chief Lee. The reading began: "As a member of the Springfield Police Department, my first duty is to serve the people of the city of Springfield, Illinois," and recited the department's commitments to uphold constitutional rights, avoid prejudice, and protect confidential information.
Chief Bill recognized the training cadre responsible for the recruits' 21-week academy—Lieutenant Brands, Sergeant John Dorsey, Officer Lucian Norton and Officer Jeff Paley—saying the department has invested substantial training hours and leadership to prepare the officers for field duties.
The department introduced the new officers by name and brief background: Officer Taylor Dace (Glenwood High School; Olivet Nazarene University; prior service at Phoenix Police Department), Officer Zachary Stites (Community College of the Air Force; active duty and reserves; prior Valdosta Police Department), Officer Connor Bennett (Rochester High School; lives in Rochester), Officer Philip Catchings (Alton High School; Lewis and Clark Community College), Officer Isabelle Galluzzio (Air National Guard, EMT/trauma medic), Officer Jonathan Hupp (Sacred Heart Griffin High School) and Officer Colby Kenny (Illinois College, agricultural business management).
After each officer was presented and pinned by a family member, Chief Bill led the assembled recruits in the oath of office. The officers repeated language pledging to "faithfully execute the duties of a police officer," to "exemplify honesty in thought, word and deed," and to "uphold the Constitution" and enforce laws at the federal, state and local level.
The formal ceremony concluded with Chief Bill inviting attendees to a receiving line and offering professional photos for the officers and their families.
