Swansea board approves swearing-in of two probationary police officers

The Swansea Village Board formally approved the swearing-in of two probationary police officers after a personnel committee forwarded the appointments to the full board.

At the start of the meeting officials introduced Jeffrey (Jeff) Rankin and Nicholas Wallace, noting both have recent military experience and relevant training. Officials said Wallace has prior military law-enforcement experience and was hired as a lateral officer with certain stipulations. Rankin is scheduled to begin a 16-week police academy on Sunday; Wallace is to attend an expedited transition academy.

The mayor administered the oath of office, in which the officers pledged to support the U.S. and Illinois constitutions and to faithfully discharge their duties as probationary police officers for the Village of Swansea, located in Saint Clair County. After the ceremony officials invited guests to a short reception and a tour of the renovated police office.

A personnel committee motion to forward the recommendation to the board was made and approved in committee. At the full board meeting, a board member, Natalie, moved to approve the swearing-in of both officers and Trustee Lewis seconded. The mayor called a roll and Trustees Lewis, Jablonski, Lanter, Pottshead and McGuire each voted “Aye.” The motion carried and the board approved the appointments.

The meeting record shows the board then moved to close and adjourned after approving the appointments. No additional votes or funding decisions related to the hires were recorded in the meeting transcript.