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Plain Dealing council hires Maverick Caldwell as full-time police officer
Summary
The Plain Dealing Town Council unanimously approved hiring Maverick Caldwell as a full-time police officer at a starting wage of $14.00 per hour to replace Steven Rodriguez, who resigned in February 2025.
The Plain Dealing Town Council voted unanimously May 13 to hire Maverick Caldwell as a full-time police officer, with a starting pay rate of $14.00 per hour. The hire was recommended by Chief Murray to fill the vacancy left when Steven Rodriguez resigned in February 2025.
The council’s decision followed Chief Murray’s recommendation and a motion from Jeff Benson, seconded by Alderman Shavonda Gay. There was no public comment. Council members present — Mayor James Cook, Shavonda Gay, Emily Jennings and Jeff Benson — voted in favor.
The police department reported 253 calls in April 2025, including 126 traffic stops and 127 criminal and civil calls, information the council received during department reports earlier in the meeting. The hiring fills a stated staffing gap; details about training start date or benefits were not specified at the meeting.
The council did not attach additional conditions to the hiring. The personnel action was recorded as a formal motion and approved without dissent; the council adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
