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Dixon swears in two new officers; Officer Kerner named 2024 Police Officer of the Year
Summary
Police Chief Robert Thompson introduced two new Dixon Police Department hires — an academy graduate and a veteran recruit — and presented Officer Christopher Kerner with a 2024 commendation; Chief emphasized recruiting local residents.
At the Jan. 21 council meeting Police Chief Robert Thompson introduced two new hires to the Dixon Police Department and administered the oath of office.
Chief Thompson described one hire as a recent police‑academy graduate recruited from Dixon and the other as a veteran officer with more than 10 years of experience who chose to join Dixon from the sheriff's office. "Officer Castillo is a police academy graduate… She just graduated a couple weeks ago, represents the beginning of a new career," Thompson said. He added that the department has prioritized recruiting residents who "grew up here… because we are interested in making sure we have people committed… to the community."
Chief Thompson also presented Officer Christopher Kerner, the department's school resource officer, as the Dixon Police Officer of the Year for 2024. The chief read a commendation praising Kerner's "exceptional performance of duty" and commitment to community engagement and student safety. The mayor and council members congratulated the officers and recognized family members who came forward for pinning and remarks.
No council action was required for the swearing or award; the items were presented as ceremonial recognitions and personnel announcements.
