By Chris Hendrickson, Contributing Writer
The Monroe Police Department swore in three new officers on Tuesday during the regularly held city council meeting. Monroe Police Chief Tim Quenzer presented the officers with their badges and welcomed them to the department.
Officer Travis Block graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice. He met his wife, Martina, in college, and together, the two moved to Washington to be close to his family. Block has been with the Monroe Police Department since April 3, 2013 and lives in Snohomish. He graduated from the basic law enforcement academy on Sept. 13, 2013.
Officer James Hand has also been with the department since April 3, 2013. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with a minor in law. Officer Hand graduated from the basic law enforcement academy with Officer Block on September 13, 2013, and has recently finished his field training.
Officer Devin Tucker has been with the Monroe Police Department since May 7, 2013, after spending seven years in the United States Navy. He graduated from the basic law enforcement academy in October with honors; Officer Tucker received an academic achievement award as well as an overall achievement award. He was at top of his class in both areas, with his overall achievement award spanning all phases of his basic training.
Officer Tucker lives in Snohomish with his wife, Sarah. The couple has one young son with another child on the way.
Judge Steven Clough conducted the ceremony, swearing in all three officers before Mayor Geoffrey Thomas and council.
Chief Quenzer stated that the department is very happy about the addition of the three new officers.
ETHICS, PARK AND LIBRARY BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Thomas recommended two individuals for appointment to the Ethics Board; the positions became vacant due to terms which had ended in 2013. Upon his term expiring, board member Trevor Thompson displayed interest in serving a second term.
"I appreciate your service to the community, and would like to take this opportunity to appoint you to another term on the Board of Ethics,GÇ¥ wrote Mayor Thomas in a letter to Thompson on January 27.
Felton Miles III was recommended by the mayor based on his application which indicated many years of public service.
"I have served the citizens of two cities, Bellevue and Seattle, as both a firefighter and a police officer and during my combined 35 years of service I've learned that without ethical behavior and integrity, a city government cannot be effective,GÇ¥ wrote Miles.
Council affirmed the mayor's recommendations by confirming the appointments of Thompson and Miles unanimously. Both terms of office will expire on December 31, 2016.
Council next confirmed the mayor's recommendation by appointing Tami Beaumont to the Monroe Park Board.
Beaumont has served on the Monroe Library Board for five years and is also involved with the Monroe Historical Society where she is a board member and serves as the publicity chairperson. She is the cross country and track coach at Park Place Middle School and an active community volunteer; in 2011 she organized an Earth Day cleanup event in Monroe.
"I have enjoyed Monroe's parks for many years and would like to help protect, develop and enhance them for the community,GÇ¥ wrote Beaumont on her application.
Beaumont's appointment was unanimously confirmed by council. Her term will expire on December 31, 2017.
Travis Pool was recommended by the mayor for the Library Board. Pool has over 15 years of experience in management at an automotive department.
"I am a very avid reader and I would like to help promote and encourage our community to read more and learn how valuable a resource our library is,GÇ¥ wrote Pool on his application.
Pool strongly advocated for the use of social media as an effective tool for promoting Monroe's library.
Council unanimously confirmed the mayor's appointment of Pool to the Library Board. The Library Board term will expire on December 31, 2018.
All board positions required applicants to successfully pass a background check.
Councilmembers Gamble, Goering and Davis were not present at the meeting.-á All absences were excused.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment