STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — People who live in one metro area city are a step closer to getting more officers on the streets.
Channel 2 Action News was there Tuesday when 41 new officers were sworn in to protect and serve in the new police department in Stockbridge.
The new officers won’t hit the streets until July 1.
But people who live and work in the city told Channel 2′s Tom Jones that they can’t wait for them to protect and serve.
“I can’t wait to see them,” Mandy Hall said.
It was a historic moment during the swearing-in ceremony.
Mayor Anthony S. Ford read the officers their oath.
“Do solemnly swear or affirm,” he said.
“Do solemnly swear or affirm,” the officers responded in unison.
After the officers were sworn in, they walked across the stage to receive their new badges. One of their superiors read snippets of their law enforcement biography.
“Captain Anderson is a 40-year law enforcement veteran,” the superior said as Anderson accepted his new badge.
Meanwhile, people like Hall said she can’t wait for the new officers to get out in the community.
“I’ll be happy to see them,” she said.
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Hall works at a Stockbridge GameStop store. It has been robbed several times over the years.
“Probably about eight times, I think. Something like that. So, we’re looking forward to some good changes,” she explained.
“This is a momentous occasion,” Stockbridge Police Chief Frank Trammer told Jones.
He says the department is swearing in 41 new officers, bringing the total to 56.
Trammer says they come from everywhere.
“We have had folks from as far as Savannah, from Augusta. We have an officer that’s starting with us that actually came from Alaska,” Trammer said.
The chief said competitive pay, benefits and the opportunity to join a new highly trained police force is what’s attracting new officers.
Cpl. Taurus Smiley said his co-workers are eager to hit the streets to protect and serve.
“They can’t wait to get out here on the road. They can’t wait to serve this community,” he said.
The police chief said his officers will be fair and they will be very visible in the community.
But he said this is a partnership and he needs the community to work with officers to help keep this city safe.
Henry County police will still patrol the city as well.
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