News

July 31, 2009

W-B welcomes four new police officers

The new additions bring the Wilkes-Barre police force up to a total of 91 officers.

Times Leader staff

WILKES-BARRE – Four new members of the Wilkes-Barre Police Department were sworn in Thursday by Mayor Thomas M. Leighton and Police Chief Gerard Dessoye in a ceremony at City Hall.

The new additions, Christopher Benson, Stephen Freeman, Jason Dudick and Jeffrey Ference, bring the police force to a total of 91 officers.

“I applaud these individuals for taking the oath to serve and protect the people of Wilkes-Barre,” Leighton said. “Our hires have diverse law enforcement and military backgrounds, including experience in other municipal police forces, the U.S. Army National Guard and a private investigation agency.

“Each of these individuals has been highly recommended and will be an asset to the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. With their assistance, my administration will continue our commitment to increasing police presence and public safety in all areas of Wilkes-Barre.”

Since taking office in 2004, Leighton has added 29 new officers to the force. Ten officers were hired in 2005 and 11 were hired in 2007. The four new hires, along with four from last year, fill positions left by retired officers.

The beginning annual salary for Wilkes-Barre Police Department officers is $46,976. Leighton said the salaries for these officers were built into the city’s 2009 budget, stressing the city’s focus on public safety while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Three of the four new officers will begin training at the Municipal Police Training School at Lackawanna College for ACT 120 certification on Monday. One officer is already ACT 120 certified.

After this training has been completed, all of the new hires will serve as patrolmen.

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