Palm Bay Police Department Swears In Nine Officers
By Space Coast Daily // April 2, 2014
one is a Palm Bay Police Explorer graduate
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Some are fresh out of the police academy, others have prior law enforcement or military experience, and one is a Palm Bay Police Explorer graduate.
Collectively nine new police officer recruits recently accepted the oath of office, and were sworn in as Palm Bay’s newest patrol officers. Chief Doug Muldoon administered the oath during the March 20th council meeting.
“These young officers are the future of our agency and are filling a very important role in preserving the safety and security of our residents,” Chief Muldoon said. “I look forward to working with them and leading them as they join some of the best men and women in law enforcement.”
NEW OFFICERS
· Jorge Negron, formerly an officer with the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department
· John Neal, a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves after serving 10-years active duty.
· Cory Presley, former U.S. Army 2009-2013 and graduated from the Eastern Florida State College Basic Recruit Academy in October 2013.
All of the following are graduates of the Eastern Florida State College Basic Recruit Academy, February 2014.
· Mariah Marrero, former Palm Bay Police Explorer since 2011.
· Andrew Scrobola, bachelor’s degree from University of Central Florida and served as a Palm Bay VCOP since May 2013.
· Christopher Hurtado, bachelor’s degree from University of South Florida
· James Ritenour, associate degree from Brevard Community College
· Ethan Long – bachelor’s degree from University of North Florida
· Joseph Moreno, US Marine Corp 2008-2012
Today, the Palm Bay Police Department has 160 sworn positions. Within the next five years an estimated 17 positions will become available due to personnel retirements. Already in the last year the agency has employed 20 new police officers, nine of which were hired in the current calendar year.
DEPARTMENT HAS FOUR ADDITIONAL VACANCIES
The nine newly sworn officers are in the midst of working through the department’s Field Training Program which is approximately three months of operational training in which they are individually assigned to a Field Training Officer before they can be deployed for active patrol on their own.
The department currently has four additional vacancies and continues to aggressively recruit the best candidates from qualifying law enforcement academies.
