FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Nine experienced police officers are being added to the Fort Wayne Police Department.
They’re considered lateral officers, meaning they are joining the FWPD from other police departments, according to a city of Fort Wayne press release.
Eight of the officers are coming from other departments in Indiana while the ninth is coming from the Lima (Ohio) Police Department. The officers have experience ranging from two years to 11 years.
The new officers will be sent to abbreviated training at the Public Safety Academy before hitting the streets.
“I look forward to having these seasoned officers help augment our department,” said Chief Steve Reed. “With an additional recruit class that we plan to have start in January 2017, the Fort Wayne Police Department strives to being prepared for the demands placed on us.”
“I am committed to ensuring that public safety has the resources necessary to effectively and safely do their jobs,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “As stated before my goal is to make Fort Wayne the safest city of its size in America.”
Swearing-in ceremony today for nine lateral officers joining the @FortWaynePolice Department. @CityofFortWayne pic.twitter.com/1BUTW0xuN2
— Mayor Tom Henry (@MayorTomHenry) August 22, 2016
