STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-December 15, 2023-The Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) will be hosting a swearing in and pinning ceremony next week to officially welcome four police officers, two new hires and recognize four recent promotions.
“Having your badge pinned, especially the very first one, is a significant accomplishment and something to be shared across the department and community,” said Police Chief Mark Beckett. “We’re almost fully staffed, something that hasn’t been the case for a while, and the department and this team is showing why this is the place people want to be a part of.”
The pinning ceremony is a long-standing law enforcement tradition which awards the police badge on an individual either upon graduation or promotion. The celebratory event will take place in the Community Room of the Combined Law Enforcement Facility at 2027 Shield Drive starting at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Will Kitzman, Haley DuPuis and Axel Rios Gutierrez recently graduated from the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy through the Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs. The Colorado POST accredited 16-week program provides quality training for those who want to serve their communities as police officers. The new officers are now entered in the SSPD 16-week field training program under the guidance of a veteran officer.
Jessica Pierce is making a lateral move and joining the department from most recently the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to that, she served as a Department of Corrections Parole Officer for three years, The Chief will recognize the promotions of Commander Rich Brown (new badge) and Administrative Manager Jamie Malone.
In Investigations, Patrol Sergeant Sam Silva will head back into the Detective Sergeant position after a year and a half in his patrol role. Previously, he spent six years in investigations handling many high-profile cases. Detective Greg Griffin is being promoted to Patrol Sergeant after two years in the investigation division. Griffin also serves as an instructor in a number of areas for SSPD and will continue with those duties.
Community Service Officer Nadine Sisto and Records Technician Zac Boone will officially be welcomed to the department during the ceremony. In addition to his patrol duties, Police Officer Dunte Valrey will take on additional duties as hiring officer, responsible for hiring and recruitment across the SSPD.
The SSPD is comprised of 29 sworn officers and 19 professional civilian members, who are dedicated to keeping the community safe, providing quality police service, and working with citizens and businesses. Last year, the department responded to more than 13,000 calls for service across patrol services, investigations, evidence, animal control, community service and records.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Mark Beckett, Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Rich Brown, Police Commander, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email