City officials, staff and family gathered at Southmayd City Hall Monday morning for the swearing-in ceremony of the police department’s newest hire, Officer Scott Barrett.
“I’m really excited about today,” Southmayd Police Chief Jeff Laughlin said in his opening remarks. “This is chapter three of our book that we’re writing. We’ve established a great foundation with the officers that are here. Now we’re building our team.”
Officer Barrett has deep roots in Southmayd. A 2000 graduate of S&S High School, Barrett has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement. Throughout his career, Barrett has distinguished himself with a Master Peace Officer certification and has served in numerous leadership roles, including Sergeant and Chief of Police. Barrett is also a certified Field Training
Officer and holds numerous certifications in leadership, supervision and school-based law enforcement.
“We couldn’t be more proud to have him here,” Laughlin said.
After taking his oath, Barrett thanked Mayor Debra Thompson and the City Council and expressed his gratitude for the new position.
“I really believe it was a divine thing that happened here,” Barrett said. “When this position came open, I prayed about it and thought about it. I really felt led to do this.”
Barrett spoke with Lieutenant Michael Aguirre about the job opportunity and got a tour of the new police station. He knew this was the job for him.
“I’m so excited! I can’t wait to be back home,” Barrett said. “I’m looking forward to fostering old relationships with people I’ve known for years, and to making new relationships with people I don’t know yet.”
The hiring of Barrett brings the Southmayd Police Department to six officers, and the department continues to grow. Watch for further updates in October.
