Published: November 28, 2008 05:41 am            

SPD officers are recognized at council meeting

Local News

Several Somerset City Police officers were recognized for their hard work at this week’s Somerset City Council meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting Assistant Somerset Police Chief formally introduced Officer Shawn Dobbs to the council, who came to the Somerset Police Department from the Science Hill Police Department where he attended the basic training academy in 2006.

Dobbs was hired by SPD in July 2008 and he graduated from Pulaski County High School in 2001.

Officer Elgin Pettus was recognized Monday evening for two letters the department received commending his service during the police academy.

Pettus was issued Certificates of Acknowledgment from his instructors for receiving the academy’s Physical Fitness Excellence Award and for the level of professionalism he displayed as a volunteer to the flag detail for his training class.

Pettus was hired by SPD in 2008 and he is a 1999 graduate of Christian County High School. He attended Western Kentucky University.

Nelson commended Pettus for his success in academy.

“He will be a real asset to us,” Nelson said.

Officer Chris Gates received an appointment as the department’s newest detective.

Gates was one of five candidates who applied for the appointment. He currently serves as a field training officer and will begin his detective duties in the beginning of the year.

Gates joined the police department in 1995 and he gradated from Fairfield High School in Iowa in 1991. He also attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa where he received a degree in political science.

Nelson said 30 patrol officers will be carrying out their duties at the first of the year once the trainees complete their training hours.

“That’s one of the largest forces we’ve had, ever,” Nelson said.

Nelson said SPD has been working with three detectives for some time, but increases in the department’s case load has necessitated the addition of another detective.

“Our cases keep going up and there is a need for another investigator,” Nelson said.

During council comments, councilor Jimmy Eastham congratulated Dobbs, Pettus and Gates on their hard work with SPD.

“I’m really proud of the police officers that were here tonight,” Eastham said.

In other Somerset City Council business:

• Councilor Jim Mitchell asked about the possibility of enacting some type of budgeting or sliding program for people who may have trouble affording gas bills during the winter.

City Attorney Carrie Weise said budget billing — charging a resident one bill price throughout the year based on the average cost of utilities — exists.

Councilor Tim Rutherford asked whether the council can look into going a bit further and offering some small type of assistance.

“Mine (gas bill) was $160 last month and I was pretty cold,” Rutherford said.

Mayor Eddie Girdler said he would look into that.

• Councilor Pat Bourne asked about the status of a letter to be sent to Pulaski County Clerk Ralph Troxtell on behalf of the council about redrawing precinct lines before the next general election.

Girdler said he sent the letter, but that he had not heard anything back.

Bourne asked whether a letter should be sent to Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Girdler said he would send a copy of the letter to him as well.

• Councilor Linda Stringer once again thanked the council for its action in clearing Jasper Street to allow Somerset Independent school buses to drive through unhindered.

• The council entered into executive session for approximately 25 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken.

        

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