(February 17, 2010 SOLEM PUBLIC SAFETY BLD, PIERRE S.D.)  Four new police reserve officers have joined the ranks of the Pierre Area Police Reserves.  The four were sworn in by Judge Mark Barnett at a special ceremony held at the Solem Public Safety Building.  The four new officers join six other reserve officers, bringing the reserve unit to its full authorized strength. 

 

Pierre Police Chief Bob Grandpre congratulated the officers on having successfully completed the intensive, +100 hour training program.  "I know it wasn't easy, nothing in law enforcement is," Grandpre said.  "You can be proud of that, just like we're proud of you."

 

Reserve Officers are trained law enforcement officers and may carry out many of the duties of full time officers.  Members of the Pierre Area Reserve Program work with a number of local law enforcement agencies, including the Pierre Police Department.

 

Police Commissioner Steve Harding congratulated each officer on receiving their badge and thanked them for the community service.  "We ask a lot of our police officers, we expect a lot.  It's important that we have people like you who can live up to those expectations."

 

Judge Mark Barnett administered the Oath of Office individually to each officer.  The oath is the official recognition of the court of the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.

 

Having taken their oaths, each officer was then presented with the badge of office.  It's customary for family and friends to pin the badge onto the uniform of the officers for the first time.  "Family is an important part in the life of any officer, "said Police Captain Elton Blemaster.  "They serve, too."

 

Officers and reserves from a variety of departments were in attendance for the swearing in ceremony, many of whom had conducted training for the new reserve officers.