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(Left) Heather van Hemert and (right) Christopher Rivera were introduced by (Center) Police Chief Steve McLean at a recent Santa Paula City Council meeting. |
Two new SPPD Officers introduced to community
November 11, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The first female officer to be hired in Santa Paula in years as well as a new recruit were introduced to the community and welcomed by the City Council at the November 2 meeting.
Heather van Hemert and Christopher Rivera were introduced by Police Chief Steve McLean who noted “They are the newest members of our team…many of you know I’ve been trying to recruit a female officer, we don’t have one — zero — and haven’t had one for a couple of years.”
The last female SPPD Officer was Kimberly Hemminger, tragically killed in an off-duty Jeep rollover in July 2012. Hemminger, 33, had joined the SPPD in 2005.
“I think these two represent the diversity of our community,” said McLean. “I’m glad to have them on our team.”
Mayor John Procter welcomed the two officers and thanked them for joining the SPPD.
Vice Mayor Martin Hernandez offered some advice: “Remember, when you’re out there somebody that comes up to your knees is going to observe everything you do,” as officers’ deal with the child’s family members.
“Be a hero to them,” by exhibiting a respectful calm demeanor that Hernandez said would shape how the child views police officers, an encounter that could be life altering.
Although he was happy to welcome the new officers McLean said “on the other hand I’m kind of saddened because we’re losing one of our veteran officers,” Sr. Officer Larry Johnson, a 10-year-SPPD veteran who partnered with K9 Zak.
McLean said Johnson deserved to be recognized due to his wide experience and efforts on behalf of the community.
“I don’t like losing our veterans,” he noted, “but I understand he wants to take care of his family…”
