Three officers sworn in
By MAURICE O. NDOLE
University police expanded its force after three officers were sworn
in Tuesday.
University police chief David Huerta said he was glad to have the new
officers but said the force still needs more.
“We’re are in such a shortage and the process of recruiting
is very tough,” Huerta said. “I’m hoping by the end
of March we will have a full staff.”
Police officers Leonard Abbott, John McCormick and Charlene Cornell,
take the police oath administered by university police chief David
Huerta [partially hidden]. Photo by Joseph Vasquez |
Huerta said a full staff at Fresno State would consist of about 21 officers.
Right now the department has 12 officers including four sergeants and
eight officers.
Huerta described the new officers, Leonard Abbott, Charlene Cornell and
John McCormick, as a great addition to the university police.
Abbott, a sergeant, has been a police officer for 17 years. He spent 14
years as an officer with the Chowchilla police department and three years
as an officer in Mendota.
Abbott said he plans to use his experience to better resolve situations
that he will encounter.
“I think it’s going to be a different opportunity for me,”
Abbot said. “I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of people
and building a good relationship with students.”
Cornell said she had always wanted to work at Fresno State.
A second-degree karate black belt, Cornell said she hoped she would never
have to use her martial arts skills to do her job.
Cornell holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Fresno State
and attended the police academy at Fresno City College.
McCormick, a former Manhattan Beach firefighter who also worked in construction,
said he was ready for the career change.
McCormick has five years experience in fire fighting and one year of training
in police service education
“This is a big career change for me, leaving construction and joining
law enforcement,” McCormick said.
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