Three new officers sworn into Richmond Heights Police Department

Nov. 19—Richmond Heights Mayor and Safety Director Kim Thomas recently swore in three new police officers.

Officer Shauna Chadwick, Officer Stacey Hurley and Officer Ryan Lewis were all sworn in by Thomas at Richmond Heights City Hall on Nov. 15 before the City Council meeting commenced.

This brings the police department's total number of officers to 22, with a maximum amount of 23 personnel that they can hire.

Police Chief Thomas Wetzel said that he is excited to have these new officers within the department and said that together they bring a collective 30 years of experience to the department.

Hurley came from Girard Police Department bringing with her 22 years of experience. Chadwick and Lewis both came from the Cleveland Police Department. Lewis has six years of experience in policing and Chadwick has over three years of experience.

"I feel amazing, this is what community policing is all about, policing the community that you live in," Lewis said. "I'm very happy to be in this department."

Wetzel said that each officer went through a series of tests to determine if they were a right fit for their organization.

"What they tested for was their people skills, do they have an empathetic heart, can they negotiate with people, those skills are important to us," Wetzel said. "We want people of good strong character and I believe we have found that in these officers."

Wetzel said that in addition to the mental evaluation the officers underwent an extensive background check and a polygraph test. After all the tests were finished Wetzel said the officers were deemed ready for service.

"I'm very, very excited and ecstatic," Hurley said. "This is a great department, the chief has our back, and I am ready to get out there and serve."

Wetzel said that anyone who is interested in joining the department can apply at the Richmond Heights police department.