West Lafayette swears in two police officers to the force, first additions in five years

Noe Padilla, Lafayette Journal & Courier
·2 min read
West Lafayette Police Department Officers Jacob Forgey and Aksana Allen shake hands with their fellow officers after their swearing-in ceremony, on June 28, 2022, at the West Lafayette City Hall.
West Lafayette Police Department Officers Jacob Forgey and Aksana Allen shake hands with their fellow officers after their swearing-in ceremony, on June 28, 2022, at the West Lafayette City Hall.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Tuesday morning saw the swearing-in of two new police officers into the West Lafayette Police Department.

The room was brimming with excitement as West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis recited the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor with new officers Aksana Allen and Jacob Forgey.

WLPD’s Police Chief, Troy Harris said that Allen and Forgey were some of the best candidates that he has seen in a while.

It’s been almost five years since the WLPD has hired any new officers, but this isn’t with the lack of trying, said Harris.

West Lafayette Police Department's newest Officer Jacob Forgey poses for a photo with his family after his swearing-in ceremony, on June 28, 2022, at the West Lafayette City Hall.
West Lafayette Police Department's newest Officer Jacob Forgey poses for a photo with his family after his swearing-in ceremony, on June 28, 2022, at the West Lafayette City Hall.

Forgey has worked closely with law enforcement for a few years. Prior to joining the police academy, he worked as an emergency dispatcher.

But Forgey knew he wanted to do more for the people of Indiana, and after a year and a half of hard work, he’s achieved his dream of becoming an officer.

“I’m feeling like I’m over the top of the world right now,” said Forgey.

“If this is where I’m going to be, then this is a dream.”

West Lafayette Police Department's newest Officer Aksana Allen poses for a photo with her family after her swearing-in ceremony, on June 28, 2022, at the West Lafayette City Hall.
West Lafayette Police Department's newest Officer Aksana Allen poses for a photo with her family after her swearing-in ceremony, on June 28, 2022, at the West Lafayette City Hall.

For Allen, the idea of becoming a police officer has been a dream of hers. Since a young age, law enforcement has played a big role in her life. So much so, that she studied criminal justice in college.

“I’m very excited. It’s a good day, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,”

“I’ve been around police officers here and there ever since I was very little. I’ve always liked the positive communication and that’s something I want to share with other people as well. That’s what got me here.”

“I’m excited and honestly just a little bit nervous, but I’m running off that energy as well because that’s what’s going to help me drive to be the best officer I can be for this community.”

Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: West Lafayette swears in two new officers to the force