Before an overflowing Wednesday morning crowd in the Danville City Council Chambers, Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr presided over the swearing in of four new Danville Probationary Police Officers, along with three promotions within the Danville Fire Department.
Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr welcomes everyone; Police Chief Christopher Yates addresses new probationary officers Ely Dunham, Matthew Winivis, Nathaniel Moreman, and Brandon Fox; Mayor Williams and Chief Yates share a moment recalling how many current Danville Police Officers (recalled to be 32) that they’ve sworn in together.
Newly sworn in probationary police officers Ely Dunham, Matthew Winivis, Nathaniel Moreman, and Brandon Fox will soon begin 14 weeks of training at the Illinois State Police Academy.
Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates addressed the officers during and after the ceremony about how they are now looking out for the entire community of police officers, rather than just for themselves.
AUDIO: It’s much broader than that. They’re in the spotlight a little bit more and they represent a lot of people. Not just themselves, not just their family; but, you know, the profession itself. And it’s close to 700,000 officers. It’s a big burden, but it’s an honor to carry that burden.
Ely Durham addresses audience after swear in, Matthew Winivis takes oath from Mayor Williams, Nathaniel Moreman shakes hands with Mayor Williams, Brandon Fox receives badge from girlfriend Alayna.
Chief Yates and Mayor Williams recalled that they together have sworn in about 32 officers in the current Danville Police Force. Chief Yates says after all the newly hired officers from the 90s were ready to retire, plus others that retired during the pandemic, a lot of recruiting needed to be done. And he’s happy with the results.
AUDIO: With the strong hiring in the 90s, we were coming of age for retirement. We saw quite a few leave, and I think we’ve found some very good candidates to take their place and continue their work.
Chief Yates says just a couple more police officers will need to be sworn in to reach his goal of 70 on the force. He expects to have that done by this coming May.
As for the Danville Fire Department, New Fire Chief Aaron Marcott saw two firefighters promoted to lieutenant and one promoted to captain during the ceremony. Chief Marcott says he’s been busy since taking over for retired Chief Don McMasters, but all is going well.
AUDIO: I’ve had a lot of help from the city on the side, learning the administration things and functions between them and the fire department. We’re starting to make some headway on some of the projects I’d like to get going. It’s a little slower because of the holidays, but we’re getting there; we’re starting to get some things done. I’m really happy for all three of them. It’s always nice to get them permanently assigned so they can actually get to their work and their job assignments. It definitely gives us some stability in those positions and things, so it’s really spectacular.
Lieutenant Lester Potts, Jr expresses thanks after his swearing in, Lieutenant Jason Hotsenpiller is sworn in by Mayor Williams, William Ryan is sworn in as a new Danville Fire Department Captain, Fire Chief Aaron Marcott addresses the audience.
The Danville Fire Department swear ins saw Lester Potts, Jr and Jason Hotsenpiller become lieutenants, while William Ryan became a captain.
