ABOVE: Danville’s Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr swears in new Danville Probationary Officer DiAjae Williams.
On Tuesday morning, December 23rd, a ceremony was held in the Danville City Council Chambers for the swearing in of new Danville Probationary Police Officer DiAjae Williams. Williams is a Danville native, a 2019 graduate of Danville High School, a 2022 graduate of Danville Area Community College, and has been working for First Financial Bank. But as he told CIMG after the ceremony, Williams was having thoughts in the back of his mind of a different future.
(1st Picture) DiAjae Williams listens as Mayor Williams speaks at start of ceremony. (2nd Picture) Members of Danville Police Force attend ceremony for DiAjoe Williams. (3rd Picture) DiAjae Williams speaks as Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr looks on.
AUDIO: It started, honestly, not too long ago. I just decided that I wanted to make a change, and make a difference in our community. And so, going through this process, it seems like it’s been forever. But like the chief said, it’s just getting started. So, I’m looking forward to that.
Police Chief Christopher Yates pointed out that the Danville force does not exist to employ officers, but to improve the quality of life for those that live here. And he continues to want that total number of officers right around 70; and they are constantly looking for young prospects, as other officers move on or wrap up their careers.
(1st Picture) Amy Hoose, from the Danville Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, presents a certificate to DiAjae Williams after his swearing in. (2nd Picture) Chief Christopher Yates addresses both Williams and spectators. (3rd Picture) After the ceremony, Chief Yates presents honorary badges to youngsters Stephen Ludwig (front) and Kobe Nelson (back).
AUDIO: We have to move forward. There’s a lot of people on the list, still. There’s more people taking the test. And, just because they’re not selected the first time around; it may just simply mean that we want a little bit more preparation. So, we’re pretty confident that we’ll be fine in that. We’re very certain that we’ve got a good person here. And I look forward to seeing him develop.
DiAjae Williams will be leaving for a 16 week session at the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois in early January.
