New attitudes and new approaches were complimented with shiny new badges for officers of the Clearlake Police Department at last Thursday”s Clearlake City Council meeting. A badge-pinning ceremony, held Oct. 25, honored and recognized changes occurring under the helm of Chief Allan McClain.
During the ceremony, McClain introduced the department”s new mission statement and commended his officers for their commitment to building a better agency.
“I think this is a landmark event,” commended Mayor Judy Thein. “Together you are pioneering new trails now.”
McClain was sworn in as Clearlake Chief of Police on June 18. Among his first priorities was instilling a community-oriented policing philosophy within the department. The badge-pinning ceremony signified advancement in reaching McClain”s goal.
The department”s new mission statement reads as follows: “Working to improve the City of Clearlake through compassion, professionalism and trust by:
? Working in partnership with the community.
? Delivering quality service.
? Promoting mutual respect.
Core Values
? Provide the highest level of safety and protection to the public and their property.
? Encourage crime prevention through teamwork, creative problem solving, education and training.
? Deliver quality police service with honesty, integrity and compassion.
? Develop community and organizational partnerships through participation, open communication and trust.
? Conduct assertive law enforcement efforts and thorough investigations while respecting the rights and diversity of all people.
? Value the members of this department and their contributions to the organization and the community.
According to McClain, officers have been engaged in team-building exercises, meeting with residents and looking at new philosophies in addressing crime and other issues within the community. Officers have been active in the community collaborating with the Konocti Unified School District in bringing the Explorer program to local students. The program provides high school students interested in a career in law enforcement the opportunity to gain insight into the field.
Officers have also been pursuing support from the community in establishing a K-9 program within the police department.
A fund-raising spaghetti feed will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Masonic Lodge, 7100 S. Center Drive in Clearlake to benefit the K-9 program. The department is trying to raise $20,000 to cover the cost of purchasing a canine, equipment and training.
For more information on the K-9 program, donating to the cause or purchasing spaghetti feed tickets please call Lt. Mike Hermann or Sgt. Tim Celli at 994-8251.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
