Mount Vernon, NY (12/28/2022)- The Mount Vernon Police department hosted a swearing-in ceremony today at City Hall in council chambers. The ceremony began at 10 am and concluded at 11 am. There were many people in attendance to support the 18 probationary police officers sworn in and 1 officer promoted to detective. City Clerk Tanesia Walter led the Pledge of Allegiance and Probationary Police Officer Tanish Blanche sung the National Anthem.
Officer Rasheem Williams was promoted to Detective today. He served as a police officer for 9 and a half year proudly serving as a Suny Police Officer, a Peekskill Police Officer and finally joining the Mount Vernon Police Department. Detective Williams is an instructional development instructor, firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, backgrounds investigator, bicycle unit certified and the sole drone operator for the Mount Vernon Police Department. Detective Williams is currently assigned to the training unit and fills in for executive protection on the mayor’s detail.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, “Detective Williams has served on my detail. Which means I would be with him from when I leave my house in the morning until I return in the evening. When you spend that much time with someone you get to learn a lot about their character. I know you are a man of great integrity congratulations to you and your family.”
Detective David Clarke, Second Vice President of the PBA said “Rasheem will be a great detective for the Mount Vernon Police Department. He’s already a huge asset here and I know his hard work will continue. “
The crowd in Council Chambers filled every seat and wrapped around the room. It is evident that this new class of officers on their way to the academy are loved and supported tremendously. All the probationary police officers stood and were sworn in simultaneously. Each probationary officer then had the opportunity to gather with their loved ones and take pictures.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, “This is truly a celebratory occasion the opportunity to bring 18 police officers to Mount Vernon, the opportunity for you to go the academy, but more importantly the opportunity to embark on a career. Not only something that will pay your bills but something that will also provide fulfillment. We want to say thank you in advance for the support that the families will provide our officers. We want 19 of you to go in and we want 19 of you to graduate. You will be a part of a larger class, but you are all Mount Vernon. Please work together because you will need each other. The closer you come together, the better you will be in the community together. Welcome we are excited that you’re coming to work here. Enjoy your New Year's but January 2nd the work begins.”
Deputy Commissioner Gibson said, “Congratulations, this is a great opportunity for you, and I ask what are you going to do with it? You went through a series of phases, and you were selected because of your performances. Since you’re here you did well. The academy is going to be tough, but it will make you a better officer. I wish you the best, thank you.”
Mount Vernon Police Chief Marcel Olifiers said, “It’s happy day for us we get to bring new people into our department and recognize the hard work already being done by the people already in our department.”
Detective David Clarke Second Vice President of PBA said, “This is the biggest turn out I’ve seen for a ceremony in my experience as a police officer. This is one of the most filling jobs despite what we go through in the world and in the media. It's imperative that these officers receive support over the next few months. You are now held to a higher standard. We know we picked the best of the best and now we expect a lot from you.”
On behalf of the City of Mount Vernon good luck in the academy and congratulations Detective Williams.
