Hiram Selects One of Its Own to Serve as Police Officer

Hill originally came to Hiram as a Police Explorer. But his passion for public service was quickly noticed and he was hired as a full time employee assigned to the GCIC division.

Since October 2012, Hill has been serving honorably in his capacity as a GCIC staff member. Hill has also served concurrently in the U.S. Army Reserves from 2011 to 2013 while remaining a Police Explorer.

While Hill knew most police agencies in Georgia do not hire officers who are not certified through the Police Officers Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) and especially those who under 21, that did not stop him from following his dream. After first getting permission from his immediate 
supervisors as well as seeking guidance from the Hiram police chief and city manager, he enrolled at the Georgia Northwestern Technical College to seek his Basic Law Enforcement Certificate (BLEC).

The BLEC program provides students with the necessary skills, standards, and knowledge in order to become qualified, proficiency trained, ethical and competent peace officers in criminal justice careers. Eligibility to be certified as a Georgia Peace Officer is possible upon the successful completion of the program. 

According to Chief Todd VandeZande, “Opportunities to promote a civilian employee from within can be rare in small organizations and even rarer for those who are under 21.”

“Marcus, however, proved beyond a doubt that he was more than worthy of a chance to become one of our law enforcement professionals due to his unrelenting dedication to earning his basic law enforcement certificate while simultaneously remaining devoted to his responsibilities as a GCIC employee,” Chief VandeZande continued.

“Marcus’ character always shines through and we could not be more proud and honored to see him selected to serve as a police officer, a position he has truly earned,” expressed Robert T. Rokovitz, City Manager.

Not only did Officer Marcus Hill successfully complete his course work at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, he achieved an academic award for having the highest grade point average for his graduating class. Officer Hill will now undergo his field training and join the ranks of his fellow Hiram
law enforcement professionals in serving the Hiram community with pride, integrity and oath to office.