Mount Vernon Swears In 18 Probationary Police Officers

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The police force protecting Mount Vernon will have some welcome reinforcements in the new year.

The Mount Vernon Police Department hosted a swearing-in ceremony last Wednesday at City Hall in council chambers. Friends, family and colleagues were on hand to support the 18 probationary police officers sworn in and one officer promoted to detective.

"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," Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said. "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 18 of you to go in and we want 18 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 second the work begins."

The crowd in Council Chambers filled every seat and wrapped around the room, making clear the new class of officers on their way to the academy are loved and supported. All the probationary police officers stood and were sworn in simultaneously.

"Congratulations, this is a great opportunity for you, and I ask what are you going to do with it?" Deputy Commissioner Gibson said. "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."

Officer Rasheem Williams was also promoted to Detective at the ceremony. He served as a police officer for 9 and a half years, serving as a SUNY police officer and a Peekskill police officer before joining the Mount Vernon Police Department. Det. 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. He is currently assigned to the training unit and fills in for executive protection on the mayor’s detail.

"Detective Williams has served on my detail," Patterson-Howard said. "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."

Williams' peers concurred emphatically.

"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," Detective David Clarke Second Vice President of the 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."