Town Clerk Jamie Gray swears in new MLPD Officer Jack Loera.  Chief Watson looks on.

Town Clerk Jamie Gray swears in new MLPD Officer Jack Loera. Chief Dan Watson looks on.

** NEWS  RELEASE **

Mammoth Lakes Police Department Adds a New Police Officer

For the first time in more than 5 years, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department (MLPD) has hired a new, full-time police officer.  Jack Loera was sworn in by Town Clerk Jamie Gray and presented with his police badge by Police Chief Dan Watson during a short ceremony at the Police Station on Monday, September 30.  Officer Loera is a 17 year law enforcement veteran, most recently with the Banning Police Department.  Officer Loera previously served in the Beaumont and Upland Police Departments.

The MLPD suffered severe cutbacks in staffing as a result of the MLLA lawsuit settlement.  At one time there were 23 MLPD officers.  During the 2012/13 fiscal year, the Police Department went from 17 sworn staff to 10, a 41% reduction.  In the Spring of 2013, the Town Council authorized carrying over savings from the Police budget to allow for the funding of an officer for at least 19 months.  Officer Loera was selected to fill that position.

Chief Watson said, “With the addition of Officer Loera, the Police Department has grown by 10%.  This is a good step in the direction of rebuilding the Police Department to an appropriate level.”

Once Officer Loera completes his field training, he will be assigned to the Evening shift on the weekends.

 

Discover more from Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading