(L to R): Sgt. SanAntonio Wilcher; Terri Graffagnino, Communications Unit; Police Chief James Jermon; Ofc. Dre Mayweather, Ofc. Barbara Deen; and Ofc. Robert Wickstrom

The Vidalia Chief of Police introduced three newly sworn patrol officers to the public Monday night at the April meeting of the Vidalia City Council and welcomed them to the force. Those officers include Ofc. Barbara Deen, Ofc. Dre Mayweather, and Ofc. Robert Wickstrom.

“I promised I was going to build the department from the Academy,” Chief James Jermon said. “I’m proud of these officers and the City of Vidalia should be, too. Each one has their own story and I commend them because who really wants to be a police officer in this day and time? I’m proud of these three officers and to have them with the Vidalia Police Department. They’re young and they will probably be here long after I retire.”

Chief Jermon said there was more good news coming by the year’s end for the citizens of the Sweet Onion City.

“Here’s three new hires,” he said. “There are four more in the Academy right now. Two more have been hired and two more will soon be so what does all that mean? By the grace of God by December, the Vidalia Police Department will be fully staffed.”

In addition to the three new patrol officers, Chief Jermon introduced Terri Graffagnino who was recently hired for the Communications Unit. Graffagnino has experience in law enforcement communications having worked for many years with the Georgia State Patrol.

Chief Jermon rounded out the good news for his department by announcing the promotion of San Antonio Wilcher to the rank of Sergeant.