Florence officially welcomed three new police officers during its May 13 city council meeting and marked weeks of recognition for public service and law enforcement.
Police Chief Jeff Mallery introduced the officers who took their oath of office with Mayor Julie Aubuchon.
Two of the officers, Aaron Spencer and John Martini, are new to the profession, while Dakota Brady comes to the city from the Independence Police Department.
Spencer graduated from Conner High School in 2013 and lives in Erlanger with his fiancée and three-year-old daughter. He previously worked as a heavy equipment operator at Cohen Recycling.
Martini is 24 years old and a 2019 graduate of Scott High School. Tom currently lives in Elsmere with his mother and brother. He formerly worked for DHL as a ramp agent before coming to the department.
Brady is also 24 years old and currently lives in Fort Thomas with his wife. He comes to Florence with three years of law enforcement experience.
The two new officers are taking online courses and will soon report to Richmond to finish 18 more weeks of training at the Police Academy.
“I’m very proud to have these three new officers, and very excited to see what their careers do here. Please welcome them for us,” Mallery said.
Celebrating Police Week
After the officers’ swearing-in, Aubochon read her proclamations for National Police Week, May 11-17, and Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15.
“We take time to recognize and express our deepest gratitude to our Florence police department and all law enforcement officers for their tireless commitment to duty, their courage in the face of danger, their dedication to the principles of justice, equality and service,” said Aubochon. “We also pause in remembrance of the officers who have given their lives in service, heroes who will never be forgotten and whose legacy lives in lives on in the communities they swore to protect.”
A joint resolution of Congress, approved Oct. 1, 1962, Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
“Thank you for the proclamation, and if you would, everyone, please keep all law enforcement officers and their families in your thoughts and prayers,” said Mallery.
A special week for Public Services
Aubuchon read another proclamation declaring the week of May 18-24 National Public Works Week. This is the 65th year for the special week sponsored by the American Public Works Association.
Reading from her proclamation, she said, “Florence Public Services Department exemplifies excellence in public service, consistently demonstrating integrity, professionalism and a steadfast commitment to maintaining and enhancing the city’s infrastructure, public spaces and natural environment.”
The mayor thanked the staff for their dedication and quick response to emergencies, for maintaining public properties, for supporting sustainability efforts and for delivering essential city services.