Everett swears in eight new police officers as department nears full staffing

The Everett City Council swore in eight new Everett Police Department officers during its Jan. 14 meeting, and city officials said the hires have cut the department's vacancies to a notably low level.

Chief Goetz introduced the recruits and told the council and audience, “We have 8,” noting the department might add another eight in six months and saying staffing is "down to only 14 vacancies," a level he described as the lowest in a long time. The council then moved to accept the new officers; the motion was seconded and each councilmember present voted yes.

The ceremony included short biographical introductions for each officer, highlighting local ties, prior service and education. Names presented by the chief included Ashley Blum, Josh Elekphy, John Green, Danny Haggerty, Troy Hirschkorn, Jose Miranda Chacon, Elena Perry and Han Jia.

Mayor Franklin and several councilmembers publicly congratulated the officers and their families. The mayor called the hires "great work" and councilmembers thanked the department for recruiting diverse candidates with relevant skills.

The sworn-in officers left the dais after taking the oath; council recorded the formal acceptance by roll call. The swearing-in was immediately followed by mayoral announcements and other agenda business.