Rotary Club Listens to the Chief!

The Dayton Rotary Club had the opportunity to hear some good happenings in the Dayton Police Department. Dr. Luke Chachere led the club in the opening prayer with Captain Ken Defoor leading them in the pledges. Chief Derek Woods was introduced by Rotarian Refugio Gonzalez. Chief Woods gave the group a very informative and positive report over Dayton PD over the last year. He celebrates his one year anniversary in his position this month. Highlights of his program include: Personnel Changes and new hires. The department filled every position for the first time in quite a lengthy period, and now those hires will be seen across the community. For the first time, 25% of their department is made up of female officers.

He announced some well-deserved promotions including: ○ Shane Burleigh to Captain ○ Eric Ibarra to Lt. ○ Terry Dale to CID Sgt. ○ Jackie Ennor to Analyst ○ Jessie Villegas to Patrol Sgt.

○ Chris Duos to Detective The Dayton PD will be starting a Dayton Citizens Police Academy, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28. The class is set to run for six weeks and will start at 6 pm every Tuesday.

They wrote and received a grant to purchase bullet proof vests for the department.

They wrote another grant to purchase ballistic shields for the officers. Purchased new rifles for the officers.

Worked with City officials to reorganize the department to free up money and allow for a new pay (competitive) salary scale.

Chief Woods concluded his presentation with a Q& A with the Rotary Club members. His passion for his job and commitment to this community came through clearly in his presentation. The Rotarians congratulated him on his upcoming one year anniversary with the Dayton PD. President Rachel Ansley concluded the meeting with the 4-Way Test.