MONTICELLO – Activity is moving in the Monticello Police Department as the Village welcomed new recruits, in addition to welcoming a promoted sergeant, last Wednesday night.

Two gentlemen, Brandon Laymon and Joshua Erck, have just started the police academy in Middletown for the Village of Monticello. Monticello Police Chief David Lindsay presented the two with their respective badges.

Village Clerk Janine Gandy-McKinney then swore the two men into the village as they both took their oaths of office.

Chief Lindsay congratulated the new officers, followed by applause from meeting attendees and the new officers’ families.

To continue the presentation, Deputy Mayor John Barbarite read prepared words by Village Mayor Rochelle Massey, in light of her absence from that night’s meeting. He emphasized that the day marked the “beginning of their careers,” encouraging the pair to push ahead through their academy training challenges.

While the academy will cover tactics, procedures, and laws, Barbarite emphasized the “most important lessons” are integrity, judgment and compassion.

“You’ll witness both the best and most challenging aspects of human nature,” read Barbarite. He urged the pair to serve with courage, and while some days will test their resolve, that they rely on their training and fellow officers.

In addition to the new recruits, the department also celebrated a promotion. Officer Tyrus Walker moved up to the rank of Sergeant. After he took his oath of office, Trustee Gordon Jenkins read more prepared remarks for Walker, Erck and Laymon. Jenkins recounted having known Walker since he “was a little kid” and how meaningful it was to see him get promoted “to the next step.”

Joking with Lindsay, he quipped that Walker and the other officers would eventually “be trying to take your job, which is good.”

In Jenkins’ reading, Massey noted the unseen work done by officers—like last-minute decisions made in mere seconds that could mean the “difference between life and death”—as well as gestures toward youth, like compassion for young children and teens. She also noted the daily courage shown in tough situations.

Through Jenkins, Massey further highlighted the Walker family’s longstanding presence in the Village, being “over 70 years,” recognizing the sacrifices families must make behind the scenes, including missed holidays and constant worry about loved ones’ safety. She emphasized that strong communities depend on trust and communication.

“We owe him our support, our understanding, and partnership in making our community a better and safer place for all,” read Jenkins, with the finished statement earning applause.

To conclude the ceremony, Lindsay presented Walker with his Gold Shield, noting that the decision was unanimous among Command Staff at the Police Department.

“I don’t think we could find a man with more integrity or who is more community-minded than Tyrus Walker,” stated Lindsay, also earning applause from attendees.