| | Published February 20th, 2019
| Moraga Police Department swearing-in ceremony
| | | By Vera Kochan |  | | Photo Vera Kochan Officer Jeff Yanga and 4-year-old son, Micah |
Police Chief Jon King couldn't have seemed prouder as he addressed his officers, their families and friends of the Moraga Police Department before the swearing-in ceremony Feb. 7 at the Hacienda de las Flores. Two officers were promoted to corporal, two joined the ranks as officers and one joined the ranks as a reserve officer. Also hired was a new police services technician.
King spoke briefly about each officer before they came to join him at the dais. He later personally presented each with a Certificate of Appointment. "I still read mine every morning before I come to work. It means a lot to me," he said.
Before the ceremony began, Moraga Vice Mayor Kymberleigh Korpus said, "It's certainly a great achievement for our new police officers. Moraga is recognized as one of the safest cities in the state, and it's because of the outstanding job our police department does, led by Chief King." She added, "For those that are joining our force, welcome to the family."
Moraga Town Manager Cynthia Battenberg agreed, "Last year we saw a 21 percent decrease in crime thanks to your hard work."
The Law Enforcement Oath of Honor was administered by Moraga Town Clerk Marty McInturf before a standing-room-only crowd of well-wishers. One by one, the officers' badges were pinned on them by a family member amidst the lights of camera flashes and applause.
Newly promoted Cpl. Russell Douthit has served the town with honors since 2007 and comes to Moraga after serving with the Concord Police Department.
Also promoted, Cpl. William Davis, who has been in an MPD uniform for 13 years after having once been a deputy district attorney for Contra Costa County.
Officer Jeff Yanga last served with the Broadmoor Police Department, near Daly City, as well as having served as a firefighter for two years, before deciding that his heart lies in police work.
Officer Craig Walker was formerly a deputy sheriff in Mendocino County and served there with King.
Reserve officer Max Juster is excited to follow in his father's footsteps. "It's awesome!" said the Campolindo graduate. "It's what I've always wanted to do."
According to King, new police services technician Cathy Ghiselli, who was formerly a teacher's aid at Rheem Elementary School, "is the first person people will see when they come to the police station. She's a good representative for us to have."
Officer Yanga's 4-year-old son, Micah, stole the show by arriving to the ceremony in an authentic looking, police officer's uniform right down to the hat and badge. It appears that history will repeat itself about 20 years from now! |
 | | Photo Vera Kochan From left: Chief Jon King, Cpl. Russell Douthit, Cpl. William Davis, officer Craig Walker, officer Jeff Yanga, reserve officer Max Juster and police services tech Cathy Ghiselli | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA