Ark Valley News - Valley has rare police promotion

Valley has rare police promotion
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: September 21, 2017

The City of Valley Center did something this week that it hasn't done since 2000.

The city's police department promoted three officers to higher ranks. Det. Michael Gordon and Officer J.C. Kirk were named sergeants, while former sergeant Lloyd Newman was officially named chief.

“We're all pleased with these promotions," Mayor Laurie Dove said during a city council meeting Sept. 19.

Newman has been with the department since 1995. He was promoted to sergeant in 2000, as was Sgt. Matt Vogt, who also remains with the department.

Kirk started in Valley Center in 1998. He will be the night patrol sergeant.

Gordon has been a full-time officer with the department since 2005. He will be in charge of investigations and records.

“First of all, they were qualified for the position," Newman said. “Secondly, when you have somebody internally who is qualified, for the morale of the department, it's important to hire from within. … They're dedicated to the department and the community."

The two sergeant positions were open after former Officer Thomas Delgado resigned in 2016 and Newman was promoted earlier this month.

The department will hire a detective to fill Gordon's position and has budget authority to add a fourth sergeant position in 2018.

In other business Sept. 19, the city council:

•Approved resolutions to issue temporary notes to pay for the construction of the Community Center and Library and refinance previous bonds to save money with lower interest rates.

•Approved a request from Mennonite Housing to waive a city ordinance that requires separate water meters for multi-unit residential buildings with eight or fewer units. The move will allow the organization to save money as it constructs eight new buildings at its Sunflower Gardens senior living campus on North Emporia. Construction is slated to start in November.

•Met in executive session for 10 minutes for a consultation with the city attorney. No action was taken.

•Approved the closure of McLaughlin pond in preparation for the Fall Festival fishing derby.

•Approved a request from the engineering firm PEC to set an agreement for engineering services for future water pipe replacement projects.

•Discussed a proposal to install a flagpole at the Community Center and Library. The local American Legion post has raised funds for the pole and a plaque.

•Accepted an update to the city's emergency water supply plan, and gave first-round approval to an ordinance that would allow the city to prohibit the use of water for non-essential purposes.

Al Hobson was not at the meeting.