Durango Police Department received four new officers on Friday at a swearing-in ceremony in Smith Council Chambers at Durango City Hall.
Craig Beauchamp, Crystal English, Heather Gunn and Faith McKenzie graduated from the Southwest Regional Law Enforcement Academy on Dec. 15.
On Friday, they had their badges pinned to their uniforms and took their oaths of office in front of friends and family.
Police Chief Brice Current told the new officers their badges are hard-earned and easily lost. They are emblems of commitment and symbols of dedication to serving the community.
“The badge you wear represents your responsibility to uphold all individual rights to be guardians of justice and defend against injustice. Your oath today is not just a formal but a solemn promise to the public that you will act with courage in the face of danger and compassion in times of crisis,” he said.
Cmdr. Nick Stasi introduced the new officers.
Beauchamp grew up in East Tennessee and has lived all over the United States, including in Atlanta, San Diego, Pennsylvania and Maryland. But for the last decade, Durango has been his home, Stasi said.
He formerly ran Fish Connection, a pet store on College Drive, before turning to a life of public service. Stasi said Beauchamp worked with Durango Fire Protection District as an emergency medical technician and a firefighter. He later joined DPD as a ranger.
McKenzie moved to Durango from Loveland to study sociology and criminal justice at Fort Lewis College. She worked in the 6th Judicial District’s Probation Department where her passion for law enforcement and criminal passion grew stronger, Stasi said.
“Her long standing passion for criminal justice drives her to make a meaningful impact, and she is dedicated. She is dedicated to getting others toward positive change,” he said.
English, who has lived in Durango for over 14 years, decided to take a job with DPD because of her understanding of personal connections and service where every interaction matters. She desires to become a school resource officer to ensure the safety and well-being of students and their families.
“Crystal is dedicated to making the positive impact and continues to inspire,” Stasi said.
Gunn, who grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, carries a doctorate in education with a concentration in higher education and adult learning, he said. She’s worked in higher education, admissions, instruction and administration for over two decades.
“She knows serving the city of Durango in the community as a police officer will be one of the most rewarding experiences,” he said.
Current said organizational legitimacy and public trust are DPD’s foundations, and the love and encouragement of officers’ families are officers’ foundations.
“As you embark on this noble journey, know that you do not walk alone,” he said. “You're part of a proud tradition of service supported by your fellow officers, your family and the community of law. We'll back you and hold you accountable. And hope you hold us accountable with leadership at every level.”
cburney@durangoherald.com
