Two new Centralia Police Officers have been sworn in to serve the city.
Centralia Police Chief Christopher Locke introduced Tyler Crawford and William Henegar before they took the oath of office from City Clerk Kim Enke.
Crawford is from the Boyd area, is a graduate of Woodlawn High School, and Rend Lake College, and has an associate degree from Rend Lake College at Ina.
“I really appreciate this opportunity. It’s been one of my lifelong dreams to become a cop and I’m going to do the best I can for everybody.”
Tyler Crawford takes the oath of office while his wife Alexis (center) holds the Bible and City Clerk Kim Enke provides the oath. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Henegar is a 2017 Centralia High School graduate and a 2021 graduate of Quincy University where he went on a football scholarship and majored in criminal justice and minored in psychology. He has been working as a security officer at the Centralia High School Annex as well as an assistant football coach.
“I grew up in the city of Centralia and was blessed with a lot of role models I’ve met throughout my life. Church members, teachers, and coaches have all left a huge impact on me and my life. It’s a blessing to come back here and be able to give back to a community that has done so much for me. Hopefully, I can do the same for you guys.”
The two new officers will now complete training at the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Academy and then a 12-week training with a Centralia Police field training officer before working on their own.
Locke also congratulated Officer Travis Ripperda on receiving recognition from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for his work in removing drunk drivers from the road.
“I’m just doing what I love to do with the people that are some of my best friends.”
Ripperda also congratulated the two new officers for joining the Centralia Police family.
Patrolman Travis Ripperda (left) is congratulated by Police Chief Christopher Locke on winning an award from Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for work in DUI arrests. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
