Centralia Police Chief Greg Dodson has announced the appointment of a new probationary patrolman.
Austin Leslie of Beckemeyer has been serving as a Washington County Deputy Sheriff for the past six months and is set to start the 14 week Southwestern Illinois Police Academy in Belleville. After that, Leslie will complete the Centralia Police Department’s rigid 12-week field training program.
Austin Leslie (left) is welcomed to the Centralia Police Department by Chief Greg Dodson.
Dodson says the hiring of Leslie brings the department to its fully authorized strength of 25 officers. It’s the first time the department has been at full strength in several years.
Leslie is a graduate of Central Community High School in Breese and attended Criminal Justice Classes at Kaskaskia College.
