SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Two new faces will be seen wearing the black and blue for the Sylacauga Police Department.
Sylacauga Police Chief Kelley Johnson presented the two new officers to the City Council Tuesday night, Josh Jones and Austin Pitts.
Josh Jones is a certified officer and former deputy sheriff in Coosa Co. with 10 years of experience as he enters the police force with SPD. Johnson said he hopes to have Jones up to date with all policies and procedures and on the streets in five to six weeks. “The year of experience has taught Jones a lot,” Johnson said. “Coming from a small county agency you learn to do a good job because you’re usually there by yourself.”
Johnson was in the same situation as Jones 15 years ago as a deputy sheriff in Coosa Co. “You learn a lot in the county where you have limited resources and limited help,” he said.
Austin Pitts lives in Sycamore, and although not yet a certified officer, he has joined SPD in its ride along program and has become very familiar with the police force in Sylacauga. Pitts who is a pastor at a Talladega church, has always wanted to be an officer and will start his journey in the police academy in Anniston in August.
