The Laurel Police Department got a triple boost to its force Wednesday.
With Police Chief Walter “Bear” Martin by their sides, Officers Steve Gandy, F.T. McLelland and Christopher Thompson were sworn in as Laurel’s newest police officers by Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack.
McLelland, who worked for the City of Laurel several years ago, returned from Iraq in March and has returned to the Laurel Police Department this week.
McLelland, 42, is a native of Laurel, but grew up in Newton.
He moved back to the City Beautiful in 2000.
McLelland, who has 21 years of experience in the military, said he wants to be able to help others.
Mack welcomed McLelland, who also has 10 years of law enforcement experience, back to the city while the mayor also welcomed Thompson and Gandy to their new positions with the City of Laurel.
The mayor swore the patrol officers into their new positions as patrolmen with the Laurel Police Department Wednesday morning with various city officials attending the ceremony.
Twenty-four year old Thompson said Wednesday’s ceremony marked the beginning of a career in which he will able to be of service to others.
Thompson, a 2003 graduate of Heidelberg High School, had worked in the oilfield for years. However, Thompson said, he still had a desire to do something else.
“Being a police officer is a way for me to benefit the community and myself,” he said. “It gives me a chance to help others.”
Thompson was accompanied at the special ceremony by his wife, Kari; mother, Bessie Mosley; his two brothers and his sister.
“I’m so proud of him,” said Kari Thompson, who took part in the pinning of the badge. “We are happy about the change. ... I feel good about this.”
Twenty-three year-old Steve Gandy said Wednesday’s event also marked a change in his life.
Gandy said during his time at Auburn University he became interested in the field of criminal justice and just wanted to return home and become a member of the Laurel Police Department.
“I knew I wanted to come home,” Gandy, a native of Waynesboro said. “I knew I wanted to do something to help others and I think this is it.”
Ten-year-old Myra Johnson, Gandy’s sister, said seeing Gandy sworn in on Wednesday was “great,” adding that “he’s a good role model.”
Marshall Dozier, Gandy’s other sister, said she was proud of her younger brother and glad for him.
“I think he will make a great police officer,” she said.
Martin said the police department is fortunate to be able to hire the three new officers which brings the police department back up to full strength.
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