New Officers Join CPD

March 2, 2018

Crestview, FL — In a short Warriors Hall ceremony Wednesday morning, Mayor David Cadle swore in two new Crestview Police officers, including a cadet currently completing the law enforcement academy at Northwest Florida State College’s Criminal Justice program and a former U.S. Air Force MP.

Police cadet Justin Wallen was formerly a manager at the south Crestview Publix grocery store, but when introduced to the Police Department while attending the 2017 Crestview Citizens Police Academy, he soon envisioned a change of career in his future.

“I was not interested in becoming a police officer until I went into the Citizens Police Academy and did a ride along with Officer Josh Ellrick,” Cadet Wallen said. “He spoke of the Crestview Police’s family-like atmosphere and I knew then this was where I wanted to be.” Officer Javonnia Peak, a Baker native, easily transitioned from a distinguished military police career to the ranks of a sworn, certified police officer and following his swearing-in, began the Police Department’s field officer training program later Wednesday morning.

“It was a calling,” Ofcr. Peak said. “I knew when I was in high school I wanted to become a police officer.”

Cadet Wallen is eager to complete his academy training next month and join Ofcr. Peak in the field officer training program, in which he will be partnered with a training officer and learn the Crestview Police Department’s protocols and culture, including computer systems, communications and professional practices.

“It sounds a little cliché, I guess, but I’m looking forward to helping our community,” he said.

“I want to stick up for the little guy.”

WANT TO JOIN?

The Crestview Police Department welcomes citizens interested in a career in law enforcement, including separating military members interested in transitioning to law enforcement, to apply to become a Crestview Police officer. The medium-sized agency offers a family-like atmosphere with more opportunities for advancement or lateral transfer into specialized divisions such as Investigations or K9 than large agencies provide. Visit www.crestviewpd.org and click the “careers” tab for information and application documents, or call (850) 682-3544 and ask to speak to a recruitment officer for more details.

Story by Brian Hughes, Public Information Officer for CPD