Erie Review Newspaper

Into the Blue Erie Police Department swears in new officer By Chalan Harper Colorado Hometown Newspapers After operating an officer short since March, the Erie Police Department is back at capacity this week following the swearing in of Officer Devin Johns. The search for a new officer began in April, and Lt. Lee Mathis this week said the department received approximately 60-70 applications from qualified parties. “We got more, but I’m only counting the ones who were qualified,” said Mathis this week. Amongst friends, family and his new family at the Erie Police Department, Johns took his oath to protect and serve his community on Thursday, June 4, in the Erie town board chambers. Johns’ smile as his wife pinned his shiny new badge on him was bright, and it was no wonder — Johns had been down several career paths before he opted to go for his dream of joining the law enforcement profession. Though Johns said he had always been interested in police work, he first worked with his father-in-law building furniture and started his own concrete repair business before choosing to enroll in Arapahoe Community College’s Police Academy program. According to a biography compiled by Erie Police Chief John Hall, Johns worked diligently at his police academy night classes for about 10 months gaining eligibility to become a peace officer. For Johns, the investment was worth the pay-out. “To be here is an honor,” Johns told the crowd gathered in the board’s chambers on Thursday. Aside from police academy certification, those applying to the Erie Police Department have an extensive battery of tests and interviews they must pass to be eligible for hire. According to Mathis, applicants must: complete the application; undergo a physical fitness test; be interviewed, as well as ranked, by an oral board; undergo an interview with Chief Hall; submit to a psychological evaluation; take a doctor’s physical; undergo drug screening; and, are subject to an integrity interview on their personal background with a sergeant. It was Johns’ ability to communicate and his personality that led him to stand apart from the other candidates, Mathis said. “(What stood out was) his ability to communicate both verbally and in writing,” Mathis said. “And, he comes across as a really personable guy, which is a good attribute to have as a police officer.” Johns is filling the officer vacancy that occurred after former officer Chad Broder vacated the position in March. In 2008, Broder was arrested by Greeley police after allegations surfaced he had attempted sexual assault on a suspect in custody, and another charge of sexual contact with a suspect in custody. According to Greeley police authorities, Broder arrested the woman on Aug. 31, 2008, on suspicion of violating a restraining order. The woman told police Broder was driving her to the Weld County Jail, allowing her to ride in the front seat, when he stopped his marked patrol car in Greeley and kissed her, released one of her hands from the handcuffs and placed her hand on his crotch. At that time, Broder was suspended from the Erie department without pay pending the outcome of an investigation by the Greeley Police Department. An internal investigation was also conducted by Erie police. Mathis reported this week that Broder’s criminal trial has not yet been completed.

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