RADFORD – Four new officers joined the ranks of the Radford University Police Department at a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Hurlburt Student Center.
Flanked at the event by family and friends, they took their oaths under Chief Eric Plummer and received their badges.
“You have taken a step forward to serve and protect our community as police officers, and for that I am proud to welcome you into our Radford family as role models,” Plummer told them.
Together, they bring the department staff’s total to 25 members.
Officer Christopher Dishon is from Radford and is a graduate of Radford High School. He previously worked for the Radford Sheriff’s Office.
Officer Aidan Giannecchini is from Christiansburg and graduated from Christiansburg High School. He is a former employee of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Officer Tyler Patteson grew up on a farm in Narrows and is a graduate of Narrows High School.
Officer Whitney Shaffner graduated from Galax High School.
Plummer said during the ceremony that his department’s objective is to help Radford University’s students, staff, faculty, and visitors stay safe.
“We complete our mission by adhering to our core values of integrity, courtesy, service, and professionalism,” Plummer said. “These values are embodied in each of our officers who have been chosen to protect our community.”
From January until June, the four new officers will be attending a basic law enforcement training course at the New River Criminal Justice Training Academy in Dublin.
Also during the ceremony, Plummer recognized Officer Mike Taylor for completing the Supervision of Police Personnel program through the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. The course offers instruction in supervisory and managerial skills and teaches attendees how to manage current leadership challenges.
The Radford University Police Department is a full-service, sworn, accredited law enforcement agency devoted to the welfare of the university community. The department enforces state laws and Radford University policy on campus and on all property owned or controlled by the university.
Neil Harvey
Radford University
