Cottonwood Police Department

Promotional Ceremony July 8, 2008

The Cottonwood Police Department held a promotion ceremony. Jody Fanning was promoted to Police Chief by Cottonwood City Manager Doug Bartosh. Chief Fanning promoted Sgt. Tim Pierce to Commander, Detective Joshua Fradette to Sergeant; Tod Moore from Sergeant to Detective Sergeant, Officer Monica Kuhlt to Detective. Officer Matt Watson received recognition and a plaque from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety as the Outstanding Officer of the Year for a Rural Department. Previously during the year, Sergeant Gary Eisenga attended FBI training and was later promoted to the department's Public Information Officer. The ceremony was held at the Cottonwood Public Safety Building July 8, 2008.

The Police Department's mission statement is: "To create a community partnership by fair, courteous and efficient public service." The Police Department provides the community with protection of life and property through both residential and commercial patrol, along with an array of specialty programs. Drug prevention and criminal apprehension are enhanced by the use of a police service dog. Motorcycle patrol is utilized in accident investigation and prevention. Major felony investigations and case follow-up are provided through detective positions.

 

Completed the State Link-up to Spillman; Introduced the "Take-Home-Vehicle"   Received more than $100,000 from Homeland Security for Special Weapons and Tactics Team; $5,000 from the Automobile Theft Authority for VIN etching equipment and $15,000 from the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission and the Governor's Office of Highway safety, respectively, for DUI Saturation Patrols.   Received more than $12,000 to purchase and train a new detection canine with a new officer assigned.  This unit replaces Vendo, our K-9 partner, retiring after 8 years of service.   Instituted proactive "alcohol sales to minor" investigations and "Warrant Hunt" emphasis by working with the Court to reduce the number of outstanding warrants held by the City and County for Cottonwood residents.   The Taser program continues to be extremely successful.  The program has assisted officers in avoiding the use of deadly force, de-escalating altercations and preventing serious injuries to themselves and citizens.   Focused on employees by establishing an employee assistance program and peer support; identifying salary compression issues between ranks; developing promotion processes for Sergeants and Commanders and initiated a ribbon program for employee accomplishment recognition.