The City of Brownwood welcomed a new officer to the Brownwood Police Department during Tuesday morning’s City Council meeting.

Officer Douglas Stephens joins BPD with 14 years of law enforcement experience.  Prior to coming to Brownwood, Stephens was with the Hamilton Police Department.  He stated that he is glad to be a part of BPD and be in the Brownwood area.

“This is a nice area, I love it down here,” said Stephens.  “Brownwood’s a little bigger town, so I’m going to enjoy it.”

Stephens and his wife Debra have a son and a grandchild and currently live in Hamilton.  His in-laws live in Blanket, so he stated it will be nice to be a little closer to them.

Stephens received his training at the police academy at Weatherford College in Mineral Wells in 1995, after serving 12 years of active duty in the Army.  He has 20 total years in the military.

He took his Oath of Office, administered by City Secretary Christi Wynn, and the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, administered by Chief of Police Mike Corley, at Tuesday’s meeting.

Mayor Stephen Haynes welcomed Stephens to the department.

“Welcome to the force.  It is always an honor to have new officers come to our city council meetings,” said Mayor Haynes.  “We always want you to know that we appreciate you and we are praying for your safety.”

Pictured is Chief Corley (left) administering the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor to Stephens.