The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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  • Judge Linda Pickens swears in Enid Police Department rookies (from left) Aaron Barber, James Kennedy, Charlie Daniels and Jeff Adams Thursday at Enid City Hall. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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August 5, 2010

4 new officers join EPD’s ranks

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Four officers joined the ranks of Enid Police Department Thursday after being sworn in by Judge Linda Pickens during a ceremony at city hall.

Chief Brian O’Rourke welcomed each man to the force and handed them their badges while shaking their hands.

Aaron Barber, James Kennedy, Charlie Daniels and Jeff Adams took the oath.

Barber is a former Alva Police Department officer who said he joined EPD because he wanted to work for a bigger police department and because Enid was a good place to raise a family. He said he eventually would like to join the department’s SWAT team or Narcotics Unit.

“I like the effect taking drug dealers off the street has,” he said. “It has a significant effect on all crime.”

Kennedy, a former Marine who served four years in Iraq, said he joined the department because of its reputation.

“They’ve got a really great department and I wanted to be a part of that,” he said.

Kennedy is a former officer at Ada Police Department, where he worked as an officer and K-9 officer. He said he has hopes of joining Enid’s K-9 Unit.

“I’d like to make my way back into K-9 and at some point in time work my way back into SWAT,” he said.

Daniels retired from the Air Force after nearly 24 years of service. He served in the Air Force’s security force and had been in Enid at Vance Air Force Base since 1996.

“It’s something I always wanted to do,” he said of becoming an officer. “My granddad used to be a constable in northwest Oklahoma.”

Adams is a former member of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and he said he joined the department for the opportunities it provides.

“Good pay, good benefits and opportunities to advance in different divisions,” he said.

“The Civil Service Commission hired a good group of officers,” O’Rourke said. “Three already have law enforcement experience, which is outstanding. One is retired military and that’s a plus.”

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