New officers at Shafter Police Dept.

The Shafter Police Department is continuing its mission of fielding the best team of officers in the county to serve and protect the city of Shafter. They have had several new officers join the ranks, offsetting the departures of a few officers that have left to be a part of the new police department in Wasco, under former Shafter Police Chief Charlie Fivecoat.

Those leaving included a long-time veteran of the SPD, Lionel Lopez, who had been promoted to sergeant in the Shafter force. There were also a couple more officers and members of the dispatch staff who have moved to the department in Wasco.

The Shafter Police Department continues to strengthen its force with new trainees who have completed their field training, now serving as patrol officers. These include Officer Samantha Callagy and Officer Nathan Castillo

Sergeant Randy Milligan, who is in the position of Acting Chief in the absence of Chief Kevin Zimmermann, congratulated the new officers and the entire department is working hard in keeping Shafter one of the safest cities in Kern County.

Another standout in the department is Officer Jennifer Garcia, who represented the Shafter Police Department at the annual Lift-a-thon, hosted by the Bakersfield Police Department last month. The event attracted departments from all over Kern County and the surrounding areas. For the second year in a row, Garcia won the award for the Top Female Lifter at the event.

Also on the horizon is the new substation located at Gossamer Grove, which is scheduled to be completed in 2024. A $6 million state grant is making the substation possible.