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Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

Commending Evarts Police Officer William Clogston during a recent meeting of the Evarts City Council, Police Chief Lupe Blas said Clogston graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training Academy, in Richmond, on July 20. Blas went on to say Clogston received a Certificate of Recognition from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, completed an Emergency Management FEMA course and was certified in PPCT Defensive Tactics while at the academy.

“The 18-week training is a very tedious course,” said Blas. “Before he went to the academy he told me not to worry because he would complete the course — he kept his word. This is a happy occasion for me and the rest of the staff at the Evarts Police Department. Since returning, Officer Clogston has volunteered to be the Evarts Police Department’s liaison for the Neighborhood Watch Program. He is working with the mayor (Eddie Manning) about getting into the elementary school and working with students.”

Clogston spoke to council members, thanking the city for hiring him as a police officer. He said he felt humbled to have the position at age 22 and hopes to accomplish a great number of things while working in his position.

“I’m determined to make the city and my family proud,” said Clogston. “I will serve you well and try to make the city a better place to live. I really want to work with our children and help them. I want to try to prevent them from becoming our next criminals. There are some great people who live in this city of ours. I think as police officers we need to show our support for our children, talking to them – spending time with them — being a positive influence on them and hopefully changing their lives.”

Councilman Ernie Woodard told Clogston he spoke for the entire council and they were all “very proud” to have him on board in the city’s police department.

Along with volunteering for extra duties, Clogston is also working on obtaining grants for surplus equipment for his department. Blas said Clogston has reorganized the police department office space making it more efficient.

Blas also reported to council members windows had been broken out at the old Evarts High School. He said he is looking into the matter. He also reported his department received 121 complaints during the month of July. They had two drug related arrests, two DUI arrests, one theft related arrest, 24 traffic violations, 10 juvenile incidents, six domestic violence calls, six parking tickets and seven other arrests. Blas said his department assisted the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office on 20 different occasions, the Kentucky State Police on three occasions and emergency management services on four occasions during the month of July.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com