WASHINGTON — Friends and family members of Washington City Police Sgts. Marcus Bott and Brad Coleman filled the city’s council chambers on Wednesday.
But before Chief Jason Williams swore in the two recently promoted sergeants to lead patrol divisions in Washington, he emphasized just how vital a role advocates play for any law enforcement officer.
“We know that the success we get to experience comes from the support that we get from our families and city officials,” Williams said. “We appreciate the support that we get from you guys. I told these gentlemen the best years of my career have been where they are now, as a sergeant. It’s very rewarding. There’s going to be some tough times and lessons learned, but it is a very rewarding assignment to have.”
Williams said both Bott and Coleman had to prove themselves worthy during the selection process.
“We had some vacancies created and a need for new supervision,” he said. “These two gentlemen submitted their letters of interest. They were given assignments to do for the testing process in order to showcase some of their skills and abilities that would be beneficial to a sergeant.”
A panel of current leadership in the department interviewed Bott and Coleman, and the two stood out from the other applicants in their answers and test results.
“(Bott) started in our department in 2016 as a school resource officer. He came to us from an agency up north,” Williams said. “He’s the type of officer that really works hard and tries to promote a good, positive energy when in public and when dealing with other officers. He has a sense of compassion and does things for the right reasons.
“Coleman worked with the Sheriff’s department here before working for Salt Lake P.D. for five years. Like Bott, his skills and talents from his past experiences will lend benefit to our agency and our officers as they lead their careers.”
After the meeting, Williams described what the rank of sergeant entails.
“Sergeants are the first-line supervisors,” he said. “They have a delicate balance to deal with when it comes to the officers and the administration. They will run a squad of five to seven officers and oversee all operations during that shift time. Anything beyond their capabilities will go to the lieutenants. They’re kind of like the managers for their squads.”
Bott said he respects what the badge means to him and the community.
“When you hear and listen to people respecting that thin blue line, there’s a reason for that. So when I put this badge on, I remember that, and I want to respect that and what it means.”
Coleman said his father was a police officer. While growing up, Coleman looked up to his father and respected his career, but he didn’t understand the kind of influence a police officer had in a community until he became an officer himself.
“You see people’s lives change,” Coleman said. “People call us when they’re at their worst and have no one else to talk to. I put on the badge every day and love to do it.”
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