Moundsville welcomes new police officer | News, Sports, Jobs

Photo of: Emma Delk

Moundsville police Officer Eric Burton (left) was promoted to corporal during a ceremony Monday, while Mikael Rawls (center) was sworn in as the force’s new hire. They were joined by Moundsville Police Chief Tom Mitchell, who brought cake to the ceremony.

The Moundsville Police Department added a new officer to its ranks Monday, leaving the department one officer short of its roster.

Mikael Rawls was sworn in during a ceremony Monday morning in the council chambers. Officer Eric Burton was also honored at the ceremony for his promotion to corporal.

The ceremony was performed by City Clerk Sondra Hewitt.

During the swearing-in, Moundsville Police Chief Tom Mitchell drew attention to Rawls’ military background, describing the officer as “well-recommended” when he joined the force.

“Mikael is a fit young man who we expect great things from,” said Mitchell. “We would be delighted if he would serve us well for many good years to come.”

Rawls served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. After retiring for medical reasons, Rawls worked as a pipeliner in Moundsville.

“I came to Moundsville to work and never left,” Rawls said. “I met a girl and settled down, and now I call this place home.”

Mitchell noted that Rawls brought “enthusiasm, strength and a willingness to learn” to the department. He added that Rawls’ youth, at 28, would also be a welcome addition to the force.

“He hasn’t been beaten down by the world that much and we’re getting him with good recommendations,” Mitchell noted. “We’ve looked into his background and I think he’ll do a good job. That’s why we hired him.”

Rawls said he looks forward to making a “positive impact” on the community in which he lives.

“Every time I put on the uniform, I can do my part,” Rawls added.

Mitchell noted that Burton is another “good, young officer” who has been with the department for “a little over three years.” Since promotions in the department are based on a written test, Mitchell added that Burton’s advancement is a sign that he has learned a lot in the past three years on the force.

“Eric is a good young officer who has been with us for several years,” Mitchell said. “It’s important for officers to progress in their careers and that’s what the promotions are about.”

For Burton, the promotion is a sign of his “rise” in the department.

“I just want to continue to work hard and serve my community,” Burton said.

With Rawls’ swearing-in, the department is one officer short of fielding its full force. Mitchell said that’s not unusual, as the number of officers in the department is “constantly changing.”

Mitchell added that the Moundsville Police Department’s next testing phase will be in August and encouraged anyone interested to apply.

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