Folsom PD welcomes new officers

The Folsom Police Department welcomed three new officers to its force this week. The newest members to Folsom's growing force graduated from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Academy Monday morning, according to Folsom Police Chief Rick Hillman. Officer Morgan Sears was raised in the Cameron Park area. She was employed by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office as a Technician in the Records Unit until accepting a Recruit position with the Folsom Police Department. Sears holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University and is enrolled at Liberty University working on her Master's degree in Executive Leadership. Officer Brian Gabriel was raised in the Hollister area and holds an associate's degree in Administration of Justice from Gavilan College. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 through 2013. He and his wife Valerie reside in Folsom. Officer Angela Castle was raised in Rancho Cordova and graduated from Sacramento State University in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. She worked for a private investigations firm before accepting a recruit position with the Folsom Police Department. The testing process to become a Folsom Police Officer is grueling to insure the city is aquiring the best of candidates, according to Hillman. Applicants must pass a written examination, physical ability test, two oral interview panels, an extensive background check, and a medical and psychological exam before beginning employment. The academy started September 22, 2020, and the recruits have completed over 900 hours of classroom and practical training prior to today's graduation. Officer Sears graduated in 1st place overall and 1st place in academics. Now, they will each be paired with a training officer for at least the next four months while they put the last six months of academy training into practical application. "We are lucky to welcome these three new officers to our department. They are just as anxious to serve our community as we are to have them as a part of our team," said Hillman.