Earlier this week, the Woodland Police Department welcomed three new employees with a traditional swearing-in ceremony, followed by an awards ceremony to celebrate and honor its officers.

During the Tuesday afternoon ceremony held inside the department’s Community Room located at 1000 Lincoln Ave., new Volunteer Coordinator Vanessa McKenzie, Records Specialist Jessica Shepard, and Officer Alejandro Cerros were sworn into the department by City Clerk Sarah Landsburgh.

“We are excited to welcome our newest officer and officially recognize two of our part-time professional staff members in their official swearing-in ceremony,” Woodland Police Department Chief Ryan Kinnan said. “Moments like these highlight the continued growth and commitment of our team to serving the community.”

Following the swearing-in, McKenzie and Shepard opted to have their respective husbands, WPD Officers McKenzie and Shepard, ceremonially pin their badges, while Cerros opted to have his father pin his badge.

Following the ceremony, the department recognized excellence within its ranks with an awards ceremony.

Sgt. Evan Black was awarded the Chief’s Leadership Award while Officer Brittni Grigsby and Cpl. Juan Barrera was awarded the Lifesaving Award.

Chaplains Jim Clayton and Scott Montgomery were awarded the 20- and 25-Year Service Pins, respectively, before over a dozen officers received Commendation Memos.

Commendation Memos recipients include: Deputy Chief Dallas Hyde, Sgt. Jason Drobish, Cpl. Maribel Cortes, FTO Steven Cueva, FTO Bryce Cooper, Officer Kent Chan, Officer Brian Olson, Officer Antonio Ramos, Officer Brittni Grigsby, Officer Melad Khalil, Officer Sierra Brewer, Officer Nicholas Shriver, Officer Kayla Schweitzer, Officer Alejandro Yarza, Officer Liviu Sirbu, Senior Detective Lilian Smith, Detective Alexander Whipple, Crisis Clinician Tarak Torok and Crisis Clinician Madilyn Louis.

McKenzie was born in Fairfield and later grew up in Vacaville, surrounded by a large family. After graduating high school, she attended Solano Community College and Yuba College in preparation for nursing school. In the past, McKenzie has worked for Wells Fargo as a bank teller and was later promoted to service manager. She also worked as an IHSS caregiver for her aunt.

She has been married to her husband, Simeon, for 15 years and they have a 12-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter. She enjoys family vacations, bike riding, camping, and movie nights at home with her family. She has enjoyed her position as a volunteer coordinator for the last year and has built many positive relationships. She has had a lot of fun along the way and is honored to be part of the WPD family.

Cerros grew up in Woodland. From a young age, he enjoyed playing various sports, eventually graduating from Pioneer High School in 2017. After graduation, Cerros enrolled at Woodland Community College and pursued a degree in law enforcement. He was a full-time student and also worked full-time.

He later attended and graduated from the Sacramento Sheriff’s Academy. Cerros aspired to a career in law enforcement and consistently put forth his best effort to achieve that goal.

In his free time, Cerros enjoys exercising, spending time with family and friends, and working on cars. He is thrilled to be working for the WPD. He is looking forward to giving back to his community and advancing into various positions within the department.

Shepard grew up in Clearlake. From a young age, she studied tap, ballet, and jazz, and later graduated from Lower Lake High School in 2001, where she was a cheerleader and member of the band. She then attended Clearlake Community College and graduated in 2004 with a degree in business management.

While in college, she worked as a lifeguard, where she met her husband, Dave. They have four awesome kids named Austin, Collin, Hunter, and Emily, along with two dogs, Blaze and Ricky.

In her free time, if she has any, she likes to read, enjoy the pool, and spend time with friends and family. After taking time off from working to stay at home with her kids, Jessica is excited to officially join the WPD family.