Officer Honored For Traffic Efforts, New Officers Introduced

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

The Dalton Police Department honored its 2023 Traffic Safety Officer of the Year award recipient and also introduced its two newest officers at the monthly meeting of the Public Safety Commission.

The DPD selects one officer each year who has performed outstanding work in traffic enforcement and also traffic safety education during the previous year. The 2023 honoree is Officer Ruben Ruiz. He was introduced by Sergeant David Saylors who supervises the Traffic Enforcement Unit. 

Caption: Sergeant David Saylors (left) presents an award to Officer Ruben Ruiz (right)

"Officer Ruiz has repeatedly proven himself through his tireless efforts to maintain orderliness on the roads of Dalton. Among many notable accomplishments, one cannot overlook his stance against drunk driving. By addressing many DUI-related offenses his continued efforts effectively deterred individuals from engaging in such dangerous behavior, safeguarding lives within the community," Sergeant Saylors said. "It’s an honor for me to recognize Officer Ruben Ruiz as the 2023 Traffic Safety Officer of the Year."

Recent police academy graduates Cruz Aldava and Guillermo Brenes Castillo were introduced to the members of the Public Safety Commission before taking their oaths of office before the commissioners. Officer Aldava is a graduate of both Southeast Whitfield High School and also Dalton State College. Before joining the DPD, she worked locally in the flooring industry. Officer Guillermo Brenes Castillo is a 2017 graduate of Murray County High School and is a US Navy veteran. 

"Congratulations, and welcome to the family," said PSC member Terry Mathis. "We certainly appreciate you guys choosing Dalton over many other opportunities and we do look at it as a family and we look forward to you guys working with us for many years to come."

Caption: New DPD officers Guillermo Brenes Castillo (left) and Cruz Aldava (right) pose with Assistant Chief Chris Crossen after being sworn in at the Public Safety Commission meeting

"You’re joining a great organization," PSC Chairman Truman Whitfield told the new officers.  "We look forward to your continued work with us in the future."

The new officers are now taking part in the Dalton Police Department's field training program in which they will ride with veteran mentor officers for six months before they earn solo status as officers.