(L to R): Mekelia Jinks, Behavior Health  Specialist; Pastor Carl Wardlaw, III, Chaplain; Officer Clay Morgan, Patrol; and Cpl. James Clubb, Patrol

The Vidalia Police Department works diligently to provide safety for citizens and all who visit the Sweet Onion City, and at the September meeting of the City Council recently, Chief of Police James Jermon introduced four new employees to help with the mission.

Pastor Carl Wardlaw, III, though new to his affiliation with the police, isn’t any stranger to Vidalia, and has agreed to serve in the capacity as the new Department Chaplain.

“People need Jesus – especially, the police,” the Chief said. “Police statistically have the highest number of divorces, alcoholism, and suicide. Even before Pastor Wardlaw went to the Chaplain’s Academy, he stood by me, and I had to lean on him. And I’m not ashamed!”

Mekelia Jinks will be the new Police Behavior Health Specialist.

“She has hit the ground running,” Chief Jermon said. “And while both she and Pastor Wardlaw have titles that say, ‘Vidalia Police,’ they are here for everyone. If anyone needs them for anything, they will come. If you’re having a bad day, PTSD, just have a feeling of ‘I can’t do this today,’ call them. They are here for the citizens of Vidalia and Toombs County.”

Two new uniformed officers are also joining the Vidalia Police Department: Officer Clay Morgan who most recently was employed by the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, and Cpl. James Clubb, who moved to Vidalia to join the force.

Chief Jermon said he is consistently attempting to build the roster of the police personnel and says if anyone may be interested in joining the team, they should make an appointment to visit him at the police department.