City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) Surrounded by family and friends, Talladega police officers Patrick Hall, Marshall Horn, Tomás de la Cruz Pérez, and Christoper (Jake) Travis were recently sworn in by Judge Mark Smith Nelson. 

“In the past, our swearing-in ceremony was not quite as celebratory,” said Interim Police Chief Ronald McElrath. “Captain Robert Curtis and I wanted to begin a tradition that would really honor each of our new officers. We felt that having a ceremony and so many supportive family members present would let the officers know how much they are valued.”

“All four of our new officers have expressed a strong desire to serve and protect the community, and we are committed to providing them with the training and equipment needed to ensure their success,” said City Manager Derrick Swanson.

Officer Patrick Hall was born in Lincoln, Alabama, and raised in Talladega. He is a graduate of Lincoln High School. Officer Hall said, “It has always been a dream of mine to be a police officer to serve and be a part of the community where I was raised.”

Talladega native Marshall Horn is a graduate of Winterboro High School.  “I always wanted to be a police officer because I love the lifestyle of helping and serving the community,” said Officer Horn.

Tomás de la Cruz Pérez was born and raised in Russellville, Alabama, and graduated from Belgreen High School. “I moved to Talladega so my daughter can come home every day from the Alabama School for the Deaf,” said Officer Pérez. “I wanted to be a police officer to help out and serve the community."

Christopher (Jake) Travis was born and raised in the Alpine, Alabama, area and graduated from Winterboro High School.  Officer Travis said, “I always wanted to be a police officer because it brings me pleasure to help the community. I’ve always been around Talladega and I wanted to serve Talladega citizens.”