Get ready to see some new faces patrolling the streets for Hollister Police Department, as the city has hired four new officers who are in various stages of training and full-time duty.
Two of the new officers were recruited from other departments, and two are rookies who started their Police Officers Standards and Training academy certification shortly after being hired by Hollister Police Department, according to Sgt. Don Pershall.
Officer Nereyda Burbank has previous law enforcement experience with the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office. Hollister hired her just over a week ago, Pershall said.
Officer Pedro Torres joined Hollister Police about two weeks ago from Turlock Police Department, Pershall added.
Officer Melissa Castro has been with the local department for about nine months, but she just recently completed her POST academy certification. A fourth recruit for Hollister Police Department, Ashlie Madruga, just started training at the academy about two months ago, Pershall said.
A first-year Hollister police officer makes a biweekly salary of $2,558.19, according to the city’s memorandum of understanding with the Hollister Peace Officer Association.
All four new officers will start out doing “general patrol” for the department, which requires additional local training beyond what they learn in the academy, Pershall explained.
The new officers were hired to fill vacant positions within the department.
Pershall said the Hollister Police Department is “continuously hiring” officers, particularly laterals from other departments. They’re hoping to hire at least two more new officers in the coming months. The department will conduct a testing for potential new recruits Oct. 20.
The Free Lance was unable to acquire photos of all four new officers before our print deadline.
The Hollister Police Department is located at 395 Apollo Way. The department’s main non-emergency phone number is (831) 636-4330.
