Three new officers joined the Hollister Police Department on
Monday.
Jason Lei, 30, Dave Westrick, 35, and Heather Dorman, 24, swore
the oath at City Hall, promising to serve their city and country to
the best of their abilities.
Three new officers joined the Hollister Police Department on Monday.
Jason Lei, 30, Dave Westrick, 35, and Heather Dorman, 24, swore the oath at City Hall, promising to serve their city and country to the best of their abilities.
Lei, who was born and raised in the Philippines, moved to Hollister three years ago with his wife and two children. The couple owns a nurse staffing business and Lei felt he owed the city of debt of gratitude for being so hospitable, he said.
“(Being a cop) has been a dream of mine,” he said. “I want to make a difference for my family and the town.”
Lei went through the police academy at Monterey Peninsula College, where he attended the extended program.
“It was very long, but also very interesting and challenging,” he said. “It opened up my eyes to many misconceptions about police work.”
Westrick, who has been a police officer for 13 years, had been looking at the Hollister Police Department for the past 5 years. After working at the Los Banos department for 10 years and then transferring to the Redwood City department for three years, he wanted to come to Hollister because of the town’s atmosphere, he said.
“I like the progressiveness of the city as far as law enforcement is concerned,” he said. “It’s more proactive than reactive.”
Dorman, who hailed from Arcata in Humbolt County, recently graduated from the University of Santa Cruz and just finished her stint at the academy through Gavilan Community College.
“I really enjoyed (the academy),” she said. “Pursuit driving was my favorite – I was the most improved driver.”
Dorman said she’s wanted to be a police officer since the sixth grade because it is exciting and you get to deal with a lot of people. Even though some of the people are questionable, “that’s what makes it so exciting.”
Dorman will focus her abilities on community policing, she said.
“I want to make a difference in the community for the good of the community,” she said.
The three officers took the City of Hollister Oath of Office, administered by Deputy City Clerk Geri Johnson.
“It was a pleasure to swear in three new officers,” Johnson said.
