MENDOTA – The City of Mendota have added three new police officers to their department Monday night. Two men from Rochelle and one from Ottawa will be joining the ranks after graduation from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in Glen Ellyn this August. Before the Fire and Police Commissioners Paula Daley and William Kobilisek, 22-year-old James Shankle of Ottawa, 21-year-old Ashton Dossett of Rochelle, and 22-year-old Logan Eppard of Rochelle were all sworn in as Mendota’s newest officers.
(From Left; New Officers Logan Eppard, Ashton Dossett, and James Shankle – Photo Charles Van Horn – Shaw Media)
Ofc. James Shankle is a graduate of Aurora University where he obtained his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice.
“I’m really excited to serve in the community” Shankle said, “the Mendota Police Department is very community oriented and Mendota sounds like a great place.”
Prior to pursuing a career in law enforcement Ofc. Ashton Dossett was a tradesman.
“I’m looking forward to learning all the things behind the scenes” Dossett said, “and to be constantly growing and moving forward.”
Ofc. Logan Eppard worked in retail before choosing to go into law enforcement.
“This is the community I grew up in” Eppard said, “so I’m really excited to protect it.”
All three officers will have an additional 12 weeks of training in Mendota before being released on solo patrol.
