Connor Becomes An Honorary Patrolman

By: Jen Lutz

The men and women of the North Huntingdon Township Police Department are quite a tight-knit bunch! They even consider the department a family.  On Wednesday, June 17, 2015 they welcomed the newest and youngest member of their family.  Much to his surprise, nine year old Connor Vickers was sworn in as an Honorary Patrolman by the NHTPD Chief of Police at the North Huntingdon Township Board of Commissioners meeting that evening.  Prior to the ceremony, Officer Mark Hamilton presented Connor with a copy of his oath of office.  Officer Hamilton explained that in order to be sworn in Connor needed to sign his oath.  When Connor looked at the signatures of the individuals who previously signed the document, he exclaimed that he was excited to sign it, as long as it was okay that “I can’t sign in cursive yet.” Officer Hamilton let Connor know that was quite alright.  

As soon as all of the of the signing was taken care of, Connor received a personalized NHTPD uniform.  Officer Hamiliton told Connor that he will be, “expected to wear the uniform whenever you are at the department or performing official police business.”  Connor was thrilled and truly felt like a member of the family in his uniform.  

Shortly after donning his new uniform Connor, his family, many members of the NHTPD, and of course, the crew from CCChampions, made their way to the North Huntingdon Township Board of Commissioners meeting.  The local TV stations were all set up to record Connor’s ceremony.  

The first order of business for the board was the swearing in of Honorary Patrolman Vickers!  Connor’s family and Officer Hamilton looked on proudly as Connor took his oath of office.  

Perhaps one of the most touching parts of the evening occurred when Officer Hamilton told the audience why the NHTPD decided to make Connor an honorary officer.  His comments brought the crowd to its feet and elicited some strong emotions from Connor and his family.  

Instead of sticking around for the rest of the Board of Commissioners meeting, the NHTPD had something A LOT more fun in mind for Connor!  They invited Connor, his family, and the CCChampions crew back to the police department for a pizza party, complete with a beautiful cake that read, “Congratulations Officer Vickers.”  

Not only is Connor’s mom, Marci, grateful to the NHTPD for providing such a memorable experience for Connor that night, but she is confident that this is just the beginning of the friendship between Connor and his inspirational role models and friends at the NHTPD.  There were many, many AMAZING moments that evening and Connor and the NHTPD are eager to create even more in the near future!