PRIEST RIVER — The city didn't have to go far in finding its latest police officer, Priest River Police Chief Drew McLain joked in introducing Parker MacAlevy to the council Monday.

That's because MacAlevy grew up in Priest River,  the police chief said in introducing the new officer at a swearing-in ceremony, held at the start of the council meeting.

MacAlevy, who earned an associate degree in law enforcement at North Idaho College in 2019, officially started March 18. The new officer is in the midst of 14 weeks of training.

In the ceremony, the new officer pledged to support the constitutions of both the United States and Idaho, and to fulfill his duties as a Priest River police officer to the best of his abilities. With that, city Clerk Laurel Thomas officially welcomed MacAlevy to the Priest River Police Department to the applause of the council and members of the new officer's family sitting in the audience.

As the applause died down, McLain invited MacAlevy's fiancee, Rebecca Sevey, to the front of the room for a pinning ceremony, telling those gathered it is traditional for the first time a badge is pinned to a uniform that it be done by a significant other or spouse.

"This is kind of a big deal because you have to have support from your spouse or significant other," McLain told the council, noting the ceremony honors that relationship and the importance of that support.

Then, turning to Sevey as she carefully worked to fasten the badge to MacAlevy's uniform, McLain joked, "You just need to stab them sometimes."

McLain told the Daily Bee that it was great to see a local join the police department of his hometown.

"It's always great to have a new young guy come in," the police chief said. "He's energy and ready to rock 'n' roll. It's great to have him."

MacAlvey said he was excited to join the Priest River Police Department and loved being back in his hometown.

"It's a lot better to be here than in Coeur d'Alene and hopefully I can made a difference in my community," he said.

    Parker MacAlevy, right, is sworn as Priest River's newest police office by city Clerk Laurel Thomas at the start of Monday's Priest River City Council meeting.