SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department reached a staffing milestone Wednesday as its newest officer, Thomas Levi Johnson, was sworn in during the Soap Lake City Council's regular meeting. 

Police Chief Patrick Canady administered the oath of office to Johnson, who joined the department Sept. 1 and will serve as a patrol officer. 

Introducing the department's newest hire to council members and residents, Canady said Johnson, who goes by Levi, brings life experience to the position. 

"This is Thomas Levi Johnson. He goes by Levi. He's our new federal entry officer. He started on Sept. 1," Canady told the council. "He was born in June of 1980. So, he doesn't remember Mount St. Helens." 

Johnson's swearing-in brings the department to four full-time officers in addition to the chief; a level city officials say will allow the agency to provide around-the-clock coverage once Johnson completes field training. 

"We have four full-time officers now, and the chief," Soap Lake Police Department Administrative Assistant Jody Siebert said following the meeting. 

While the department technically may have the ability to add another officer depending on future budget discussions, Siebert said the current staffing level meets the agency's immediate operational needs. 

"Yes, we would like to have four officers. That gives us our 24/7 and then puts the chief back to Monday through Thursday," Siebert said. "After the middle of October, I think we'll be running 24/7 with the officers, and then the chief will be here during the week, which will be nice because then he can do all his chief duties without the additional patrol duties." 

For the past several weeks, Johnson has been completing field training and will continue working under a field training officer before transitioning into the regular patrol rotation. 

Siebert described the addition of Johnson as an important step for the department after working to fill vacancies in recent years. She added that Johnson brings several years of law enforcement experience to the position, a benefit as the department works to maintain consistent coverage for the community.