On Friday, the city of Semmes swore in the first four police officers for its new force, the first in the city’s ten-year history.

“The weather couldn’t have turned out better,” Semmes Mayor Brandon Van Hook said. “I think that’s a sign we’re doing the right thing.”

At the event, Van Hook spoke, as well as new Police Chief Todd Friend and Assistant Chief Jeff Eiland. About 150 Semmes residents turned out to see the officers sworn in at Semmes Honor Park. Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson was in attendance, as well as Assistant District Attorney Keith Blackwood, who is running for district attorney this fall.

The four officers that were then sworn in were: Sergeant Laun Duke Bagsby, Officer Michael Anderson, Officer Alex Cook and Officer Daniel Marlin.

The new police force will eventually take over law enforcement duties in Semmes from the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. As more officers are added to the police force, the sheriff’s office will slowly scale back patrols in Semmes. The city will also shift its $1.6 million contract with the sheriff’s office to the city’s police department.