Peers and family members gathered at Whitesboro’s City Hall last Thursday for the swearing-in ceremony of a new police officer.
Jerrod Nortman took the oath of office and was sworn-in by Municipal Court Judge Rachael Dockery.
With the addition of Officer Nortman, the Whitesboro Police Department (WPD) now has nine full-time officers, one part-time security guard and seven dispatchers.
Whitesboro Police Chief Alex Coss welcomed attendees and gave opening remarks.
“Here in Whitesboro we have a small department, which makes us a tight team,” he said. “We don’t take it lightly when we invite someone to join our family.”
Nortman began his career as a firefighter, earning his ENT certification before graduating high school. In 1998, he joined the Pilot Point Fire Department, where he served as an ENT/firefighter and eventually earned the rank of Lieutenant.
From 2003-2008, Nortman worked for Texas Vital Care, providing ENT services to the citizens of Whitesboro. He then worked for Cooke County EMS as an ENT until 2015. In 2011, he enrolled in the police academy with the goal of becoming a fire marshal.
“I didn’t intend to become a police officer,” Nortman said, “but I’ve learned to love it. I really enjoy law enforcement.”
Nortman has been a police officer ever since. His first full-time police position was with the Tioga Police Department. In 2016, he was hired by the Southmayd Police Department, where he eventually made rank to interim police chief. Southmayd hired a new police chief, Jeff Laughlin, in April.
Throughout his career, Nortman has worked with members of the WPD in various capacities, so Nortman already feels at home in Whitesboro.
“With the exception of the chief, there’s not anyone here that I haven’t known for years,” Nortman said.
When the Whitesboro police officer position became available, Nortman received multiple calls from his friends in that department suggesting that he apply.
“Everyone here spoke very highly of him,” Coss said. “Our officers chose him.”
Having worked with most of the department already has made Nortman’s transition to Whitesboro fairly seamless. Despite having to start over in rank with the WPD, there is much Nortman is looking forward to about his new position.
“Whitesboro is significantly bigger than Southmayd,” Nortman said. “There are things in place here that I’m excited about. I also like that this city holds functions and events. I’m looking forward to being part of those events and being part of the community.”
Nortman is married to his wife Jodi, and together they have three children: 23-year-old Emma, 21-year-old Ella and husband Jake, and 15-year-old Eli.
