City Police Chief Jason Shaw didn’t have to look for a new captain.
Shaw took the floor during Thursday’s City Council to recognize Shane Darling, who served with the Elizabethton Police Department for over 10 years, for his recent promotion.
Darling was promoted to captain and will now serve as Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Commander.
“Shane has developed a great reputation in the community and is a leader in his church,” Shaw told City Council. “He possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job, and I have the trust in him to fulfill the duties of CID Commander.”
Shaw indicated Darling participated in the promotional process in January to become eligible. Since that time, the officer served as the Sergeant with CID. Along with the job duties, Shaw said Darling attended additional training in interview and interrogation,mid-level management and special unit supervision.
“During his time at CID, Shane has worked difficult cases and has received a letter of commendation for his excellent work and efforts on a case,” Shaw said.
Darling has been employed with the department since 2004. During his time with EPD, Darling served as a Patrol Sergeant for five years, since 2012, and was one of the office K-9 handlers from 2008-15. Darling also served on the SRT team, assisted as a field training officer, defensive tactics instructor and RADAR instructor.
“I’m excited for the future,” Darling said following the ceremony. “I look forward to working with Chief Shaw. We’re on the same page about the direction we want to see the department go. We’re looking forward to the future and making this department the best it can be.”
Following recognition from Shaw, Darling received his official pin from family members and received a standing ovation while receiving handshakes from City Council, who thanked him for his service and congratulated him on the promotion.
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City Council voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the 2017 Personnel Rules and Regulations to reinstate Good Friday as a City Holiday, reducing the number of employee personal days to one.
Other items voted on included approval for a TML Drivers Safety Grant, a new lease agreement between the city and Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, an amendment to the 17-18 fiscal year budget and renewal of service agreements with Charter Communications for City Hall and Elizabethton Electric buildings.
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A handful of city events also received approval. Residents can expect a bevy of festivities around the bend, which include:
• The annual Harvest Parade Hayride held in conjunction with the East Side Harvest Parade set for Friday, Oct. 27.
• The annual Downtown Halloween Event set for Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
• The annual Veterans Day celebration set for Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
• The annual Fraser Fir tree lighting on Nov. 14 from 4:30 p.m. and Christmas Parade on Dec. 2 from 4 to 8:30 p.m.
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During the residents’ comments portion of the meeting, City Council voted to excuse a $299 late water bill incurred by Tracie Mosley. Mosley, with Crazy Creek Co-Op, stated that issues arose when a new water meter was installed near the downtown business, with the bill experiencing an unusual growth, even though different channels were exercised to address the problem.