On July 23, Aberdeen Police Chief Steve Shumate swore in Jesus Martinez-Lopez, 27, as an entry-level police officer.

Previously, Martinez-Lopez was a police services officer with the Hoquiam Police Department under Chief Jeff Myers.

“Officer Martinez was known not only for his exceptional performance with Hoquiam PD, but also for his strong work ethic and dedication to helping others,” said Shumate. “(He) brings to our agency an ability to communicate with our Spanish-speaking community. APD did not currently have someone with that ability.”

Martinez is expected to attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien sometime this winter, and to be patrolling the streets of Aberdeen by summer 2019.