Mayor Swears in Greenbelt's Newest Police Officer

Chief James Craze introduced the newest officer, Sharnise Hawkins-Graham, to Greenbelt City Council on Monday.

During the swearing-in ceremony by Mayor Judith "J" Davis, Hawkins-Graham's four-year-old daughter walked to the front of the audience section to get a closer view. She clapped and swished the skirt of her fuschia dress, barely containing her excitement. Councilmember Silke Pope called her Hawkins-Graham's personal cheerleader.

Mayor Davis said that council was always happy to introduce a new police officer, especially one who worked so hard to get the position.

Hawkins-Graham, a certified police officer and former store detective with Target Corporation, put herself through the Prince George's County Municipal Police Academy, graduating with a GPA of 94.8 in October 2011.

"It is my pleasure to introduce our newest member of our police family here in Greenbelt," Chief Craze told council. He also said that this will be the first police job for Hawkins-Graham.

Greenbelt's newest officer lives in Riverdale, MD, and said, "We are very honored to have this chance to represent Greenbelt and our family and we thank you very much."

When the ceremony ended the word, "Mommy!" was heard above the clapping.