Local News
Pine Forest expands police force by one
PINE FOREST — The police force for this small community north of Vidor has been doubled with the recent hiring of a second police officer.
Pine Forest City Council members officially hired Officer Jim Hickey, a three-year veteran of the Vidor Police Department, to work as the city’s relief officer when needed. Prior to last week’s city council meeting, Chief James Blankenship has been the city’s lone law enforcement officer since the city re-instated its police department in 2008.
Hickey’s role will mostly be to work in relief of Blankenship, such as filling in due to illness, vacation or other circumstances Blankenship would be unable to work.
“Basically, if I cannot fulfill my hours for the week, then Officer Hickey will be able to work for me,” Blankenship said. “Every community needs a full time presence, and he will be able to help during those peak hours when service is needed and I can’t be there.”
Hickey will reportedly earn $18 per hour worked when on duty for Pine Forest.
Blankenship said Pine Forest city council members also approved an additional five hours per week of patrol time, which could be allotted to Hickey on a regular basis. However, city council members have yet to submit the motion as a budget amendment. Once approved as a budget amendment, the additional hours will be added.
Pine Forest has a population of more than 600 residents and covers 2.8 square miles.
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