The Turlock Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday to celebrate the promotion of Jesse Bawcum to the position of Sergeant.

Sgt. Bawcum has been with the Turlock Police Department since first being sworn in on Jan. 1, 2005 and has been a member of the SWAT team since March of 2007 and charter member of the Turlock Narcotics Enforcement Team from February of 2009 to January of 2014.

“Up to this point he’s been a line level person in our department, but he’s always been a leader,” said Turlock Police Chief Rob Jackson. “He’s going to be able to take that leadership into an supervision role and I think we’re going to be better for it and our department is going to be very successful."

Bawcum has also been a field training officer and a part of the range staff since October 2007 and May 2008, respectively.

The new sergeant has also received several commendations throughout his career, including a Patrol Team Excellence award.

Bawcum was incredibly thankful to his family, the department, and God for his promotion.

“I am a sheepdog,” said Bawcum after reading a passage from a Dave Grossman book. “My hope is that as I follow the shepherd — the good shepherd — is that I can faithfully lead the other sheepdogs I’m working with.”

“You should be very proud of this guys,” said Jackson to Bawcum’s family. “I know we are.”