Officer, now Sergeant, Megan Mitchell talks with a little SWAT Officer at the Avery Parsons Halloween Parade. Photo by Carly Winchell
Chief Dean Morgan swore in two officers at Tuesday evening’s trustee meeting. First up was new Officer Cody Tyler, who recently graduated from the CMC police academy. Along with another officer graduating this Thursday, Morgan stated the Buena Vista Police Department (BVPD) is fully staffed for the first time in quite a while.
After Tyler took his oath, up next was Officer Megan Mitchell. She is now the BVPD’s first female sergeant.
Morgan recounted how Mitchell was sworn in on her twenty-first birthday. He praised all the applicants for facing the testing process to become sergeant, “but at the end of the day you tested the best. . . I am excited that you will be one of the leaders who leads this department into the future.”
Sergeant Megan Mitchell receives her new badge and a hug from Chief Dean Morgan at the November 13, 2023 BV BOT Meeting.
Mitchell was the first School Resource Officer (SRO) of the BVPD. Morgan said she excelled in this area and makes kids in the community feel safe. He described her as intelligent, hardworking, a great communicator, and willing to embrace high-risk calls.
“The reality is all of the challenges of being a street cop are compounded when you are a female officer,” said Morgan, who continued to explain that some measure a female cop’s worth by how well they can keep up with the men. From Morgan’s anecdotes, Mitchell has no trouble keeping up.
He shared how they have kicked in doors and run down suspects together. Morgan said he had seen her thrown an elbow like a linebacker and how he had seen her “blitz” a coworker when five months pregnant.
Beyond feats of physical strength, Morgan also described how had seen her talk someone into handcuffs and comfort people faced with tragedy and loss.
When asked what the most valuable trait of a leader is, Mitchell answered “humility.” Morgan agreed with her answer, stating it is one of the most valuable traits of a servant leader.
“I appreciate how Megan exemplifies humility, not just with words but how she conducts herself,” said Morgan.
“When she hit the streets at 21, some of the guys gave her the side-eye wondering if this girl had what it takes. I’m here to tell you this girl has what it takes, and at the end of the day she’s even taught the boys a thing or two.”
Mitchell was surrounded by family as the Chief presented her sergeant badge.
The full video of the November 12 Trustee meeting is available online here.
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