New in blue

Corning's Police Department is growing with the hiring of four new officers. This article will highlight two of those new hires, with the other two to follow in the next issue of the newspaper.

Right out of the Butte College Police Academy, Tiffany Hill, 21, of Cottonwood, and Ian Anderson, 22, of Redding, were hired as police officers City of Corning on June 29, and are now in training with Corning's experienced field training officers. That training will continue for a minimum of 10 weeks.

"It's exciting to have these new officers and to be able to bring our department up to full staff," CPD Chief Tony Cardenas said. "The new officers are energetic enthusiastic, and I look forward to them becoming an intregral part of the department and the communtiy."

Hill graduated from Red Bluff High School in 2005. She grew up in Scott Valley and moved to Cottonwood in 2004 as a junior in high school. She has two older sisters and lives in Cottonwood with her mother.

Her introduction into the world of law enforcement came soon after graduation when she became a dispatcher for the Anderson Police Department.

"During that time I knew I wanted a career in law enforcement, but not just sitting on the other side of the radio. Being a dispatcher I knew I wanted to be an officer out on patrol," said Hill.

Hill applied to the Butte College Police Academy and was accepted.

"Being a woman I knew it was going to be difficult because they would expect a lot out of me," Hill said.

She found her expectations to be true and at times found things to be difficult.

"I had to prove myself twice as hard because of being a woman. But I did it and I'm proud of that fact," she said.

While Hill says her family is supportive of her decision to go into law enforcment, she said they are also nervous because of the dangers involved.

"I know this is the right job for me, because I like working with people, especially the youth in the community to have a positive impact, but I also look forward to getting the bad guys and putting them away," stated Hill.

While in training Hill will continue to complete her schooling to earn an AA in criminal justice.

During her career as a police officer Hill hopes to someday be promoted to the rank of detective.

"I love investigating so becoming a detectivie is a career goal for me," she said.

Hill appears to be a cheerful, friendly person with an outgoing demeanor, while her new co-worker Ian Anderson, who is quick with a smile, appears to all business, the perfect picture of the no-nonsense cop.

Anderson, of Redding, is also a Butte College Police Academy graduate. He grew up in Redding and graduated from Central Valley High School in 2004. Along with his parents he has one sister and a brother-in-law who graduated with him from the academy and was hired by the Shasta County Sheriff's Department.

Before going into the academy Anderson was a real estate inspector.

"Becoming a police officer wasn't a life-long dream of mine. I really didn't decide to go into this field until about two years ago," said Anderson. "I worked until I had saved enough money to support myself through the academy."

His family is excited for him and is pleased with his career choice.

"It's all we have talked about for quite a while and they are thrilled for me," he said.

Anderson said he looks forward to be out working and interacting with the public and the Corning community, but is still a bit nervous in his new profession.

"This profession is one of the most dangerous, but at the same time one of the most rewarding," he stated. "It's okay to be nervous, but not so much that I can't do my job. This is a honorable career and I hope I can make a difference."

As for coming to work in Corning, Anderson said he couldn't be happier as he was hoping to start his career in a small town with a small department where he could get to know the town, its people, and be more in touch with the community.

"I also wanted to work in a police department that was like a family. I think I found that in Corning. I plan on working in Corning being a life-long career," said Anderson.

After becoming a proficient and experienced patrol officer, Anderson would like to make the rank of sergeant.

"I like to take charge. That's my personality and I plan on using that to my advantage," he stated.

Anderson would also like to train in narcotics, one day have a K-9 partner and be a motorcycle cop.

"First and foremost I plan on doing this job in such a way as I feel good, have fun, stay safe and take care of business," said Anderson.

If stopped, a Corning citizen might get to meet Anderson or Hill, but hopefully not at the wrong end of a ticket. 

Julie R. Johnson may be contacted at 824-5474 or jjohnson@tcnpress.com.