Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis will swear in two bilingual police officers, Sgt. Chad Latonis and Lt. Juan Grullon, at the next city council meeting.
The addition of Latonis and Grullon is part of Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura’s continued effort to recruit and build a police force that reflects the city’s diverse population. Brookhaven’s goal is to have more than 50 officers patrolling the city this summer.
Latonis is a seasoned law enforcement supervisor joining Brookhaven from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. In past positions, Latonis has been successful with initializing and implementing Hispanic community outreach programs. He also served as a gang investigator with a special operations unit.
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Grullon joins Brookhaven from the East Point Police Department, where he managing anti-narcotics, serious crime, high-risk warrant and K-9 units.
Both officers are fluent in Spanish and English and have more than 15 years of experience in law enforcement.
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“I am adamant about building a force that is able to serve and protect all of our community members and reflects the diversity in our city’s population,” Yandura said.
The chief has already hired Deputy Chief Ron Freeman, Sgt. Mike Goode, Lt. Brandon Gurley and Chief Administrative Assistant Rossana Morales-Romero. The city is still recruiting patrol officers, sergeants and lieutenants, as well as detectives. Bilingual candidates and those who are certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council will be given special consideration.
The officers started work last week and will be sworn in June 11.
This article was provided by the city and edited for publication.
