Tom Murphy, right, was sworn in as a new officer in the Williamstown Police Department by Police Chief Shawn Graham at the Williamstown City Council meeting on Tuesday.

WILLIAMSTOWN — Williamstown City Council was met by Police Chief Shawn Graham who introduced a new officer and promoted three other officers on Tuesday.

Mayor Paul Jordan made a motion to accept Graham’s recommendation for Tom Murphy, as a new officer. Council approved the motion.

“I’m very pleased to bring Tommy on. He was at the (Wood County) Sheriff’s office when I was there,” Graham said. “He had experience with the drug task force, something that we’d like to work on here. And I think he’s going to be a great addition to our department.”

Graham said Murphy retired last month from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked for 21 years.

“In the past, we really didn’t do anything to recognize those loyal employees that have stuck around at the sheriff’s office. Once you got 10 years if you were in good standing you got promoted to the rank of corporal …,” he said. “But it’s a recognition of their dedication to the city of Williamstown.”

Dave Massey, right, shook hands with Police Chief Shawn Graham after being sworn in as a Lieutenant at the Williamstown City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Terry Deuley was promoted to corporal. He has worked with the Williamstown Police Department for 19 years.

Dave Teters was promoted to corporal. He has worked with the Williamstown Police Department for the last 12 years and has 15 years total under his belt in law enforcement.

Dave Massey, who has spent 20 years with the Wood County Sheriff’s Department and four years at the Williamstown Police Department, was promoted to lieutenant. Graham said he and Massey have worked together for several years.

“I appreciate each one of these guys for wanting to take up that fight and serve their communities,” he said.

David Hass approached council to get permission to use property at the Williamstown boat ramp to launch fireworks at the Riverfront Roar Festival. He said this would be its 20th year celebrating the festival, after taking two years off due to the coronavirus. Hass said the fireworks show for the festival will take place on Saturday, July 9. He said it costs about $50,000 to put on.

Terry Deuley, right, Williamstown Police Officer, was promoted to Corporal at the Williamstown City Council meeting on Tuesday. Also at left is Mayor Paul Jordan.

“It’s a nice little display,” he said.

Council unanimously approved to accept the presentation and allow Jordan to sign any paperwork for the festival.

In other news:

∫ Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Martha McGovern to the Planning Commission.

∫ Council unanimously approved engineer Maria Hardy’s request to take over Herons Nest.

Photo by James Dobbs From left, council members Jim Stage and Marty Seufer discussed the sidewalk project at the Williamstown City Council meeting on Tuesday.

∫ Council unanimously approved Hardy’s recommendation to work with Burgess & Niple on the sidewalk project.

∫ Council unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance to close the alley on Oakwood Avenue near the Williamstown Dental Office. This will require two readings, the second reading will take place at the next council meeting.

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com.