PLANT CITY POLICE WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS

Alonso’s father, Jose Alonso, pinned the badge her uniform. The Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s (HCSO) officer didn’t dissuade his daughter from her career choice and couldn’t be happier she’s following in his footsteps. “I knew this was something she always wanted to do and I want her to grow as a fair and just officer and become a leader in her field” he said. “I want her to inspire other women.”

Officer Snell, who worked at HCSO in a civilian role as a community service aide, graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Hillsborough Com- munity College in 2019. She learned about PCPD from other students in the academy and looks forward to her future with the department. “I just want to be a good offier and that’s it,” she said. “I want to be able to help people.”

Snell is originally from Troy, Alabama. She worked as a corrections officer in Pensacola for two years before moving to St. Petersburg, where she worked for its police department. After six months, she started missing Alabama and her smalltown roots. She decided to apply at PCPD after a visit to Keel and Curley Winery.

“I was thinking this feels just like where I used to live, like home,” she said.

Snell, who graduated from the police academy in April 2022, looks forward to her training. “I’m just excited to be learning the job, the training is really preparing me and I look forward to serving the people of Plant City,” she said.

The new officers will now begin their 16week Field Training Program, where they will ride with senior officers and learn how to become police officers for the City of Plant City.

“It’s an awesome day when we can bring people into the law enforcement family,” said Police Chief James Bradford.

PCPD, comprised of a force of 75 offiers, is not fully staffed and is seeking applicants to fill is fie open positions. Applications can be found at www.planctcitygov.com.

“Whether you have no experience in law enforcement, are a certified orrections officer or are a certified fficer in another state, sponsorships are available to pay your way through the appropriate training program,” he said. “I’m looking for people that want to serve others and make a difference.”

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