The City of Decatur Police Department has some new faces; we have two new Police Officers and a new Communications Officer.
Officer John Bender
Officer John Bender comes to Decatur after working for DeKalb County Parks and Recreation where he was a center director. Responsibilities included organizing and running activities for members of the community ranging in ages from 3 years to Senior Citizens. He attended Tucker High School and then went on to North Georgia College and Georgia Perimeter College. Officer Bender dreamed of working in law enforcement when he was a child. He feels that everyone can make a difference and the best way for him to make one was by helping others in need.
Officer Matthew Damico
Officer Matthew Damico is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans where he earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology. After working in the mental health field and private security industry, Officer Damico fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Police Officer. Officer Damico is a proud husband and father of an energetic little boy with a second child due in the fall. He is excited and proud to serve the Decatur community.
Lynette Hardmon
Lynette Hardmon is a Decatur native whose parents attended Decatur High School and both grandmothers still reside in Decatur. Lynette has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and is currently working on her Masters of Science in the same field. After a summer internship with the Fort Valley Police Department, she experienced various aspects of policing including routine patrol, investigations, court and social work but found communications to be the best match. Officer Hardmon joined the City of Decatur Police Department as a Communications Officer about eight months ago and looks forward to coming to work each day.
Join us in welcoming these new faces to Decatur!
