Antioch Police Department adds two new officers, celebrates promotions of four others, Monday
Newly promoted Lt. Tara Mendez, Sgt. Powell Meads, and Corporal Ted Chang, new Antioch Police Officers Garrett McKenzie and Jason Cash, along with new Animal Control Officer Katrina “Kat” Cottle listen as Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando speaks about them at a ceremony in the Council Chambers on Monday afternoon, October 31, 2016.
By Allen Payton
At a ceremony in the Antioch City Council Chambers, Monday afternoon, October 31st, two more officers were added to the Antioch Police force and four others were promoted in rank.
“It’s a great day when we have the opportunity to recognize our promotions as well as bring on new police officers,” said Police Chief Allan Cantando
During the light-hearted ceremony, Officers Garret McKenzie and Jason Cash were added to the force, while Tara (Nissen) Mendez was promoted to lieutenant, Powell Meads to sergeant, Ted Chang to corporal, and Katrina Cottle to Animal Control Officer.
Newly promoted Lt. Tara Mendez smirks as Chief Cantando shares some funny information about her career with the APD.
Kat Cottle
“There’s no oath of office for Animal Control Officers,” Cantando said about Cottle.
He then had a little fun with her name.
“Kat Cottle. You can’t make this up,” he said. “It’s a great name. Like being named Joe Justice,”
Cottle is originally from Ireland.
Lieutenant Tara Mendez
Mendez, who was recently married, is better known in the community by her previous last name, Nissen.
She started as a reserve officer in 1993 and was hired by the Antioch Police Department (APD) in 1995, Cantando shared. Mendez was then sworn in as an officer in 1997.
Born and raised in Antioch, “she has a passion for animals,” he stated, referring to her recent work in the Animal Shelter.
But, he also pointed out her work “upstairs” and that “she’s in charge of our training and recruitment,” of police officers.
“Over the last couple of years Tara has really stepped up,” Cantando continued, mentioning the community engagement events Tara has worked on. “They’ve been very good for the department.”
“Tara rallies the troops,” he added. “She has the respect of the troops.”
Mendez’ daughter pinned on her new lieutenant’s badge.
Sergeant Powell Meads
Cantando said Meads is “one of our up and coming leaders in our department. I say one of those individuals who is very well respected. Who wouldn’t ask anyone else to do anything he would do himself.
New Antioch Police Officer Garrett McKenzie is pinned with his badge by his wife.
Meads grew up in Greenville, California and “was the sulataditorian of his graduating class, of 26,” Cantando shared to some chuckles from the audience, who said that wasn’t meant to be funny, which elicited more laughter.
Hired by APD in 2004, Meads was Officer of the Year in 2012.
“He’s had a very distinguished career so far and a bright future ahead of him,” the Chief added.
Cantando then offered a “fun fact” about Meads.
“He’s in very good shape,” he said. “According to Investigations, he’s on a diet every 48 hours. He doesn’t always stick to it.”
Cantando showed a photo of Meads in a Halloween costume to laughter from the audience. Meads then had his mother pin in on his new sergeant’s badge.
Corporal Ted Chang
“Teddy, as he likes to be called, came to us almost 10 years ago after five years with the Walnut Creek Police Department,” said Cantando. “Has a degree in international business.”
He was a walk-on member of his college tennis team.
“Says he was the Best Division I bench warmer for a tennis team,” Cantando added with a smile.
Chang was pinned with his new corporal’s badge by his wife.
New Antioch Police Officer Jason Cash is presented with his badge by Chief Cantando.
Officer Garrett McKenzie
Raised in Sunnyvale. Degree in Hotel Admin and Masters of Arts in Education. Started his law enforcement career with the Daly City PD. Pinned by his wife.
Officer Jason Cash
Born and raised in San Lorenzo, in 2001 Cash joined the Marines and served eight years in the infantry, Cantando shared. He then joined the Army National Guard.
Cash began his law enforcement career with the Oakland Police Department. His wife then pinned on his badge.
Antioch Mayor Wade Harper then administered the oath of office to each of the police officers.
The addition of the two officers brings to 95 the total number of sworn officers in the department.
the attachments to this post:
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All City employees, by Government Code, are required to take the Oath of Office.
Since I wasn’t informed in advance of Cat becoming an Animal Control Officer, the next time the APD has a promotion and swearing-in ceremony, I will have Oaths prepared for incoming Community Service Officers and Animal Control Officers.
Currently (I found out), Human Resources has new hires read and sign an Oath. But per government Code, only the City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk and Mayor can administer an Oath of Office in Antioch.
I will work to correct this.