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Police Department Welcomes New Hires
new hires
Oakdale Police Department’s newest full-time officers, from left: Ethan DeMoss, Jillian Costa and Ryan Smith. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Traditionally, the Oakdale Police Department introduces new employees in-person at City Council meetings. However, due to the current pandemic, safety accommodations have changed the usual process.

“We wanted to take a moment to share with the community, the newest full-time OPD team members who are now serving the great City of Oakdale,” Executive Assistant to the police chief Kara Guevara said. “Most recently, there have been three police officers, and two public safety dispatchers appointed to full-time positions.”

The new hires have been added over the past six months, after the start of the pandemic.

Officer Ethan DeMoss joined the Oakdale Police Department on April 4. Prior to making his way to the Cowboy Capital of the World, DeMoss worked for the Stockton Police Department for approximately one year. In his spare time, DeMoss enjoys fishing, playing guitar, and snowboarding.

Officer Jillian Costa graduated from the Stanislaus County Academy and was sworn-in as a full-time police officer on July 30. Prior to becoming an OPD police officer, she was a 911 dispatcher for two years with the department. She also served as an intern for five months with the Modesto Police Department. In her spare time, Costa shared she enjoys going to the lake.

Officer Ryan Smith joined the Oakdale Police Department on Aug. 25, after serving two and half years with the Escalon Police Department. He also served as an explorer and cadet with the Modesto Police Department early on in his law enforcement career. In his spare time, Smith enjoys spending time with family, riding motorcycles, and working out. Smith is also learning to speak Spanish and is fourth generation law enforcement.

Taylor Partenheimer and Jamie Wetzel were both promoted to full-time dispatchers in August. Prior to joining the Oakdale Police Department as a part-time dispatcher on Feb. 18, Partenheimer worked for a local veterinary group for two years. In her spare time, she enjoys barbequing with family and friends. Partenheimer also shared she’s a big Disney fan.

Wetzel joined the Oakdale Police Department as a part-time dispatcher on May 4. Prior to that, she served in Waste Management for nearly 10 years. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping and spending time with family and friends.

Wetzel shared that she also loves all things nature and loves to travel.