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DENTON – During Denton’s Town Council meeting, held on the eve of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the Council honored members of the Denton Police Department and swore in the Department’s newest recruit.
To start, Denton Councilmember Lester Branson presented Denton PD Chief George Bacorn with a certificate of appreciation for his 35 years of service to Denton. “You and I have been here the longest,” Councilmember Branson joked. Bacorn said that Branson was in attendance at his graduation from the Police Academy in December of 1990, “Councilman Branson asked me a question that at the time was pretty common, ‘How long are you going to be here? How long is it going to be before you go somewhere better?’ I told him then that if the town treated me well, I will treat them well…Here we are, 35 years later.”
Sergeant Jerry Stivers of Denton PD was also recognized for his service. Sgt. Stivers was chosen to receive the 2025 Outstanding Service Provider Award from the Town of Denton. “Sgt. Jerry Stivers is recognized by his peers for providing services to the citizens and businesses of Denton that are above and beyond his typical day to day responsibilities. On behalf of the Denton Town Council and staff, we thank you for your outstanding service to the community,” said Denton Mayor Abigail McNinch. Town Manager Scott Getchell noted that the Outstanding Service Provider Award is voted on by all of Denton’s town staff, “It’s very organic, and he deserves it.”
Private First Class Toby Hafer was sworn in as Denton’s newest member of the force. PFC Hafer was previously with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office.
Lastly, the Town celebrated all members of the Denton PD by issuing a proclamation for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Councilmember Keith Johnson read the proclamation, which, in part, stated, “the Town of Denton appreciates the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made by officers and their families on a daily basis in order to protect our schools, workplaces, roadways, and homes.” National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was observed on Friday, January 9.
