MENDOTA – The city of Mendota gained a new full-time police officer and has two more in training, it was learned at the Sept. 16 regular meeting of the Mendota City Council.

Daniel Hernandez was sworn in as a full-time officer with the Mendota Police Department. He was administered the oath of office by Bill Kobilsek of the Police & Fire Commission. Hernandez has been a part-time officer for about one year, and according to Chief Greg Kellen, Hernandez has been an immense addition to the department. Kellen said his bilingual skills have been a great asset to the department.

Kellen announced that officers Seth Martin and Randy Tucker began police training academy on Sept. 16 and are scheduled to graduate on Dec. 20.

Also, Kellen said the police department was honored with a bicycle safety pedestrian award for the second year in a row.

In other items, alderman Bill Hunt reported that a person has been arrested for recent incidents of broken windows in the downtown area. The individual is in custody and is being evaluated for mental illness.

Hunt said a meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 to discuss staffing at the Mendota Fire Department and the Ambulance Service.

Hunt added that plans are still moving forward with the proposed Illinois Avenue Project.

Alderman Jim Fitzpatrick presented a request from OSF Saint Paul Medical Center officials to conduct their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tag Day from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the corner of Main and Meriden streets. The request was approved.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.