Colusa welcomes new police officer, promotes another

Tuesday was a long-awaited day for the citizens of Colusa as the Colusa Police Department added a new police officer to the force and promoted another to the position of sergeant.

Colusa City Clerk Shelly Kittle administered the oath of office to Officer Miguel Rios before a large crowd at City Hall that included city officials, other local law enforcement officers, and Rios’ wife, parents, sister, family members, friends, and his mentor Sgt. Author Williams, of the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office.

Rios, 31, who is from Sacramento, completed his Modular III basic course at Sierra College and completed his extensive police training and certification (Modular II and I) at Yuba College.
Rios’ wife Crystal pinned his police badge to his uniform, helping him to fulfill his dream to become a police officer after time working in the insurance industry.

“I come from a background of family in law enforcement,” Rios said. “My uncle, who was a NYPD (New York Police Department) officer on 9/11, pushed me more to become a peace officer.”

Rios said he was looking forward to serving the citizens of Colusa, and, after spending time in preliminary ride-along, said he loved the way the Colusa Police Department operates, the support the CPD gives its officers, and the support and respect from the Colusa community for law enforcement.
He also believes being a police officer is a better fit for his personality.

Chief Josh Fitch, who presented Rios with a Chief’s Coin, agreed.

“So far, he doesn’t seem to know a stranger,” Fitch said. “He came in and we’ve had no problem with him fitting in. He seems very outgoing and that is what struck me.”

Following Rios’s swearing in, Fitch promoted Officer Mikah Hogan to sergeant, with Kittle administering the oath of office for that position.

Hogan has been with the Colusa Police Department since December of 2016. He graduated from the Yuba College Academy earlier that same year.

Hogan is a highly regarded peace officer in the community and received commendation earlier this summer for his work with a special needs member of the community.

“Mikah has worked very hard for this promotion,” said Lt. Sara Martin. “I am proud of him. He plays a vital role within the department.”

Chief Fitch also expressed his pride in Hogan and said the promotion was the natural progression for him.

Although Hogan lives in Yuba City, most people consider him a local.

“He’s made this his community,” Fitch said. “So, I’m really excited for him moving forward. He’s a great fit for us.”

Hogan’s young daughter Rylee pinned her father’s sergeant’s badge to his uniform, as his wife Sami and son Rhett looked on.

Sami Hogan said her husband is well deserving of the opportunity to rise in the ranks of the Colusa Police Department.

“He loves what he does and he’s dedicated to the community,” she said.

Colusa officials said the job of being a police officer is tough, requiring them to sometimes put their lives in danger to protect the public, and to spend weekends and holidays away from their loved ones.

Councilman Josh Hill, who was one of several Colusa officials to attend the swearing in ceremony, said the accolades for both officers were well deserved.

“I’m very proud of the promoted officer and very happy to welcome Officer Rios to the family,” Hill said. ■