Leachville officers graduate from Police Academy

Leachville Police Officers Chuck Davis and Nathan Parnell were among the graduates of the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Training Academy and are back on the job.

Chuck Davis:

Davis moved to Leachville in 1999. He has served on the Leachville Fire Department since 2007. He has served as assistant fire chief. He is also a first responder. Being a firefighter and a first responder is an asset to becoming a law officer. It is all about serving the public and keeping the residents of Leachville safe.

Nathan Parnell

He and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 22 years. She is a certified nursing assistant at the Manila Nursing Center. They have two children, Chareigan, 20, who works at St. Bernards and Avery, 12, who is a student at Buffalo Island Central.

“I always wanted to be a police officer and I told myself before I turned 45 I was going to do that,” Davis said. “I am 44 and I made it. At the academy there was another 44 year old and a 50 year old. It is never too late to do what you want to do. I’m glad to be back and serving my hometown.”

Davis went to work for the Leachville police department part time and went full time in January.

“I appreciate Chief Alan Austin for giving me the chance to become an officer and the city officials for their support,” Davis said.

The academy training is a 13-week program. Davis said he is ready to get back on the job which he did on Monday, Nov. 21. He is the night shift officer.

Nathan Parnell:

Parnell grew up in Monette and moved to Leachville three years ago. He and his wife, Jessica, have three children Tyeson, 7, Teagan, 4, and Elijah, nine months. Jessica is going to nursing school.

Parnell joined the Leachville Police Department in June and is very grateful for the opportunity to follow his dream.

“Ever since I was young I wanted to be a police officer,” Parnell said. “At the age of 32, I finally got the opportunity. I appreciate Chief Austin, Sgt. Pearson, Patrolman Davis and part-time officers Kevin and Amie for their encouragement. I am looking forward to serving the people of Leachville. I have only lived here three years but it is home to me. I hope to be here for a long time.”

Parnell said he is glad to be home.

“The most difficult thing about the academy was being away from my family all week,” he said. “The normal is coming home every day to your wife and kids.”

Parnell also works the night shift.

Chief Austin expressed his congratulations to the two officers on their graduation from the academy.

“We are all glad to have them back on the job with us,” Chief Austin said.