Soldotna Mayor Paul Whitney swore in two new Soldotna police officers during Wednesday’s meeting of the Soldotna City Council, where they received their badges and took their oaths of office.

Officer Reid Culver, who was born and raised in northern California, is a former U.S. Army medic with six years of military experience that includes a deployment to Iraq. After finishing his enlistment, Culver spent five years with the California Highway Patrol before relocating to Alaska with his wife and three daughters to join the Soldotna Police Department. Culver’s badge was pinned on him at Wednesday’s council meeting by his wife.

Officer AJ Fresquez hails from Colorado and has an extensive family history in law enforcement. She’s a former EMT who likes spending time outside with her malinois, Bane. Together, Fresquez and Bane enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing and watching sunsets.

“I’m very excited to be here in Alaska and ready to get to work,” Fresquez is quoted as saying in a statement provided by the Soldotna Police Department.

Fresquez’ badge was pinned on by Soldotna Police Chief Dale “Gene” Meek, who presented the two as new officers after they took their oath of office.

“By the substantial oath of office that they just took, they’re stipulating that they’re going to protect this community and hold this badge in its honor,” Meek said. “If you notice that the badge is worn over the heart it’s because our hearts should be pure in the duties that we perform.”

Wednesday’s Soldotna City Council meeting can be streamed on the city’s website at soldotna.org.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.

From left, Soldotna Mayor Paul Whitney swears in new Soldotna Police Officers AJ Fresquez and Reid Culver while Police Chief Dale “Gene” Meek looks on during a meeting of the Soldotna City Council on Wednesday in Soldotna. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)