Under the warm glow of city hall lights, the Batavia City Council gathered on April 7, 2024, to welcome new members into the community's public safety teams. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the council held a ceremonial oath of office for three new recruits: probationary police officers Robert Dace and Brett Chrissy, along with full-time firefighter-paramedic Nick Dean.

Chief of Police introduced Robert Dace, a seasoned officer with 21 years of experience from the Aurora Police and Fox Valley Park District Police Departments. An Army veteran and a graduate of West Aurora High School, Dace brings a wealth of knowledge and a background in cybersecurity from Waubonsee Community College. His appointment is seen as a significant addition to the Batavia Police Department, with hopes that his extensive experience will make an immediate impact.

Next, the council welcomed Brett Chrissy, a recent graduate of Aurora University with a degree in criminal justice. A lifelong resident of Kane County, Chrissy has shown a strong interest in law enforcement through his previous work in loss prevention. He is set to begin training at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy, where he will undergo a rigorous 16-week program before joining the department's internal training.

The meeting also highlighted the addition of Nick Dean to the Batavia Fire Department. A local who grew up in Batavia, Dean has been involved with the department since high school, progressing from an explorer to a paid-on-call firefighter. Recently certified as a paramedic, he is now ready to take on the responsibilities of a full-time firefighter-paramedic.

As the oaths were administered, the council and community members celebrated the commitment of these new officers and firefighters to serve and protect Batavia. Their diverse backgrounds and dedication to public service promise to enhance the safety and well-being of the community. With these new appointments, Batavia continues to strengthen its public safety team, ensuring a brighter future for its residents.