On Tuesday, the Antioch Police Department hired it’s 100th office as it inches closer to the 102-authorized officers approved by the City Council.
Officer Ryan Duff, became officer 100 after being sworn in by Police Chief Allan Cantando.
According to Cantando, Duff grew up in the Los Angeles area until he was 13 years-old and moved to Antioch where he attended Deer Valley High School. After graduating from DVHS, Duff attended Los Medanos College and eventually transferred to California State University, Hayward where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
After finishing college Duff decided he wanted to start an exciting career in Law Enforcement. Duff has nearly 10 years of law enforcement experience where he previously worked for the Emeryville and Concord Police Departments. During his career, Duff has worked as a patrol officer, a range instructor, a defensive tactics instructor, an impact weapons instructor, and an FTO.
Cantando said officer 100 was a great achievement and was special that it came in the form of an Antioch resident.
“I think it is something that is not out of the ordinary because we have been marketing and engaging young people within our community for a career in law enforcement,” said Cantando. “It’s wonderful that someone who lived in our community eventually became an Antioch Police Officer.”
Cantando added that its great to be getting closer to the 102-authorized number according to the City budget.
“It’s great to be getting closer to 102 because the department has put in a lot of work since the passage of Measure C coming from 82 to approaching 102. We have hired 49-people, but this is our net,” explained Cantando. “People need to understand that netting 18-officers is huge because people go out on retirement, medical, or other separations. Staff has worked hard to recruit and hire at a quick pace.”
Photo by Antioch Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock
For Cantando, who is set to retire in April, this was his last swearing in of an officer.
“It was an honor for me to swear in Officer Duff as we continue to build our department,” said Cantando.
In attendance was the entire city council, except for the Mayor who was absent, which is why Chief Cantando swore in Officer Duff. The Department is also still looking to add another police sergeant as they now have more strain on a sergeants workload.
In November 2013, Antioch voters passed Measure C, a half cent sales tax that sunsets in 2021. The funding from Measure C goes to police and code enforcement services.
