Police Department adds five new officers to the beat

The Porterville Police Department got a staffing boost today with the addition of five new officers.

New to the department are Officer Jeremy Painter, Reserve Officers Heather Funderburk and Jesus Rangel, Officer Trainee Amanda Guillen and Community Services Officer Carlos Ochoa.

Painter began his law enforcement career as a deputy with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department in 2004. He worked in the Custody Division until 2005, when he became an officer with the Farmersville Police Department. Painter was assigned to the Patrol Division and the Traffic Unit.

Funderburk is new to law enforcement. She recently completed the Reserve Police Officer Program at Porterville College. She is a teacher in the Burton School District.

Rangel is just beginning in law enforcement. He also completed PC's Reserve Police Officer Program. He works at Sierra View District Hospital.

Guillen was a member of the Police Department's Explorer Post. She graduated from Granite Hills High School in 2002 and was hired as a trainee and will attend the Basic Police Academy in the fall.

Ochoa was also a member of the department’s Explorer Post. He is a 2008 graduate of Monache High School.

Police Chief Chuck McMillan announced the hew hires today. All are assigned to the Patrol Division. The announcement comes a day after McMillan announced a number of promotions within the department, including two new captains, one new lieutenant and two new sergeants.

-- Contact Glen Faison at 784-5000, Ext. 1040, or gfaison@portervillerecorder.com.