Posted Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Clayton Moore is sworn in as the Huntington Police Department's newest officer with his parents, Randy and Jenny Moore, looking on.

HUNTINGTON – The Huntington Police Department welcomed its newest officer during a swearing in ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the Huntington City Building.

Clayton Moore served in the U.S. Army from December 2015 to June 2020. He is a combat veteran of the Iraq War, where he served a nine-month tour of duty, and also was stationed at Fort Bragg. He received commendation medals for conduct and achievement during his military career.

“His military peers and his references describe him as being a hardworking, dependable, trustworthy, loyal and sympathetic individual, a leader who will take the initiative and always wants to perform his job to the best of his abilities,” Huntington Police Chief Chad Hacker said during the ceremony. “These are all tremendous traits for a law enforcement officer.”

Moore enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating in 2015 from North Manchester High School, where he was a two-time wrestling state finalist.

Chief Hacker spoke of the responsibility that Moore has accepted as a new police officer to work alongside other law enforcement and community agencies for the benefit of the Huntington community.

In his own opening remarks, Mayor Richard Strick emphasized the higher level of responsibility and conduct expected of a Huntington officer.

“This is a hard job, and it’s a calling,” Mayor Strick said. “We welcome you to it, and you will find the first responders in the City of Huntington look out for another like family because, in a way, they are.”

Moore was sworn into duty by City Clerk Christi McElhaney with his parents, Randy and Jenny Moore, and other family members in attendance. Moore will report for academy training starting on August 30 before beginning 12 weeks of field training this December.