Two new records specialists sworn in
The Woodland Police Department held a swearingin ceremony for two new records specialists earlier this week.
During the Tuesday evening ceremony held inside the WPD community room — located at 1000 Lincoln Ave — Chief Derrek Kaff welcomed the department’s newest hires, Lora Kennedy and Anuelle Jumuad.
“This is exciting not only because we have two new members joining our family here at the WPD, but also this is the culmination of years of work that we have been planning on returning to a 24/7 operation in our front office in the records department,” Kaff explained. “I can’t overexpress how much work and planning went into it.”
According to Kaff, the department now has nine records specialists, and as of July 1, 2022, the WPD records department will begin a 24/7 operation.
“Records is so much more than just recording and entering data,” Kaff said. “It is also about officer safety, especially at night. When our officers run a check, they need to confirm that a record exists for warrants, stolen vehicles, and other entries. The longer that delay is, the further time they are in peril. The quicker we can get the information, the better. Records now being 24/7 will allow us to dramatically reduce that amount of time.”
“We have to get this stuff right,” Kaff continued. “We all know that we are dealing with people’s lives, and the data being correct is absolutely critical, so we are excited today to bring on two new professionals that will be helping us accomplish that mission.”
After Kaff’s words, his executive assistant Trista Kennedy administered the oath of office to both Kennedy and Jumuad before one family member stepped up to pin the badge on their chests.
The ceremony marked the first time in over two years that a family member has been able to pin the badge on a new hire due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Kennedy has been a Woodland resident for over 40 years. The oldest of five children of Kurt and Vickie Kennedy, she attended Woodland schools and graduated from Woodland High School. Lora obtained her associate’s degree from American River College in Sacramento.
While growing up, Kennedy actively participated in her youth church program, 4-H, Band, theater, and sometimes soccer.
Her post-schooling life has consisted of being an active participant both on stage and backstage in several community theaters, most often with the amazing Woodland Opera House. She also enjoys dancing, taking many classes in Woodland and Davis.
After 25 years, Kennedy is moving on from her various roles at the Woodland Raley’s, where she most recently served as store bookkeeper.
Jumuad moved to Solano County in 2012 and graduated from Vacaville Christian High School.
She later earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton. During her time there, she was active in several student organizations before transitioning to online learning when the pandemic began.
Jumuad was lucky enough to experience both online graduation and an in-person commencement due to the unique situation of the class of 2021.
She worked multiple jobs while attending college, including bartending at Texas Roadhouse, where she learned how to make legendary margaritas.
During her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching moves. She loves to travel as well and considers herself a “foodie.”
They are both excited to become a part of the Woodland Police Department.