Locust Police Chief Jeff Shew introduced the department’s two newest officers, Eric Fore and Tim Flueger Jr., during the city council’s meeting Thursday night.

Fore comes to Locust from the Norwood Police Department, and had previously served on the police force in Wadesboro.

“At Norwood, Eric was selected as ‘Police Officer of the Year’ by VFW Post 6183,” said Shew. “And he came with high recommendations and praise from Norwood Police Chief James Wilson, which speaks highly of both his character and Chief Wilson’s.”

Flueger, a Locust resident, is a 2023 graduate of the Stanly Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training program, and carries an associate degree in criminal justice from SCC.

“Tim worked as a detention officer with the Union County Sheriff’s Department for some time, and repeatedly requested their support of his enrollment in a cadet training program, but was turned down each time. We were able to provide that opportunity for him, and we are happy to have him with us now,” said Shew.

Both officers have already been sworn in and are active members of the Locust Police Force.