Five New Fernandina Beach Police Officers “Pinned”

By Susan Hardee Steger
September 17, 2018 11:00 a.m.

On September 13, a pinning ceremony for five police officers was held in the Fernandina Beach Police Community Room.   Chief James Hurley introduced Officers Zach Leadingham, Kyle Kenyon, Brittany Decker, Colby Sears, and Andrew “Drew” McGlocking all of whom are in various stages of training.  According to Hurley, “Three [hires] are . . . due to vacancies, while two are new positions due to Florida State Marjorie Stoneman Douglas legislation.” All of the officers will have patrol duties.

In opening comments Hurley said, “We believe these five officers possess the right combination of courage, dedication, and proper preparation to be successful through a long career. “ In stressing the responsibilities of the position he said, “Our collective reputations . . . rely on everyone to hold the standards. [These officers] are required to be morally strong and mentally tough so they can operate without direct supervision. They will need to exercise independent judgement when confronting extremely complex situations; emergencies of all types.”

Prior to administering the oath, Nassau County Court Judge Wesley Poole spoke of his life long admiration and appreciate for the Fernandina Beach Police Department and “what these men and women do everyday. I see the product of their work.”  According to Poole, the Police Department “has an excellent reputation and is respected on both sides of the bar: prosecution and defense.”

About the Officers:

Zach Leadingham is a native Floridian who is the stepson of FBPD Officer Rich Benton. Leadingham served in the U.S Army from 2009- 2016 and is currently serving in the Florida National Guard. He previously served at the Columbia Correctional Institute in Lake City. Leadingham grew up in Fernandina Beach during his teenage years. His upmost goal was to be a police officer in Fernandina Beach.

Kyle Kenyon is from Cameron, N.C. He served in the Marine Corp from 2005 – 2013  leaving service as an E-5 Sergeant . He received two combat action ribbons for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also received a Global War on Terrorism service medal.

Brittany Decker was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and is a 2006 graduate of West Nassau High School. She has lived in San Diego, Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland,  Thailand, and Paris.  She is a former preschool teacher, and welder. Decker is a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has trained in mixed martial arts for five years. Decker has competed in mixed martial arts grappling and kickboxing tournaments in Japan and the United States.

Colby Sears was born in New London, Connecticut and is a 2012 graduate of Waterford High School. He was a college wrestler during his time at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich, Connecticut. Since 2013, Sears has served in the Army Reserves. His previously worked at Sears Roebuck, and dealt Black Jack .

Andrew “Drew”McLocking is a 1993 graduate of St Augustine High School. He served in the Marine Corp from 1993 – 2004 and was an Army Reservist. During his military service he received a Humanitarian Service Medal, and was recognized as an outstanding military volunteer.   He a former volunteer for Special Olympics. In 2008, he earned a business management certificate from Florida State College Jacksonville. He was employed as an assistant manager at WalMart in Jacksonville and Yulee. His most recent employment was with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in courthouse security.