» New reserve officer joins Bandon force

By Steve McCasland
Staff Writer
Saturday, August 23, 2008 | No comments posted. John France, 22, a 2004 Bandon High School graduate, was sworn in as the Bandon Police Department’s newest reserve officer on Aug. 7.

France, who was born in Sacramento, Calif., moved here with his parents in 1993 to be closer to other family in Oregon. He has worked in maintenance at Heritage Place for the past three years.

About six months ago, the newest reserve asked Police Chief Bob Webb for advice on getting into the field of law enforcement.

“I wanted to become a police officer, and he told me about the reserve program,” France said. “I’ve been interested in law enforcement my entire life, and I never really got into any trouble. I’m looking for a career that’s going to take me somewhere — one that will support a family.”

He added that he likes police work and the other local officers he’s gotten to know recently.

“They’ve been real nice,” he said. France has been receiving training in use of force, radio skills and procedures, and other areas of study in which officers must be certified. He’s looking forward to continuing that training.

“In a field like this, you can never learn enough,” he said. “The guys around me know a lot, and I’m willing to listen to what they have to say and learn.”

While at BHS France enjoyed building things in the school’s manufacturing program. He likes spending time with his family and enjoys being out in the sun and travelling.

“My friends and family are the main things in my life,” he said. “I’d like to pursue law enforcement as a career, and I’m taking it one step at a time. Here and now is what matters to me, and I make the best of it.”

France has a 2-year-old son and is engaged to be married.