“The more things change, the more they stay the same” is the saying of the day here at Tucker Precinct. Before I explain, let me first introduce myself.
My name is Sergeant John Obester, and I am one of the Day Watch supervisors here at Tucker Precinct. After a memorable career working throughout DeKalb County, I was assigned to Tucker several years ago. While I prefer to stay behind the scenes (and out of trouble), I have been asked to write this monthly On the Beat article for the city. Captain Berg’s promotion and reassignment has provided me with the opportunity to finally realize my dream of becoming a famous writer. Unfortunately, my 15 minutes of fame ended many years ago! My primary responsibility now is to ensure our great officers stay on their toes, at least during the daylight hours.
Speaking of great Tucker Precinct officers, we are fortunate to have several former officers back in our building - in expanded capacities. The first is my former partner on Day Watch, our new Tucker Precinct Commander, Major Mathew Harden. Since leaving Tucker Precinct years ago, Major Harden has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge during his various assignments with the Department. These experiences include working as a supervisor and manager in our Special Victims Unit (SVU) and in our Support Services Division. More recently, Major Harden spent time as the Assistant Precinct Commander of our East and North-Central Precincts. Major Harden is a patient, thoughtful, and experienced individual who I know will make Tucker the most responsive police precinct in DeKalb County.
We are also fortunate to have a new Assistant Precinct Commander here at Tucker, Captain Donnie James. Although he never worked at Tucker Precinct as an officer, Captain James is very familiar with the area through his various stints in our Criminal Investigations Division (CID), including as a supervisor in our Narcotics Division (like Miami Vice, only without the Ferrari and nice clothes). Captain James also spent a good amount of time leading our nationally known police academy based in Lithonia. He brings a researched-based, instructional mind to Tucker Precinct which will be of immense benefit to our younger officers.
Finally, we are extremely lucky to have back our new City of Tucker Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Joseph Ridling. Some of you might remember a younger (and beardless) Lieutenant Ridling when he was assigned to Tucker as an officer with our Interactive Community Policing (ICP) Unit. For many years, the ICP officers were afforded the opportunity to delve deep into various community issues throughout DeKalb County. Today, there is no DKPD officer that knows the Tucker area better than Lieutenant Ridling. Plus, he brings his world-famous beard to our team!
While you may be overwhelmed hearing all the “new” names at Tucker Precinct, rest assured that everyone – those of us who have been here all along and those who have returned – want the best for the community. Having known and worked with our updated leadership team for many years, today I am extremely optimistic about the future of Tucker Precinct. While some things may have changed, our commitment to the safety and security of the Tucker community has not.
