Family supports family as South Bend Police swears in seven new officers

SOUTH BEND — Policing is a family affair. At least that’s how South Bend Police Officer Donzell Brown sees it. He’s looked out for his cousin his whole life and vice versa, Brown said.

As he attended the swearing in of seven new officers into the South Bend Police Department on May 15, which included his cousin Nathaniel Taborn, Brown said he plans to continue to look after his cousin as a fellow officer.

“That’s why I got him in here,” Brown said.

“Everywhere that Nathan worked, they worked together,” Taborn’s father, Danny, said. “Now, they’ve got it to this point and will work here together.”

Nathaniel Taborn, a former employee of Thor Motor Coach, was pinned by his parents, Danny and Jenny, who were excited about their son’s future in serving the city.

“It’ll be an accomplishment for him,” Taborn’s father said. “It’s something that will change his life. Anytime you serve and protect, that’s a big accomplishment.”

Friends and family filled the SBPD’s auditorium to celebrate the Board of Public Safety’s approval to hire six other officers in addition to Taborn: Nicholas Hess, Daniel Kurz, Thomas Petrizzo, Jeffrey Rose, Eric Vargo and Brandon Clark.

Clark’s father, Willie, and mother, Lynette, were proud and ecstatic in support of their son’s future as a police officer.

Clark, himself, felt a buzz of excitement, nerves and happiness.

Clark said he didn’t originally see himself working in law enforcement but was motivated by Joshua Morgan, the president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36. Clark previously managed and operated his own landscaping business after graduating from Clay High School in 2021 and managed a construction business with his father.

“My dad and I used to pour concrete (at the FOP) and do jobs through it and (Morgan) inspired me to do it,” he said.

The seven new officers graduated from the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on May 3. Clark spoke of the hard work they put in to graduate.

“The academy was very tough,” he said. “It was a lot of hard hours. If you were to mess up on two tests, you’d be done with the academy and have to restart the whole process. You’ve got to take it very seriously.”

Board of Public Safety member Al “Buddy” Kirsits congratulated the officers and offered them advice about their new responsibility that comes with the badge.

“This police department, the city of South Bend and the citizens have given you great trust to make the right decision. You’re in a very stressful job,” he said. “Do the right thing out there gentleman. Please be safe.”

He left some parting words.

“Enjoy your authority, but never disrespect it,” he said.

The South Bend Police Department currently has 253 officers following the board-approved seven new officers and the resignations of Hunter Miller and Alexander Williams.

Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at csarabia@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend Police reaches 253 officers after seven sworn in