On October 29, 2024, the Marietta Police Department held a promotional pinning ceremony for three newly promoted staff members: Sergeant Henderson, Lieutenant Slatton, and Major Collins. Family members, friends, and colleagues gathered to celebrate, and Chief Beam expressed gratitude for the officers’ dedication and their families’ support.
A pinning ceremony in police departments is a formal event held to recognize and celebrate an officer’s promotion or graduation, during which the officer receives a new badge or insignia reflecting their rank. The badge or insignia is usually “pinned” onto the officer’s uniform by a family member, close friend, or mentor, symbolizing the support and shared commitment of loved ones in the officer’s career.
Sergeant Henderson has served with the department since 2004, after a career in the U.S. Army and various roles in the private sector. His assignments include SWAT, the Crime Scene Unit, and recruitment, with multiple awards for outstanding service. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in criminal justice and lives in Dallas with his wife and two children.
Lieutenant Slatton, a 22-year veteran of the Marietta Police Department, holds degrees in criminal justice and public safety administration. His experience spans uniform patrol and crime interdiction, and he co-founded a women’s self-defense program that earned community recognition. He is also a Medal of Meritorious Service recipient and has three children with his wife, Mandi.
Major Collins, with 34 years of public safety experience, has been with MPD for 23 years. A licensed paramedic and graduate of Northwestern University’s police command program, he has worked in various specialized units, including SWAT. Major Collins has received multiple distinguished awards for his leadership. He is married to Shannon and has four children.
Each officer’s commitment and accomplishments were honored as their chosen family members pinned them with their new badges.
About the Marietta Police Department
According to its website, the Marietta Police Department (MPD) has 193 staff members, including 139 full-time and 3 part-time officers.
The department is responsible for policing a city that, at the latest census estimate, has a population of 62,769.
The departmental website presents the following overview of Marietta Police Department divisions (visit the links for more information about each division):
- Investigations
The Investigative Services Division is responsible for investigating unsolved crimes, and handling long-term investigations related to gangs, narcotics and other organized crimes. - Support Services
The Support Services Division manages administrative functions that support Uniform Patrol and Investigative Services. - Uniform
The Uniform Division is primarily responsible for responding to calls for service and patrolling the community.
