On October 21, 2001, Chief Scott S.G. Vermeer promoted Menlo Park Detective Eric Cowans to Sergeant. Sergeant Cowans was hired by the Menlo Park Police Department in June 1994. After completing 800 hours of training at a local police academy, Cowans worked Patrol developing a special interest in the detection and arrest of drug traffickers. He has extensive training in narcotics investigation and was temporarily assigned to the San Mateo County Narcotic Task Force in early 2001. Additionally, Sergeant Cowans was a defensive tactics instructor who trained all department members in safe and effective manners of arrest. Before becoming a police officer, Sergeant Cowans worked as teacher's aide at Woodside Elementary School. Cowans and his wife live in San Mateo County. Sergeant Cowans is currently assigned to patrol supervision.

In a time where most police departments have difficulty maintaining minimum staffing levels, the Menlo Park Police Department is fully staffed with the addition of our newest members to the department:

Records Officer Kimi Miller was formerly with San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and San Francisco Police. Officer Chris Egan comes to MPPD from the Half Moon Bay Police Department. Officer Eric Dias joins MPPD after serving with the Fremont Police Department. Reserve Officer Stan Szeto comes to MPPD from the Newark Police Department.

Photographs of Sergeant Cowans and all new employees available below or from Sergeant Molakides by e-mail.   ###