The city of Sumner welcomed a new police officer to the community Monday, Dec. 2. The ceremony also marked the official promotion of Officer Gary Backus to Sergeant.

Luke Bellman is a criminal justice major from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Like many other little boys, he wanted to be a police officer but actually began his college career in business, he said. Several ride alongs and a nine month internship with the Greensboro Police Department confirmed his childhood dream was the right path to take, so he switched his major, he said. Bellman’s background includes over seven years serving in the army, with a tour in Afghanistan.

Bellman moved to Kent a little over a year ago with his wife, who is originally from the Puget Sound area. As a seasoned traveler, Bellman said people are pretty much the same everywhere you go but what sets the Northwest apart is quality of life.

“We have everything here. The Seahawks are doing great this year and I’m really looking forward to making trips out to Mount Rainier. I see it every day but haven’t been there yet,” he said.

Sumner, in particular, provides the small town, intimate environment and community connection he craves.

“New York City is too expensive and the South is too slow for my taste,” Bellman said. “Sumner rose to the top of my list because it gives the opportunity for me as a police officer to interact with the community I serve.”

Bellman’s current focus is on learning the job and getting out on patrol, he said. Next stop will be the police academy and from there, he can begin thinking about special assignments. For now, he said he wants to avoid zeroing in on specific interests until he gets a better idea of his personal approach and passion.

“I bring strong interpersonal skills to the city and the impact law enforcement has is important to me,” he said. “But I’m not too interested in special assignments yet, for example working with the schools, because I want to focus on learning the job first. My passion will become evident in the process.”

Participating in the oath of office ceremony Dec. 2 was like crossing a finish line, Bellman said.

“This process was a long one from start to finish and it was a huge relief to finally have it behind me. I was smiling the whole time because I’ve been looking forward to this event for almost a decade. It was really special to have the Mayor and the Chief take such a personal interest in the event,” said Bellman “It’s that kind of personal interaction that drew me to the Sumner Police Department in the first place and I am looking forward to starting this chapter of my career and life.”

Officer Gary Backus was also promoted to sergeant that evening, after working for the department since 1985. During the last 28 years, Backus has been a member of Metro SWAT and Metro Clandestine Lab Team. Currently, he is an advisor to the South Valley Police Explorers, a group of 14 to 21-year-olds pursuing careers in law enforcement. As a long time firearms instructor, Backus has been awarded multiple marksmanship awards. He also holds lifesaving and merit Awards from the department, among others.

Backus said he enjoys working in Sumner and considers it to be part of his home.

“What I like about working in Sumner is hard to put in just a few words. I have grown to consider Sumner my home. The city of Sumner and its residents have been very positive and supportive throughout my career,” said Backus. “I have a strong (sense) of community and only hope I can give back as a Sgt. By building on the high quality of police service we all here at Sumner Police Department strive for.”