The Farmersville Police Department has added a new officer to its team.

Officer Louis Phlips was sworn in Tuesday, Jan. 30 by Chief Marsha Phillips. The new officer brings experience from the Waxahachie Police Department where he worked for “a little less” than four years.

The Michigan native moved to Texas almost five years ago, living first in New Boston before heading to the west side of DFW to complete his police training at the Arlington Police Academy. After that, the new officer said he began his rookie career with the Waxahachie Police Department.

Phlips said that being a police offer had always “appealed” to him ever since he was a young kid. Before joining the force, he was a technical writer for the Army and has been a part of the Texas Army National Guard since 2019.

When asked why he picked Farmersville, Phlips said that he had heard about the job from his brother-in-law, Steven Jail. “He had been telling me about it,” he said, adding that after taking ride along with him, he applied for the job.

Phlips lives in the area with his wife. His first week consisted of getting acquainted with all the administrative requirements, in-processing and getting uniforms. It won’t be long before he is ready to hit the streets partnered with a field-training officer.

“Every city has their own way of doing it (police work),” Phlips said. “They’ll be showing me the ropes as far as how to do that.”

Currently, the police department has 10 officers. According to the city of Farmersville website, the department is also made up of four Reserve officers who all share patrol duties or assist when called upon.

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