Lewes swears in two councilmen, one police officer

Lewes Mayor and City Council’s May 22 meeting marked the beginning of a new chapter for three men in Lewes.

Prior to council’s monthly meeting, Councilman Tim Ritzert and Councilman Joe Elder were sworn into office. Then during the meeting, Phillip Poorman was sworn in as a new police officer.

Elder’s family was in the audience in a show of support for the lifelong educator who took the oath of office for the first time. Ritzert took the oath or the second time. 

Prior to agenda items, a special ceremony was held for Poorman to take the oath of office and become a member of the Lewes Police Department. Poorman’s family was in the audience. According to Chief Thomas Spell, the Lewes Police Department is fully staffed for the first time since he took over in 2016. 

In addition to Poorman, five patrol vehicles were recently put into service, alleviating some concerns the department had about its fleet. The five vehicles, in addition to an incoming three, will allow the department to properly implement a take-home vehicle program.