The Merced Police Department saw a few more changes Friday with one promotion and one officer sworn back into the ranks.

Jeffrey R. Horn became the Department’s newest sergeant, and Dayton Snyder returned to the force. Police Chief Christopher Goodwin presided over the swearing in ceremony Friday.

Horn, 45, grew up in Kerman in a family that has deep roots in public service. His father was a fire captain for the City of Fresno and his mother was the secretary for a school principal. His daughter is a special education aid and coaches volleyball and softball while she completes her degree and teaching credential.

Horn started his career with the Los Banos Police Department in 1997 and came to the Merced PD in 2001. He has been a field training officer, served on the Gang Violence Suppression Unit and the Merced Multi-Agency Narcotic Task Force and as a detective in the major crimes unit. He received the Department’s Medal of Valor.

In his off duty time he enjoys bass fishing and fishing tournaments around the state. He coaches youth baseball and has been a volunteer coach for the past nine seasons. He has an AA degree in criminal justice.

Snyder’s hometown is Merced. He served in the Merced Police Department from 2003 to 2005 before joining the Atwater Police Department. At Atwater PD he had been awarded the Domestic Violence Officer of the Year Award. He had served as a corporal, sergeant and administrative sergeant in that department.

He and his wife, Michelle, have four sons, Christian, Brendan, Daniel and Noah.

Snyder, 44, has a master’s degree in public safety leadership administration.

Off duty, he enjoys spending time with his family and his grandbaby, and playing softball.

The Department has filled 92 of the 98 budgeted positions. Goodwin has made recruitment and retention a Department priority since taking over the Department.

The Department is continuing its recruitment efforts. The City is currently recruiting for both police officers and police officer trainees. The position of police officer pays $62,169.36 to $75,566.88 a year. Trainees can earn from $40,264.08 to $48,941.04. More information on the jobs can be found at the City’s website