Selma Police Department Officers Ed Merrell and Ray Moore didn’t have to enter Southside Primary School April 14. There was nothing more than a broken window at the scene. It could have been written up as a criminal mischief report and quickly forgotten about.

Instead, the officers entered the school &045;&045; and earned themselves a commendation.

Swanson said the call about the window was received around 2:30 a.m. When Merrell and Moore arrived, principal Patricia Redd was already at the scene. Redd had searched the gymnasium, but hadn’t proceeded any further.

Moore and Merrell entered the school, and after a search of the building turned up two juveniles in the library. One came out when the officers started their search of the room, but the other remained hiding under a desk until found. Both were taken into custody.

Neither juvenile was a

student of the school.

Swanson said a number of burglaries have occurred at the school recently, and Moore and Merrell’s actions show attention and initiative.

Moore, a veteran of the Selma Police Department, said the search not only ensured the building was safe but also gave Principal Patricia Redd peace of mind.

Merrell, a rookie officer, said the commendation &045;&045; his first &045;&045; made him proud to be part of the department.

Warren Hinson, Selma Police Department public information officer, said the commendations not only create a higher level of morale for officers, but also let the public know their streets are being patrolled.