A new officer has joined the Richmond Police Department, bringing years of experience and a desire to make a difference in the community he serves.

Leroy Blount was recently appointed to the Richmond Police Department following a unanimous vote of the Richmond City Council and was sworn in as the city’s newest police officer.

Mayor Mike Wright noted Blount had been interviewed multiple times and had spent time riding around and visiting with members of the department before his appointment.

“I think he will be an asset to the citizens and a good fit for us,” said Wright.

Blount’s interest in law enforcement dates back to his childhood in Gainesville, Fla., where he was raised and later joined the Gainesville Police Explorer program in 2009.

“I grew up in a rough neighborhood and knew I wanted to be the difference in the community,” explained Blount. “I realized that would be through law enforcement, focusing on the children in the community and showing them law enforcement officers are ther…