Victoria Police Officer Matthew Gatling was recently promoted to Corporal of the department, Chief Keith Phillips confirmed. Gatling was honored for his promotion at the recent Victoria Town Council meeting.

Phillips described Gatling as dedicated and hardworking.

“You couldn’t ask for a better employee,” Phillips said.

Phillips said Gatling has been with the Victoria Police Department for a few years and worked briefly in Blackstone in addition to Victoria.

Gatling is not currently replacing anyone on the department, Phillips said. Phillips said Gatling is the only Colonel on the Victoria department.

Phillips said Gatling is in the process of being certified to be the handler for the Victoria Department’s narcotics K-9.

Gatling said he is excited for the opportunity to serve.

“(I’m) very grateful to Chief Phillips and the Town of Victoria for the opportunity to work for and with them,” Gatling said.

Gatling said he’s also excited to become the handler for the Victoria Department’s narcotics K-9.

The dog’s name is Sadie, Gatling said. Gatling said Sadie is currently being handled by Investigator Mike Landry.

Gatling estimates he would be certified in the next few weeks.