Columbus Police Chief Butch Kennedy has announced that Nicholas C. (Nick) Stott has joined the Columbus Police Department. Officer Stott began part-time duty June 3.

Stott is a native of Polk County. He was an honors graduate of Polk County High School in 2002. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in peace, war and defense from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006, where he also minored in history and Asian studies.

Stott completed basic law enforcement training at the Chapel Hill Police Academy. He has completed more than 700 hours of training and continuing education in the field of law enforcement since completing his basic training.

Stott worked for the Polk County Sheriff&squo;s Office from 2006 until 2009, and he is still a reserve Sheriff&squo;s Deputy. He is a firefighter and an EMT, and he has worked with the Columbus Fire Department since 2002. Stott is also a member of the Polk County Rescue Squad and Polk County First Responders.

Stott is the son of Steve and Cathy Stott of Tryon, and he is a member of Tryon First Baptist Church.