LINDEN &8212; The police department has a new face on the force, one that many area youth may already recognize from his time serving as an assistant coach for the Linden City Schools.

Police Chief Scott McClure announced Tuesday at the city council meeting that Demetrius Marshall, originally from Sweet Water, has joined the force. After attending the police academy in August, Marshall is expected to be a full patrolman in the fall.

McClure said he hopes Marshall&8217;s work with area youth in the past will be a benefit to the department.

Councilman Neal Jackson, who serves on the public safety committee, applauded McClure in his efforts in recruiting and also serving the public.

Also at Tuesday&8217;s meeting, Councilman William Curry proposed to the council a financial partnership with Linden City Schools on a renovation project for the Linden High School gym.

In May, the Linden Board of Education accepted an $850,000 bid from Eaves Construction to do structural repairs to the walls, upgrades to the lobby and concession area. Two alternate projects, a locker room upgrade and adding 250 seats to the gym, were also approved.

The bulk of the project is covered by bond issue funds from the state and extra Black Belt area funds designated by the state. The school system will also use awarded incentive grants for the project.

But a third option, a long-overdue heating and air conditioning system, was put on hold because the system does not have adequate funds for the project. Curry proposed assisting the schools with the approximately $140,000 needed to pursue the project.

The council took no action on the proposal.