Two new officers sworn in to Paradise Valley Police Department

Officer Vasilije Sagovnovic No. 249 and Officer Melissa Grove No. 250 have joined the Paradise Valley Police Department.

They successfully passed their AZ Peace Officer Standards and Training Board exam this week and were officially sworn in by Chief Freeman Carney in a ceremony attended by their loved ones and department members on Thursday, Aug. 15.

Sagovnovic is 28 years old, originally from Montenegro and fluent in Serbian, according to the Town Manager’s Weekly Update. He moved to the United States at the age of three, growing up in Las Vegas, Nev. with his parents, sister and German Shepherd puppy, Jax.

Inspired by his grandfather, who was a detective in Serbia, and driven by a lifelong passion for helping others, Sagovnovic pursued a career in law enforcement, the newsletter stated. He served as a Nevada State Trooper for five years, during which he held various roles including auxiliary team member for the Nevada Governor’s protection detail.

After meeting his fiancée, Jovana, during the Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Academy, they decided to move to Phoenix.

Grove was born and raised in Cypress, Calif. From a young age, she felt pulled toward a career in public service, which led her to become a police officer in 2015. She had the opportunity to serve in the city where she was born and raised, building deep connections within the community, according to the newsletter.

During her time with the Cypress Police Department, Grove gained experience in several roles, including homeless liaison officer.

In 2021, Grove relocated to Phoenix with her husband, three children, two dogs (Bailey and Brixton), and one cat (Tuna), following her husband’s new job opportunity. After exploring several police departments, she found her new home with PVPD where she was impressed by the department’s strong sense of community and commitment to excellence.