Cody Teltow has looked up to police officers since he was a young boy.
Now, as an adult, the Jennings County resident is living out his dream of serving and protecting.
Teltow, 22, is the newest addition to the Seymour Police Department. Mayor Matt Nicholson swore him into the job and he received his badge April 9.
"I have wanted to be a police officer ever since about age 10," he said. "I always liked seeing what police officers did and how they interacted with the community."
Having much respect for the men and women in blue, Teltow said he is fortunate to be able to be one of them now.
His first official day on the job was April 13. He spent that week with the department training eight hours a day.
But he already has knowledge of and some experience with law enforcement.
He graduated with academic honors from Jennings County High School. At 18, he began working at the Jennings County Jail, and a year later, he started the Indiana University Cadet Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from IUPUC, he attended the IU Police Academy and served as a sworn cadet on the IUPUC campus for nearly two years, where he worked with Seymour Police Chief Bryant Lucas.
"I have already attended the police academy with IU, so that is very helpful for me beginning a career with the Seymour Police Department," Teltow said.
He said his ability to communicate and get along with others will go a long way in being a respected public servant.
"I feel I am able to interact with people no matter what circumstances," he said. "I can talk to just about anybody about anything."
Being in the business of helping people, Teltow said he hopes to have a good relationship with Seymour residents and have a positive influence on others.
"I am most looking forward to serving the Seymour community and to help whomever is in need," he said.
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Name: Cody Teltow
Age: 22
Hometown: North Vernon
Education: Graduated from Jennings County High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus, completed the Indiana University Cadet Program at IUPUC and attended IU Police Academy
Occupation: Newest officer with the Seymour Police Department
Past experience: Worked at the Jennings County Jail and served as a sworn cadet on the IUPUC campus for two years
Family: Fiancee, Kaydee Sandefur; parents, Christina and Jerry Teltow; grandparents, Terry and Ollie Teltow and Deloris Lawson
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