BROWNSTOWN — The ranks of the Brownstown Police Department recently grew to eight with a decision to hire a Crothersville native for the only available position.
Michael Huff, who now lives in Brownstown, joined the force after being sworn in during a recent town council meeting at the town hall.
“Being in law enforcement is something I have wanted to do for a long time, but for me, the opportunity had not come along until now,” the 36-year-old said.
Huff said his decision to become a police officer stems in part from the eight years he was in the military.
“I like that I will be able to help my community and the people that live in it, and it has always felt like a fulfilling career for me after the military,” he said when asked what he liked about law enforcement.
Huff is set to attend the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield in August.
“If we can get him in then,” Police Chief Tom Hanner said.
Hanner said Huff met all of the requirements to become an officer, and the department now has its full complement of eight officers.
This past year, the town council eliminated a position for a ninth officer to improve the pay and benefits for the eight full-time officers, Hanner said.
Huff, who joined the force Feb. 28, said things are going well with his new position.
“I am working with a great group of people, and they have treated my like one of their own since Day 1,” he said. “They are knowledgeable in what they do, and they are patient with me while I am learning.”
He has lived in Brownstown for 11 years.
“I have made some really good friends since I have lived here,” he said.
Huff, who graduated from Crothersville High School and Vincennes University, was joined by his wife, Nikki Huff, and sons, Evan Schneider and Mason Huff, for the swearing-in ceremony conducted by town Clerk-Treasurer David Willey.