The Winamac Town Council members met for an executive session and a special meeting on Monday in order to consider and vote on a few different matters related to the Winamac Police Department.
At the last Winamac Town Council meeting, Town Marshal Mike Buchanan officially announced his retirement, which will take effect on July 1st. As a result of his announcement, council members met to consider who will serve as his replacement.
There were two current Winamac police officers who were interested in the position; First Sergeant Mark Hoffman and Deputy Marshal Brian Gaillard.
After careful consideration during their executive session, members adjourned and held the special meeting to announce their decision. There was unanimous council approval to have First Sergeant Mark Hoffman replace Buchanan once he retires.
Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger said that though Hoffman won’t receive the official title until July, he will begin shadowing the position and familiarizing himself with duties in May. Once Hoffman becomes Marshal, he will select a member of the Winamac PD to fill the open First Sergeant’s position.
Additionally, members voted to hire Reserve Officer Alec Berger as a patrolman in order to keep the force at its current size once Hoffman transitions to Marshal. Berger will start on April 2nd and will have a year to complete his police academy training.
The window for academy registration is not currently open but Berger will be signed up for the next available course.
