Changes are coming to the North Judson Police Department. The town council Monday approved the hiring of Derek Russell for the open police officer position.
Town Marshal Kelly Fisher said he comes to North Judson from Starke County EMS, and the town’s current officers felt that he’ll be able to pick up on police work quickly. “We’ll do about six weeks of FTO, and then he’ll be out on his own,” Fisher explained. “He has to take a 40-hour class. That will be within that six weeks, and then we’ll look to send him to the academy in August.”
Russell told council members that he hopes to be on the department “for a long, long time.” “I’m excited to serve the Town of North Judson,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve been doing for a long time on the EMS side of things, and I would like to kind of jump over and do the police aspect of it.”
The North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department has also agreed to add Russell as a probationary member, according to Fire Chief Joe Leszek.
Additionally, the town council approved Fisher’s recommendation to promote Officer Rico Simpson to chief deputy. Fisher said Simpson’s been working day shift, and she’s given him some additional administrative duties. “I was actually able to leave town for a couple days, left him in charge, and kept things running smoothly,” Fisher said. “He’s worked extra shifts when needed. He’s also shown leadership skills. He continues to lead our K-9 program.”
Fisher also reported that Officer Keaton Leszek is doing a great job, volunteering to step up and putting in countless hours of training as a K-9 officer. Fisher also thanked the officers’ wives and families for their support.
