City of La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody announced and swore in Richard Buell as the new Chief of Police for the City of La Porte Police Department Monday morning.
A La Porte County native, Buell’s policing career began at La Porte. He advanced quickly through the ranks, holding the titles of Patrolman, Corporal, Field Training Officer and Firearms Instructor during his six-year tenure.
Following his stint on the city department, Buell served 20 years for the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office as a Sergeant, Captain, Chief of Detectives and Jail Commander. He then went on to serve another six years as the Executive Director of La Porte County Community Corrections.
Among Buell’s goals for the position are continued drug enforcement, increased safety of residents and setting high standards within the department.
Dermody also appointed and swore in Officer Matt Drangmeister as Buell’s Assistant Chief.
Drangmeister has served 16 years on the City of La Porte Police Department.
