The Kokomo City Board of Public Works and Safety on Aug. 27 approved the hire of three police officers and authorized the purchase of three unmarked vehicles for the Kokomo Police Department.

Chief Stout recommended the board "accept the employment of Lainie Arms, Elijah Harris, and Trenton Rawls to the Kokomo Police Department as officers effective 09/01/2025." The board approved that recommendation.

Stout also presented quotes for three unmarked investigation vehicles. Eric Chevrolet quoted three Chevy Equinoxes at $29,750 each for a total of $89,250; other quotes for three Grand Cherokees were higher (one dealer quoted $124,602.75 and another $129,778.25). The board approved the purchase from Eric Chevrolet as the lowest responsive offer. A single board member recorded an abstention on the vehicle vote; the motion otherwise carried.

Why it matters: The hires increase department staffing, and the vehicle purchase equips the investigative unit; both are standard personnel and procurement actions that affect department operations going into fiscal year 2025.

Board action: Both motions passed with the effective date for hires set for Sept. 1, 2025.