Preston council approves police hire, swears in officers and gifts service pistol to sheriff

The Preston City Council approved a final offer of employment for Michael Rasmussen as a police officer and held multiple swearing‑in ceremonies for new and promoted public‑safety personnel during its meeting.

Chief of Police Steve Sewell said background checks and onboarding paperwork were complete for one candidate and asked the council for permission to extend a final offer; the council voted to approve the offer. The chief said Rasmussen would fill one of two open police positions.

The council also conducted ceremonial oaths for officers on staff: Tyler Olinger was sworn in as a police officer; Nicholas J. Hyde took an oath and was introduced in connection with a sergeant role; and a lieutenant (identified in the meeting as Lieutenant Reuter) also took an oath as part of the department reorganization described by the chief.

In a separate, ceremonial item, the council presented a duty pistol previously carried by a departing officer to Sheriff Stoker. Chief Sewell noted the weapon was purchased in 2013 and had been the departing officer’s service weapon during his tenure with the department.

Council members and the chief discussed training and academy timing for new officers; the chief said academy opportunities were limited and that recruits typically go through spring or fall academy sessions. The council approved the employment offer for Rasmussen and completed the swearing‑in oaths; the items were acted on during the meeting’s personnel and ceremonial segments.