Police department advances hiring; three positions remain open

The police department reported Tuesday that it received 33 applications for open officer positions and that 28 candidates will proceed to testing after several applicants withdrew for medical or other reasons. Department staff said three sworn positions remain open. Staff reported that Officer Sturgis is expected to graduate from the police academy on Aug. 22 and will return to duty thereafter. The department said school resource officers are preparing to return to schools for the fall semester and that internal promotions included selecting Rachel for the second-shift dispatch lead position. The department also noted recent community outreach: a scam-and-fraud presentation at St. Paul LaCrosse (presented by Deputy Chief Anderson) and the Wheels of Whitley County event, which staff said had strong attendance and local business engagement. Direction: The department will proceed with testing of 28 applicants and continue recruitment to fill the three open positions.