Reserve officer Aaron Smith resigns; commission to review reserve program under pending state legislation

The Brownsburg Police Commission accepted the resignation of Reserve Officer Aaron Smith, who said his family is relocating and he will step down effective May 30.

Commissioner Cooper read Smith's resignation letter saying the move will allow the family to be closer to relatives and pursue a rural lifestyle. "This is a very difficult decision for me because with this change, I'm going to have to resign from the reserve unit," the letter said as read into the record. The commission moved to accept the resignation; the motion carried by voice vote.

Chief Joe Grimes thanked Smith for his service and said the department values reserve volunteers. Grimes told commissioners that, with Smith's departure, two reserve officers remain. He said staff will consult with legal and review pending state legislation referenced as a "house bill" before deciding whether to revitalize the reserve program or allow attrition to reduce it. "It's something that we have to continue to assess and really, depending on legislation, how much it restricts our ability to have a reserve program," Grimes said.

Commissioners did not vote on changes to the reserve program at the May 13 meeting; Grimes said the department will return with recommendations after reviewing legal guidance.