Merrillville police commissioners approve promotions of two officers

The Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners of the Town of Merrillville approved two promotional resolutions during a brief ceremonial meeting, advancing Officer Derek Diehl to sergeant and Officer Michael Bunnell to corporal, each effective Dec. 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. and subject to a six-month probationary period.

The two resolutions—listed in the meeting transcript as Resolution 10 51 (Diehl) and Resolution 10 52 (Bunnell)—were read into the record and adopted by roll-call votes. For Resolution 10 51, a motion to adopt was made and seconded; Commissioners recorded affirmative votes and the presiding officer announced the resolution had passed. For Resolution 10 52, the board again voted by roll call and the resolution was announced as passed. The transcript records affirmative votes from the commissioners present and shows both measures carried.

The police chief, introducing the ceremony, described the promotions as recognition of "hard work, dedication, and persistent commitment" and said the new ranks represent "a new chapter, a new level of responsibility," praising Officer Diehl for a meticulous investigative approach and leadership across investigatory roles and noting Diehl's service to the department since July 2013 and prior volunteer work as a firefighter. The chief summarized Officer Michael Bunnell's service history—beginning as a dispatcher in May 2004, becoming a sworn officer in March 2023, and serving as patrolman, school resource officer and detective—and described Bunnell as "another excellent candidate for promotion."

Family members took part in a traditional pinning; the chief thanked families for their support, saying loved ones "take the punches that nobody sees" and that their support is foundational to officers' work. The board then moved to adjourn; a motion by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Pollock, passed by voice vote.

The meeting transcript uses the place name "Maryville" in several items; the board referenced in the meeting materials and this write-up is the Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners of the Town of Merrillville (name normalized to local official usage). The effective dates and six-month probationary periods are recorded in the meeting reading of each resolution. No other formal actions or votes were recorded in the transcript.