Schererville board advances police officer; police and firefighters announce summer community events

The Town of Schererville Board of Safety unanimously approved advancing a sworn police officer from probationary status to first-class patrolman, effective July 5, after the officer completed the required six-month probationary period.

Police Chief Peter Sormoz presented the personnel item, saying the officer "has completed all the requirements for the probationary status" and recommended advancement to first-class patrolman effective 07/05/2026. The board moved, seconded and approved the promotion.

Transcript inconsistency: the meeting record contains multiple, conflicting spellings of the promoted officer's name (appearing variously as "Joseph Danis," "Joseph Thetis," and "Josh Yannis"). The promotion vote and effective date are recorded in the meeting minutes; the exact, authoritative spelling should be confirmed in the town personnel file before publication.

Community events and fundraising: Police Chief Sormoz announced the town's National Night Out on Aug. 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Reeder Park, noting community engagement activities and a squad-car-shaped bouncy house for children. During public comment, Colin Zachavic, who identified himself as vice president of the Sherwood Firefighters Union Local 4279, promoted the union's Aug. 28 golf outing and listed beneficiary organizations (Project Fire Buddies, Hoosier Burn Camp, and Logan's Love) along with registration and sponsorship details.

Next steps: Personnel records should be checked for the promoted officer's correct name; the National Night Out event will occur Aug. 4 and the union's golf fundraiser is scheduled for Aug. 28.