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Smiths Grove swears in new police officer, approves raises and pursues license-plate camera grant
Summary
The City Commission administered the oath to Wesley Hicks (badge 703), approved $1-per-hour raises for two officers, set Officer Hicks' starting pay at $26/hour, and discussed pursuing a BRADD security grant for a Flock license-plate reader; all formal pay motions passed 5-0.
The Smiths Grove City Commission on Jan. 27 administered the Oath of Office to Wesley Hicks, who will serve as a Smiths Grove police officer and wear badge 703.
Police Sergeant Bessette told commissioners that Chief Franks and a hiring committee had interviewed Hicks and found him qualified for the position. Mayor David Stiffey administered the oath; a pinning ceremony was scheduled for the following month.
Commissioners also approved pay changes for the police department. Mayor Stiffey requested a $1-per-hour raise for Chief Franks and for Police Sergeant Bessette, effective Feb. 10. Commissioner Eric Schroader moved the raise and Commissioner Bob Buehl seconded; the Commission approved the raises by a 5-0 vote. The Commission set Officer Hicks’ starting pay at $26 per hour beginning Jan. 28, 2025.
On equipment and operations, Commissioner Schroader said the SG002 police vehicle will be sent to L & W Equipment in Lawrenceburg for re-striping. He said he had spoken with Dajana Crockett of BRADD about participating in a security grant to pursue a Flock license-plate reader camera for the department.
Sergeant Bessette also presented department statistics, saying the department recorded 4,942 incidents in 2024, an increase from earlier years.
