The Portage Police Department moved closer to a full complement of 66 police officers Tuesday when Mayor James Snyder swore-in a Crown Point man at the board of works meeting.
Michael O’Conner, 25, left his job at an international food processing company to help people, he said shortly after being given a temporary badge.
“Nothing makes me happier than the thought of being a law enforcement officer,” O’Connor said, adding he wants to work his way up to being a detective. “The fact I can really help someone is great.”
Tammy O’Connor, Michael O’Connor’s mother, held the bible her son used in the swearing-in ceremony.
“I’m just proud I raised someone that worries more about helping people than about money,” she said, tearing up.
Police Chief Troy Williams said his department “is in the middle of a hiring process right now,” replacing officers who have left the department due to retirement or to take other jobs.
Michael O’Connor will join two other new hires, Elijah Marlink and Arthur Sandaker, at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield in July. They will return to field training and should be ready to patrol on their own by December, Williams said. The three recruits count as being on the force, although they are not yet on the street.
There is a list of candidates who can serve as replacement officers for several officers leaving the department, but there are no plans to have more than 66 officers on the force, Williams said.
Michael Gonzalez is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.