MILFORD - Milford Town Council met in special session Thursday for the specific task of hiring a new police officer to fill the department's recent vacancy.
The council had met in a previous executive session to review the applications of more than 20 individuals. Of these, they narrowed the candidates down to a group of five. From this group, Derek Kreider was hired to fill the post.
Kreider is currently with the Kosciusko Sheriff's Department, and will officially assume his duties with Milford March 16.
Kreider, 41, is a lifelong resident of Milford, and a 1987 graduate of Wawasee High School.
He previously worked as a reserve officer for the Milford Police from June 1995 to December 1997. He began with the Sheriff's Department in January 1998, and worked as a jail officer until December 1998. He then became a patrol officer in January 1999, and will continue with that duty until assuming his post at Milford in March.
Kreider also has served as the Sheriff Department's resource officer at Wawasee High School for five years, and is also a 1999 graduate of the Police Academy.
"For me, it was just time," Kreider said when asked about taking the Milford post. "I've felt that I've accomplished some good things at the Sheriff's Department, and I was personally ready to move on.
"I like a small town. I've lived here my whole life. My dad was actually a police officer here in Milford and worked under Marshal Dave Hobbs. I felt it was time for a slower pace ... and since I've grown up here, I hope to end my law enforcement career in a place I'm familiar with.
"I'd also like to thank Sheriff Rocky Goshert and my captain, Aaron Rovenstine, for the opportunity they've given me to work with the Sheriff's Department, and at the school, and for the chance to serve the people of Kosciusko County."
