The village of Bethel welcomed new and newly promoted members to its law enforcement staff during the city council meeting on Oct. 8, 2015. Pictured, from left, Mayor Alan Ausman swears in Matt Cooper, part-time officer.

The village of Bethel welcomed new and newly promoted members to its law enforcement staff during the city council meeting on Oct. 8, 2015. Pictured, from left, Mayor Alan Ausman swears in Matt Cooper, part-time officer.
By Megan Alley
Sun staff

The village of Bethel welcomed new and newly promoted members to its law enforcement staff as three police officers were sworn in at the city council meeting on Oct. 8.

Chief of Police Mark Planck stood before a full city council chamber and introduced the department’s newest employees.

Donny Haun was promoted from auxiliary officer to full-time officer, Matt Cooper as promoted from auxiliary officer to part-time officer and Lee Trost was hired as an auxiliary emeritus officer.

Following the introductions, each officer stood before Mayor Alan Ausman and recited their oath of office.

“This is the first step in getting our police department built back up to where we need to be to get us back to 24 hour coverage, seven days a week,” Ausman said. “It’s a first step in that, because I think it’s vastly important that we as village keep our identity, keep our police department well-staffed and support them with all we can.”

James Rees, councilman and Safety Committee chair, expressed his enthusiasm for the additional officers.

“Tonight is certainly an exciting night for the Safety Committee. Our existing police department has been overlooked and overworked for the last six months due to budgetary constraints,” Rees said. “Each person has a role in our safety, and we welcome them all.”

He added, “We thank you guys for your due diligence and what you’ve accomplished to this point, and we look forward to your growth and being part of our village from here on out.”

Councilwoman Lucy Shepherd also thanked the new officers.

“I have a police officer in my family, and it just makes my heart swell. You’re not related to me, but I know what you are putting out there and why you’re doing it, and I want to personally thank you,” she said.

She added, “I also want to thank every officer in the world, if they can hear me. I appreciate what you do and what you’re giving up to be a police officer.”