By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Logan LeMaster is now a full-time police officer in the city in which he grew up: Decatur.
LeMaster has been a member of the department for approximately a year, but at the recommendation of Chief Kevin Gerber, the city’s board of works has removed his probationary status.
A graduate of the Bellmont High School, LeMaster went on to earn a degree from Ball State University. He also graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.
Logan and his wife, Marilyn, are the parents of a young son.
Prior to joining the Decatur PD, he was employed by MKT Landscapes Unlimited.
The department remains two officers short of a full complement, but two candidates are awaiting the results of their PERF (Public Employees Retirement Fund) testing. If they pass, the next step will be the academy in Plainfield.
RESERVE EXITS: The department, however, is losing a reserve officer.
Andrew Smith has decided to leave the post after more than five years.
“He’s a very busy man; unfortunately, he just doesn’t have the time to give to it (reserve force),” Chief Gerber said of Smith, manager at the Decatur Ace Hardware.
In response to a question, Gerber said the reserve force is now down to only three men. He explained how continually expanding training demands make time requirements – for a reserve or full-time officer – quite difficult. “It’s a big ask,” he noted.
In response to another question, Gerber said some police departments have started moving away from having a reserve force.