NORTH VERNON, Ind. – North Vernon City Hall was filled to the brim on Tuesday with friends and family of three community members who were sworn in: a city police officer, a new code enforcement officer, and a city firefighter. Mayor Shawn Gerkin joked that the room was “so full that it broke fire safety codes.”
First, Alex Holt took the oath as an officer for the North Vernon Police Department (NVPD). Police Chief Keith Messer also recognized retiring Detective Craig Kipper for his 20 years of service to NVPD.
Next in line was Jacob Hendren, who was sworn in as a firefighter for the North Vernon Fire Department (NVFD).
Elise Allen took the oath as the code enforcement officer. This new role, under the direction of NVFD, was first pitched to North Vernon City Council in July. The fire department is required to perform annual inspections of all commercial buildings. Allen will take on that responsibility and help the city’s street and police departments enforce city ordinances.
