Woodward’s police department, on a two-month hiatus since its police chief resigned, is back in action after hiring a replacement.
Jeremy Long was hired on April 6 to take over for Jim Graham, who resigned on Feb. 14 after an “impassable disagreement” with Todd Folkerts, the city’s mayor. He stepped down a few days after the city’s volunteer fire chief was arrested.
The city’s police department, made up of reserve officers, including Folkerts, was put on hold as Woodward searched for a new chief. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office temporarily covered calls to the city of Woodward.
Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante confirmed that Long was hired as Woodward’s new police chief.
“They informed us they have a new police chief,” Infante said.
Long declined to comment on his hiring. Folkerts did not respond to a request for comment.
Minutes from an April 6 city council special session note that the city conducted two interviews while a committee of council members made the final decision.
Long will be paid a salary of $68,000 with a year-long probationary period. His pay will rise to $70,000 after his first year of service.
Kyle Werner is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@registermedia.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Woodward police department back in action after hiring new chief
Reporting by Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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