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City of Gary swears in 12 new recruits as part of public safety push
The City of Gary has welcomed 12 new recruits, including nine police officers and three firefighters, in an effort to tackle crime and address staffing shortages in both departments.
GARY, Ind. - The City of Gary, Indiana received a significant boost to its public safety efforts on Monday with the addition of a dozen new police officers and firefighters.
The move comes as the city continues to address ongoing crime and public safety challenges.
"This is a special day for the City of Gary," said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, as he officiated a swearing-in ceremony for nine police and three fire recruits. "You will serve as the guardians of our streets, ensuring that justice and peace prevail in our neighborhoods."
It’s part of an effort to reverse the trend of diminishing resources for both departments in Gary.
"Today is very significant," said Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon. "It's been a long time since the Gary Police Department has hired this many applicants at one time."
With the addition of nine police recruits, there are now 151 officers in the Gary Police Department. However, the department is still nearly 30 officers short of its goal.
While the funding has been budgeted, Chief Cannon says it takes time to recruit and train that many new officers.
"It's really about finding a good recruit. A good recruit that's full of integrity. A good recruit that wants to do the job. These are not jobs that you come in and leave one day. These are careers that we're providing," said Cannon.
One of the new additions is 23-year-old Torey Young of Merrillville.
"It's close to home," Young said. "And I feel there's not a better place to get experience than Gary."
The Gary Fire Department is also understaffed by more than 20 positions. Its chief said they are seeking federal funds to increase the department to 175 firefighters, which would help reduce overtime and alleviate stress for those already on the job.
"We're checking on their mental health," said Fire Chief Larry Tillman. "Making sure that not only are we serving the City of Gary, but we're also serving them correctly and ensuring that they have everything they need to do their job correctly."
The city of Gary is also working to increase salaries for its public safety workforce to prevent other municipalities from poaching its staff.
"They know that Gary Fire and Police officers are well-trained and professional and are going to come well experienced," said Mayor Melton. "So we have to fend off other neighboring communities that's looking to poach these officers. So, right now, we're making it the best option to be a Gary officer and a Gary firefighter."
Melton said Gary's violent crime rates, including homicides, are down in 2024.
The nine officers sworn in on Monday will undergo four months of training at the Northern Indiana Police Academy and are expected to be ready for duty by next spring.