Lakey steps into role of police chief
By Anthony Conchel - aconchel@aimmediamidwest.com
Mount Gilead Police Chief Adam Lakey is shown with Mayor Jamie Brucker. Brucker swore in Lakey to his new position on Feb. 26.
Courtesy photo
MOUNT GILEAD Adam Lakey is ready for his newest challenge as a law enforcement officer.
Lakey, who began with the village police department in March 2010, became chief on Feb. 26.
“The goal of any officer when he gets into law enforcement is to some day be the chief of police,” he said.
He succeeds Brian Zerman, who retired last month after 30 years with the department.
Lakey chosen new village police chief
LAKEY
MOUNT GILEAD The village has hired Adam Lakey as its new police chief. He succeeds Brian Zerman who retired last month after 30 years with the department.
Village Council approved the appointment by a 5-1 vote Monday night. Council member Chris Sherbourne cast the lone no vote.
Patrolman Lakey began with the village police department in March 2010. The appointment is effective Friday, Feb. 26.
He has two degrees from Marion Technical College in criminal justice technology and business management technology.
Two full-time officers were also sworn in earlier.
Patrolman Roger Meyer, who advanced from the part-time roster, and patrolman David Blanton, who received his first law enforcement commission.
‘Steadfast’ leader police chief Zerman retires
By Anthony Conchel - aconchel@aimmediamidwest.com
Police Chief Brian Zerman retired after three decades serving the residents of Mount Gilead. He was joined by his officers in a send-off party Jan. 29.
Courtesy Photo | Village of Mount Gilead
MOUNT GILEAD After nearly 30 years spent serving and protecting the village, Police Chief Brian Zerman has hung up his badge.
“I came out of the military, did a couple of odd jobs and started working at Marion Correctional Institution,” he recalled.
During that stint Zerman began taking an interest in law enforcement.
“I talked to a a couple of guys who were deputies. That piqued my interest so I came over and talked to Chief Bob Ruhl.”
Village police chief position to be filled
By Anthony Conchel - aconchel@aimmediamidwest.com
MOUNT GILEAD Village Council Monday night began the process of finding a replacement for retiring Police Chief Brian Zerman.
Zerman will retire Jan. 29, with Capt. Kenny Underwood serving as acting police chief until his upcoming retirement.
The position, with council’s approval, will become a salaried one with an annual pay range of $57,000-$62,000, Mayor Jamie Brucker said.
The job is being posted internally first. Requirements include five years minimum in law enforcement and one year supervisory experience.
Council also approved the hiring of three police officers, pending background checks, to keep the department adequately staffed.