There were a lot of smiles and perhaps some sighs of relief at the City Council meeting held Tuesday night in Winnebago.
It became official, Michael Sharp was sworn in as a full-time police officer.
Police Chief Nathan Goette read the oath of office to Sharp and he repeated it out loud, as his wife and toddler daughter looked on.
Following the swearing in, Sharp’s wife pinned a badge on his uniform and he then shook hands with each council member.
“We are excited to have him join our department and become a part of the community,” says Goette. “I know Winnebago residents are excited to see more officer presence throughout the town.”
Sharp’s law enforcement experience includes being a jailer in Martin County and a part-time officer for the city of Springfield.
Last June, council members unanimously approved an offer of employment contingent on Sharp passing physicals and background checks.
Sharp’s first day on the job was Sept. 2 and his hiring leaves one full-time officer vacancy to be filled.
Goette says there is currently one applicant in the process of completing a background packet.
“Time frames are tough with police officer hirings, but pending the successful completion of each step I am hopeful for a potential start date later this fall,” says Goette.
Sharp will earn a starting hourly wage of $30.29 and a new officer hiring bonus of $5,000 that will be paid over three years.
To help retain officers, the bonus will be split into three payments: $1,500 when hired; $1,500 after one year of employment; and $2,000 after two years on the job.