Get to Know Your Police Officers
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Shipshewana's 10-member police force. |
Meet the Shipshewana Police force. From left to right, top row: G. Hershberger,
J. Myers, J. Brewer, D. Winslette, and T. Fitch.
Bottom row: J. Giesman, B. Martin, J.C. Jasso, A. Knisley, R. Taylor
Tom M. Fitch II has been with the Shipshewana Police Department
since his appointment as Chief Deputy in 1999. He has served as Town
Marshal since his promotion in March 2002. Marshal Fitch holds
an Associates of Science in Law Enforcement, Bachelor of Science in
Criminology and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Indiana State
University. Marshal Fitch is an Indiana Law Enforcement Academy graduate
and a certified firearms, RADAR, O. C.A.T. and Taser instructor. He
is also a certified Breathalyzer operator through the Indiana University
Department of Toxicology. His law enforcement background includes
working as Investigator for the LaGrange County Prosecutors Office,
Jail officer with the LaGrange County Jail and as a Deputy Marshal
with the LaGrange Police Department. In August 2007 Marshal Fitch received his Master Instructor Certificate from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
J. Carlos Jasso was appointed as a Deputy Marshal in March
2004. He currently serves as Corporal since his promotion in
February 2005. He is currently seeking a Bachelor of Science in Criminal
Justice from Indiana University South Bend. Corporal Jasso is an Indiana
Law Enforcement Academy graduate. He received the top academic achievement
and top firearms proficiency award for his class. Corporal Jasso is also a member of the canine team along with his canine partner Zander. His Law Enforcement background includes
working as a Police Reserve Officer for the Town of Shipshewana.
Otis Winslette was appointed as a Shipshewana Deputy Marshal in February 2002. He currently works as a full time jail officer for the LaGrange County Jail and is a Police Reserve Officer. Deputy Winslette is a certified S.T.O.P.S (Strategies and Tactics of Patrol Stops) instructor. Deputy Winslette is a certified Breathalyzer operator through the Indiana Department of Toxicology with an extensive background in law enforcement. His background includes working as an officer for the Georgia State Department of Corrections and as a county Deputy. He also served as a Deputy Marshal for the Topeka Police Department.
Nicholas Byroad was appointed as a Deputy Marshal in May 2006 and became a full time officer in May 2007. He served in the United States Army as a Specialist working as a Bradley Tank Gunner and served one tour of duty in Iraq. Deputy Byroad also worked as a jail officer for the LaGrange County Sheriff's Department and is currently a certified Taser instructor.
Andrew Kniller was appointed as a Deputy Marshal in March 2006. Deputy Kniller holds a bachelor degree of Science in Criminal Justice from Indiana University- South Bend. He also worked as a reserve patrol officer for the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department and is a certified IDACS operator. Deputy Kniller is also a member of the canine unit being certified in canine behavior and decoy techniques.
Justin Dickeson was appointed as a Deputy Marshal in February 2007. Deputy Dickeson currently works as a Computer Aided Designer for Liberty Homes Inc. He holds certifications in the use of taser and pepper spray.
Austin Bontrager was appointed as a Deputy Marshal in May 2007. Deputy Bontrager is an active member of the National Guard with the rank of specialist. He currently works as a full time jail officer for the LaGrange County Sheriff's Department. He is also certified in the use of Taser and pepper spray. Deputy Bontrager is currently serving a tour of duty in Iraq with the 1538th Trans Company.
Stephen Van Mol was appointed as a Deputy Marshal in February 2007. His background includes seven years of service in the United States Marine Corps. He is also an Affiliate Instructor for Defense Training International; in this capacity he helped with civilian, police and military in defensive handgun, rifle and shotgun courses including training with the United States Marine Corps and the FBI Academy. Deputy Van Mol is also a certified NRA Firearms Instructor, certified PPCT Instructor and a certified Glock Armorer. He also worked with the St. Joseph Michigan Sheriff's Department Special Response Team as a firearms instructor. He currently works as a full time Plant Manager for Abbott Laboratories.
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