KPD fully staffed with two new, seasoned hires

One part time officer has been hired to fill in the gaps for the City of Kimball Police Department, according to Mayor Keith Prunty.

A fifteen year veteran from Scotts Bluff County, Scott Bibb, has experience as a K-9 officer as well and has already begun working weekends in Kimball on a part time basis.

Kimball County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Hottell has also been added to the police department rolls as a reservist.

As a reservist currently employed by the Sheriff’s Office, Hottell can wear his current uniform and drive a Sheriff’s vehicle with fuel reimbursement from the police department, according to acting Kimball Police Chief Andy Bremer.

Both newly hired officers are already certified law enforcement officers. This will save the department, and tax payers, training time and money. Additionally, Bibb and Hottell will receive straight pay with no benefits, Prunty said.

“They will be able to cover vacations for people taking off, so the other officers don’t get stressed,” Prunty said. “It is an option we have not explored before and now we are exploring it.”

“This is the first time in a while that we have had enough people,” Bremer said.

Additionally, Bremer has given each officer an assignment.

I organized the PD a little differently. I assigned everybody different jobs,” Bremer said.

The newest full time officer, Wacey Schmid, is the Abatement Officer. Eventually he will be certified as a K9 officer.

“From this point forward, every new officer we get – (abatement) will be their assignment,” Bremer added. “That is the best way for them to learn. It is more of a civil action and the job is very community oriented. It is a great way to teach officers.”

Stacey Schadegg is the Diversion Officer and will be the School Resource Officer once the department is fully staffed. Dwayne Murdoch’s assignment is investigations and intermediate supervisor.