New police officer hired in Hartley

The full-time staff at the Hartley Police Department has grown by one, again.

The city council on May 27 voted to hire Josh Petrich, 21, of Graettinger, as the squad's third full-time officer. He will begin duties on June 15 and will eventually become certified after attending the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Currently, Chief Joe Hengeveld and Officer Ryan Austin are the department's lone full-timers. Caleb Creech, who was hired in September 2019 as the third full-time officer, left Hartley in April for a new job with the Emmet County Sheriff's Department.

Petrich was one of three applicants for the position. According to past council discussion, having three full-time officers reduces the number of on-call hours and allows the department to have someone on duty during the daytime.

Petrich has an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Iowa Lakes Community College. He has past experience serving as a reserve officer for the Estherville Police Department and has also worked security for private businesses.