The Osceola Police Department welcomed two new officers to their staff - Garrett Green and Michael Rhoads.
Having started in November, Green and Rhodes have been riding along with other officers to learn the lay of the city and will soon begin their academy training.
“These officers will be attending 16 weeks of training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Camp Dodge beginning in January. We are looking forward to getting them back here in spring,” said Osceola Police Chief Marty Duffus.
After their 16 week course, the two will continue another nine weeks of field training, before going out on their own; that is anticipated to be in time for the Fourth of July.
“I am certain they both will be great assets to not only the department but the community as well. We welcome them and their families to our family,” said Duffus.
Green
Green grew up in Bedford and attended Bedford Community Schools. About a year ago, Green began looking into pursuing law enforcement as a career drawn into the field of work by a desire to help others.
“After I had my first kid, I started to understand how important it is to be a protector, and I want to relay that into this career,” said Green.
Green said he looks forward to being a person in the community that others can reach out to. He hopes to be known by other law enforcement officers as someone who they can build a relationship with, to further ensure the safety of the community.
“My experience so far has been awesome. The Osceola Police Department staff is very easy to get along with, and seems to be interested in helping us train to be well-rounded officers in all aspects of the job,” Green said.
In his free time, Green loves spending time with his wife and their two children. He also enjoys being outdoors, including hunting, trapping, fishing and playing disc golf.
Rhoads
Rhoads hails from Winterset and graduated from Winterset High School in 2008. As a person who has always enjoyed helping others, the move into law enforcement seemed a good fit.
“This job gives me the opportunity to be a positive, dependable person that the community of Osceola can count on,” said Rhoads.
In his new job, Rhoads said he looks forward to getting to know and build relationships with the people of Osceola, and said he has had an amazing experience thus far.
“The officers, staff and local businesses that I have had the opportunity to start working with have been beyond welcoming,” he said.
When not at work, Rhoads likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters. A favorite pastime of theirs is hiking and spending time outdoors.