The Wapello Police Department has welcomed in three new members to their department and was awarded a federal grant. The department announced they were awarded a $125,000 federal COPS grant to be used for a School Resource Officer position at the Wapello Community School District. This new position is a three-year contract where the primary role will be serving and protecting the students of the school district while building positive relationships between the officer and students. Wapello Police Chief Brandon Marquardt says there is an officer working at the department who is interested in the position, and will be considered with other candidates as they receive applications. 

The department also swore in three new reserve officers in the beginning of June. Neil Salek, Mark Spitznogle, and Justin Walker are the newest officers at the department. Marquardt says these officers will help out on special occasions as they work to complete their training, “They kind of just fill the gaps that we have during special events. They’ll help out any time that we need extra officers or search warrants any thing of that nature. So they’re taking their time and trying to help us out which we tremendously appreciate even in the sort of bad atmosphere that we’re facing right now.” The three officers will have a year and a half to complete their training.