Photo courtesy Jasper Police Department Twitter

By CHRISTINE STEPHENSON
cstephenson@dcherald.com

JASPER — Two more police officers were recently added to the Jasper Police Department’s roster. The department is now at full staff, JPD Chief Nathan Schmitt said.

Clint Stewart and Briar Meadors were sworn in last week Clerk-Treasurer Allen Seifert in front of loved ones and department colleagues both in person and via Zoom.

Clint, 35, was a deputy for the Boone County Sheriff's Office for nearly 13 years before he and his family moved to Dubois County in August 2020. He has served as a patrol deputy, detective and canine handler.

He and his wife, Leslie, decided they wanted to move to the county both to be closer to family in Tennessee and to be able to raise their three children, 9-year-old twins, Wade and Will, and 5-year-old Wyatt, in a more tight-knit community.

“We're very community-oriented,” Clint said. “That's one of the reasons we moved here was to live in a town that shared the same values of community.”

Along with the Stewarts came search-and-rescue bloodhound Makya, who may be used for JPD in the future if approved by the city.

Clint said he enjoyed having his children present at the swearing-in ceremony because it was only him and his wife the last time he was sworn in.

“They've been growing up with a dad in law enforcement, so they know what it's like to be a kid of a law enforcement officer but they never really got to see that aspect of it,” Clint said. “It was neat for them to witness that but then also be at the age where they can actually kind of understand it, the gravity of it, as well.”

Briar, 21, has wanted to be a police officer since he was little, he said.

He is from Otwell and grew up around his dad and two grandfathers all being in law enforcement, which influenced his desire to do the same.

“Once you get the urge for the job and for community service, I think it's something that sticks with you your whole life,” Briar said.

His dad, Todd, pinned his son at the swearing-in ceremony.

Both officers began work earlier in the month.

“They’re going to do a great job for years to come,” Schmitt said. “I think it’s the most important thing to be part of the community, whether you’re a wrestling coach, or you teach Sunday school or you’re some part of the police department.”