St. Ignatius to have two full-time officers
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ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ignatius will be more protected after the town council unanimously voted to advertise for a second full-time police officer on Aug. 4.
Council members said that town’s current part-time officer will have to apply for the full-time position if he wants to keep his job, meaning the overall manpower of the department will still be two people. Police Chief Matthew Connelly asked for the increase in coverage.
“I think we are going to burn out Matt, otherwise,” Councilmember Annie Morigeau said of adding the position. “I think we have to do it.”
Council member Ray Frey asked Connelly if the chief thought he could keep overtime wages under control. The town’s tight budget has traditionally limited its staff numbers.
“He will just work a straight 80 (hours),” Connelly said. “Unless we have something major like the parade or something ... death, or something serious. That’s pretty rare.”
Frey pointed out that filling the position will depend on having the right candidate. The town only wants to hire a fully-certified officer. Hiring an uncertified officer comes with extra training costs.
“Let’s advertise and see who pops up,” Frey said.
Connelly said he did not anticipate that the town’s current part-time officer would apply for the job, though the officer could if he wanted to.
