by Logan Gruber
operations@thenewsleaders.com
Jason Luethmers, Albany, currently of the Avon Police Department, will soon be sitting inside a St. Joseph police vehicle, once he finishes all of his paperwork.
Luethmers first day is Oct. 1, but he’ll spend his first few days filling out paperwork, getting a uniform and tagging along on a few shifts. Eventually, he will be taking the 5 p.m.-3 a.m. shift, which formerly belonged to officer Shane Vernier. Vernier recently left to work for the DNR.
Luethmers, 34, graduated in 2002 from Vermillion Community College in Ely for wildlife law enforcement, where he developed an interest in standard law enforcement. He worked in construction for a short while until he joined the Albany Police Department in May 2004. He served there for two years and then worked for the Avon Police Department from August 2006 until now.
He married his wife, Brenna, in December 2013. Brenna attended the College of St. Benedict.
In Avon, officers are required to work weekends. Luethmers wanted to make the move to St. Joseph because it is a 24/7 police department. Chief Joel Klein was also a draw for him.
“Klein was my field training officer at the Albany Police Department,” Luethmers said. “I know how he works, and I like how he approaches policing.”
In March of this year, Luethmers was given an award by Avon Police Chief Corey Nellis. Luethmers was involved in the pursuit of a vehicle which ended in the apprehension of two persons with extensive criminal backgrounds.
Luethmers said he is looking forward to keeping St. Joseph a safe place to live and visit.
Officer Luethmers takes his oath from Mayor Rick Schultz at the Sept. 21 city council meeting.
