There's a New Chief in Town

By SHARON KIESEL

“The biggest change in law enforcement since the 1980’s has been in the dependency of technology,” said newly hired Adrian Police Chief Rick DeBruin. “Officers today have a lot of technical tools to use. And, in the 1980’s, we carried basically handcuffs, a baton or a large flashlight and a gun. Now, we carry a gun, mace, taser and more. And everyone is so reliant on technology. No one talks to people anymore.”
Chief DeBruin began his career in law enforcement in 1985 as a military police officer. When he left the military in 1992 he continued in law enforcement, working as a police officer over the years in Windsor, Lamonte, Appleton City and Butler. He was a sergeant for the Bates County Sheriff’s Office up to the election last year. Most recently, he worked for the Nevada Police Department.

His duties in Adrian include the more ordinary patrolman duties as well as administrative. He will maintain the budget and make sure the department stays in compliance with all state regulations. Recently, Chief DeBruin printed out a block grant to obtain new equipment to replace the current equipment which is in poor shape. He is also certified for post training courses, which means he can help officers maintain their required training here, instead of them having to go elsewhere. All police officers must have an allotted number of hours per year of updated training to maintain their officer certification.

“I’m really looking forward to working here and meeting everyone,” he added.