Posted Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

New officer Dustin Offenberger takes the Oath of Office on Wednesday, December 8, with his wife, Olivia, holding the ceremonial Bible.

HUNTINGTON – The Huntington Police Department welcomed a new officer to the force during a swearing-in ceremony Wednesday morning at the City Building.

Dustin Offenberger, the new officer, is a 2015 graduate of Caston High School in Fulton, Ind. He attended Purdue University for one year before deciding to join the Marine Corps. He obtained the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged in February of this year.

During the ceremony, Police Chief Chad Hacker spoke about how Offenberger’s experience and personality will make him a good long-term fit for the department.

“He was described as a hard worker with a good attitude, good people skills and someone who gets along with everyone,” Chief Hacker said.

In his remarks, Mayor Strick reminded Offenberger and other HPD officers in attendance that they are held to a higher standard. Officers are accountable to one another and to all residents of the community, he told them. In turn, HPD and the City of Huntington supports its officers with the equipment and training to enable their success.

“The additional power and authority that you receive as a uniformed officer is always reliant on a strong relationship with the general public, and you’re inheriting a relationship that has been strengthened as a public trust through the actions of the men and women of law enforcement here in Huntington County and the City of Huntington,” Mayor Strick told Offenberger in remarks during the ceremony.

Offenberger took the Oath of Office with his wife, Olivia, holding the ceremonial Bible. He will begin Police Academy in January and, on its completion, enroll in a 12-week field training program.