James new Redkey Marshal (8/23/05)

REDKEY — Former town marshal Donnie James was selected from four candidates to return to that job.

Redkey Town Council members met in executive session Monday to interview the candidates for the marshal’s post. Afterwards, they convened in a short public session to vote on the appointment of the new marshal.

The only vote taken was on a motion to name James as the new marshal. It passed 3-2 with council members Darrell Smith, Dixie Toy and town council president Violet Erlenbush voting in favor of the appointment. Council members James Guffey and Dottie Quakenbush cast the opposing votes.

This is James’ second tour of duty as a Redkey police officer. He formerly served with Redkey Marshal Randy May before working full-time for about 30 years at Borg-Warner Gear in Muncie.

James has about 15 years experience in law enforcement serving on several area departments including Redkey, Eaton, Albany and the Jay County Sheriff’s Department. He also served as Redkey marshal at one time.

James said Tuesday that he was happy to be starting his new job. He said his first order of business was bringing some more reserve officers on board, and then setting up some training sessions.

About a year ago, James re-joined the Redkey Police Department where he was quickly promoted to investigator.

Earlier this month Redkey Marshal Rick Current announced his plans to retire, opening up the marshal’s job.

Also at Monday’s meeting, former full-time Redkey police officer Mike Daniels was appointed to fill the vacant deputy marshal’s position. Daniels had been serving as a reserve officer. He formerly was a full-time officer for about two years, having graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.[[In-content Ad]]