Swearing-in ceremony for the city of New Haven
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) – The New Haven community welcomed some new faces to its city council as well as its law enforcement.
Friday, December 29, seven city council members as well as the New Haven Chief of Police were sworn into office.
Mayor Steve McMichael and clerk-treasurer Angie Harmick originally were supposed to swear in the new council members and police chief, as well as be sworn in themselves by Secretary of State Diego Morales.
Unfortunately, Mayor McMichael tested positive for COVID-19. While he describes his symptoms only as “flu-like” he explained he wants to prioritize the health and well-being of himself and those around him by not attending.
Secretary of State Morales volunteered to step in and conduct the full ceremony, as well as a socially distanced swearing in ceremony for the mayor and clerk-treasurer.
Following the ceremony, Fox 55 spoke with now New Haven Police Department Chief, James Krueger. One priority the new chief of police is making in the new year is making sure his department learns and completes a proficient understanding of requirements for defensive training the department must learn within two years.
“I feel it’s very important because defensive tactics, anytime you have subject resistance the sooner you can end that usually the safer it is for everybody, the officer & the subject as well as any bystanders,” Krueger said.
The newly sworn in police chief also wanted to emphasize that while it will take some time to get comfortable in his new role, he wants New Haven community members to know that he is very open-minded and welcomes input and conversations in the future.
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