FORTVILLE — Katie Weaver-Miller, a Mt. Vernon High School social studies teacher and Fortville native, was appointed the town’s new police commissioner this week.
Weaver-Miller, one of three applicants for the position, was voted in unanimously Monday during the town council’s first board meeting of the month.
As commissioner, Weaver-Miller will direct the Fortville Police Commission, a civilian-run organization that oversees the town’s police department. The police commission provides counsel and logistical support to law enforcement officers in the community, a mission that Weaver-Miller is well suited to uphold, said former police commissioner Bob Starrett.
Starrett left his position as commissioner when he was appointed to a seat on town council last month. As Weaver-Miller fills that vacancy, she will work closely with Fortville Police Chief Bill Knauer to ensure the department’s operations are running smoothly, Starrett said.
Knauer said he is looking forward to working with Weaver-Miller, welcoming the fresh perspective she will bring to the town’s police force. In the coming months, Knauer will get Weaver-Miller caught up to speed on the department’s upcoming projects, he said.
Weaver-Miller has lived in Hancock County for 11 years, she said. There are normally three police officers on duty at the high school directing traffic and providing security, and Weaver-Miller said she has been fortunate to get to know them during her time as a teacher.
Weaver-Miller said she hopes her experience in the school system will provide her with insight that will benefit the organization. She looks forward to supporting the department while strengthening the personal connection between the police force and the public as she assumes her new duties, she added.
“Fortville is my home,” Weaver-Miller said. “As a teacher, I feel like I’m a civil servant, so this is just one more thing I can do.
“I’m just excited to work with the police and build strong relationships in the community.”
