NEW: SLEVIN NAMED FREEMAN CHIEF OF POLICE

In city council action Tuesday night, July 18, Jonathan (Jay) Slevin was named Freeman’s new chief of police. The council also voted to hire Barron Nankivel as a police officer.

After coming out of executive session, councilor Blaine Saarie made the motion, with a second from councilor Steve “Charly” Waltner, to hire Nankivel as police officer – effective immediately – at the hourly rate of $22.50. All councilors voted in favor of the motion.

Mayor Michael Walter then announced the appointment of Slevin as police chief. Councilor Clifford “Lonnie” Tjaden moved to approve the appointment made by Walter; Saarie provided the second and the motion was unanimously approved.

Slevin has served as an officer with the city of Freeman since 2014. He now steps into the role most recently filled by Scott Brewer, who resigned as police chief in May to accept a position as Hutchinson County deputy sheriff.