The Jefferson Police Department recently had a promotion of one of its officers.

Police Chief Mark Clouse says Zach Barden was selected for the position of sergeant within the department. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio some of the qualities that Barden possesses and developed since he was first hired to be a patrol officer in 2023.

“I know Zach has really shown that he had an eagerness to put the department in a better position. He took it upon himself to gain knowledge on certain areas and we actually go to him now for knowledge on a couple of those areas. So it was just his time to shine.”  

Clouse explains the main function of the sergeant’s role for the other officers.

“You’re going to be the one that potentially is getting phone calls now from the officers asking for direction. So, the better knowledge base that you have the easier you can answer those questions. We all get asked questions that we don’t know the answer to (but) knowing where to get those answers is a big part of that (position).”

Clouse adds that the department has been without a sergeant since Jeremy Behrens moved on in 2023.