The Jefferson City Council recently hired a new police officer.

Cole Jackson is a 2014 North Polk High School graduate. He then attended Des Moines Area Community College for 1 ½-years before transferring to Concordia College for a semester. He finished his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Northwest Oklahoma State University, where he also played on a baseball scholarship. He says a big factor from deciding to take the open police officer job in Jefferson was due to the incentive package that was offered.

He talked about another aspect he had during the interview process. “I deeply had a connection with the chief (Mark Clouse) and captain (Heath Enns) in my interview. I noticed those guys were extremely interested in me. On my way back, the chief gave me a call back and offered me a job. I realized how much they really connected with me and how much I connected with them. I’m looking forward to getting back to into the smalltown environment, it’s where I thrive most I’d say.”

The Polk City native started his new stint as an officer this past Friday at a starting salary of $41,516. He is engaged to be married this June.