City of Sparta to Hire New Police Officer, Firefighter

Sparta citizens will see a new police officer and fireman on duty in the next weeks. The City of Sparta approved the hiring of Police Officer Matthew Farmer and Fireman Danny Webb at the Thursday meeting.

Police Chief Jeff Guth said he has seen an increase of sickness among the officers.

The City of Sparta approved the hiring of a new police officer and fireman during the Thursday meeting.

“We are needing somebody that can hit the road and [Farmer] is certified. And I feel certain that within a couple of weeks he is already very familiar with the city and things,” Guth said. “We have trained with Matt before at a couple of different times through our departments in mutual department training so I feel confident that Matt will make a good addition to the police department.”

Guth said the department conducted several interviews since August.

Guth said Farmer’s credentials stood out in the applications.

“Matthew will come to us from Smithville PD. He worked at Smithville PD for 10 years,” Guth said. “He has worked at White County Sheriff’s office and the Putnam County Sheriff’s office. He has been involved with school resource officer with investigations with the different certifications that he has.”

Fire Chief Kirk Young said a retired firefighter left an opening at the East Side Station. Young said Webb would work well as a full-time employee.

“He started his career at Cherry Creek Volunteer Fire Department, served as a volunteer fireman for 5 plus years,” Young said. “[He] decided to move to the city. He knows the truck 13 real well.”

Young said Webb’s paramedic training will benefit the city as well.

The City of Sparta also swore in Police Officer Patrick Powers at the Thursday night meeting.