Mayor Jim Mueller welcomed a new Pella Police officer to service before regular business began at Tuesday’s Pella City Council meeting.

Officer Hunter Boertje was sworn in after he was hired full-time to work for the department. Boertje tells KNIA/KRLS News he’s honored to serve in the community he calls home.

“I think it’s absolutely great,” he says. “It’s one of the best feelings I’ve had in my life, and I’m just thankful I get to stay in my hometown and get to work in the city that I love and serve the community here.”

Boertje was one of the first students in Pella High School’s Criminal Justice Class and has served as a reserve with the department over the past two years.

“This community has been a great place to grow up, and the people here are very kind and supportive and I would like to do my part to give back to the community and work with the people in this community that have helped me so far and to keep Pella a kind and safe place to live.”

Click the media player below to hear his swearing in ceremony.