(KLZA)-- After several months of being one officer short, the Falls City Police Department will soon be back to full strength. 

Mayor Jerry Oliver recommended Mike Dougherty be hired to fill the vacant position Monday night.  The Council approved the appointment on a 7-0 vote with Mike Dougherty abstaining.  Dougherty will resign from the City Council when he begins his duties.

Dougherty is certified and can begin work immediately.  He will present his two-week notice as a  Richardson County Deputy Sheriff.  Dougherty has worked previously as a Falls City Police officer and also worked with the Sac and Fox Police Department and currently serves part-time as a member of the Iowa Tribal Police Department. 

At full strength the Falls City Police Department has seven officers in addition to the Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police.