(KNZA)--A Hiawatha police officer has been promoted and a new officer hired to fill a vacancy.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening on a 4-1 vote approved the promotion of officer Beau Hasenohr to the new position of detective and code enforcement officer at a pay rate of $20 an hour.   

Commissioner Bill Collins cast the lone no vote, saying he was not in favor of creating the new position.

Citing the department’s caseload, Police Chief John Defore says he feels the position is needed.  Defore said serious crime is present in the community and he’s “trying to stay ahead of the curve.”

Officer Evans Woehlecke, who had served as the city’s code enforcement officer, retired August 16th.

The Commission also approved the hiring of Brandon Lowe to fill a vacant full-time officer position, effective August 31st.  He will be paid $16.50 an hour.

Lowe comes to the police department after serving as a deputy with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department for five years.