Baxter Defore/Credit: Hiawatha Police Department

 

(KNZA)--A new Hiawatha police officer is on the job.

The Hiawatha Police Department says Officer Baxter Defore began work Monday.

Defore comes to the department from the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office. He has also previously worked for the Seneca and Horton Police Departments.

According to a department social media post, Defore has six years of street patrol experience and two years of experience working in a jail setting.

Defore is the son of former Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore.

He will complete the department's standard field training program before working as a solo patrol officer.

Defore was hired to replace Officer Layne Mottin, who will be joining the U.S. Navy in September.