Chief of Police Michael Brickner has announced his retirement after 31 years of service with the Valparaiso Police Department. Mike was promoted through the ranks of the department holding numerous position before being named Chief by Mayor Costas, 14 years ago.
The department and officers have experienced numerous accomplishments since Mike was named Chief of Police. The department earned it’s first accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in 2010 and has been re-accredited twice since their first award. The department moved into a new, state of the art, building in 2007. Officers have had access to the most current law enforcement technology and equipment during this time. The department and it’s officers have earned numerous state and local awards during his tenure as Police Chief.
“Being Chief of Police has been a great honor” explained Mike. “I’ve been very fortune to have good people around me and throughout our department”. “Our department has become a model agency and I will miss everybody.”
Chief Brickner has accepted a new position as Porter County’s Executive Director of Public Safety. Porter County has recently joined the 911 Communication Center with the Porter County Emergency Management Agency. “I am looking forward to working with the Commissioners and all the Public Safety Organizations throughout the county”, Mike explained. He further explained, one of my goal’s with the support of the Commissioners and County Council is to have the Emergency 911 Center become nationally accredited.
Brickner will begin his new position on August 21st with the county. Good luck Chief Brickner and thanks for your service!