Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office Merit Board voted to hire Bradyn Fennell as a merit deputy during a meeting Monday.
Fennell says he is “excited” for the new opportunity. He has worked for Kosciusko County Jail for the last two years. According to Lt. Mike Mulligan, patrol division commander, Fennell had excellent references and his superiors at the jail spoke highly of his work ethic and conduct.
Fennell has 28 weeks of training ahead of him. This includes 16 weeks at the academy, followed by 12 weeks in the field training officer stage, shadowing a field training officer. Mulligan believes Fennell will be “on the road” and able to start working independently by Aug. 1, 2026.
Other Business
Rick Shepherd is retiring as a school resource officer (SRO) at Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation. He will be the first officer to qualify for the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) pension program. Shepherd will be replaced as TVSC SRO by Mason Teel, a TVSC graduate.
Michelle Hyden, matron of the Kosciusko County Jail, reported the jail has saved at least $350,000 by changing their food supplier at the jail. She said that the jail has not received their bill for December yet, so she will not have the final total until January.
The sheriff’s office partnered with the Kosciusko County Highway Department in 2025 to use the same mechanic service. There have not been notable savings, but Sheriff Jim Smith said he is looking forward to seeing the savings in 2026. Mulligan said the patrol officers have appreciated the change because “it’s quick … They show up and 25 minutes later they’re done with an oil change and a service.”
The council voted to keep their meeting schedule the same for 2026, so they will continue to meet on the second Thursday of the month at 11 a.m., or 11:30 a.m. if there is an executive meeting preceding the regular session.
Smith said, “I thank everyone for another successful year … I truly believe the people of Kosciusko County are in good hands.”
