He was there to see Brittni Nelson, of Fort Dodge, get sworn in as a Webster County reserve peace officer.

“Then you wear green,” Mernka said, referring to the uniform Nelson chose to wear for the ceremony.

The reserve officers can either wear a uniform that resembles what the Fort Dodge police officers wear or what Webster County sheriff’s deputies wear.

“I couldn’t decide,” Nelson said. “The only reason I wore it is because it fit better.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Brittni Nelson, of Fort Dodge, smiles as she holds her reserve peace officer state certification Wednesday night at the Webster County Law Enforcement Center.

Nelson’s husband, Greg, and baby daughter, Riley, were there with her.

Prior to her being sworn in, Fort Dodge Police Chief Roger Porter talked about the importance of reserve officers.

“The reservists are taking it to the next level,” he said. “So we wanted to recognize them.”

Reserve officers are volunteers. They are not paid for the hours they contribute.

“The reservists don’t go unnoticed,” Porter said. “They are very important to us.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Brittni Nelson, of Fort Dodge, right, is sworn in as a Webster County reserve officer by Magistrate Steve Kersten Wednesday night at the Webster County Law Enforcement Center. Cory Husske, Fort Dodge assistant police chief, looks on.

The ceremony was moved to a third floor courtroom at the LEC.

“It’s more professional up there,” Mernka said.

Nelson was sworn in by Magistrate Steve Kersten.

“This is a much needed service,” Kersten said.

Mernka said there are currently seven reserve officers. He said the goal is to have 17.

Each reserve officer will put in about 200 hours per year, according to Mernka.

Nelson was grateful for the recognition.

“Thank you everyone,” she said.