New Baltimore Police Reserve Unit Gains Interest

A month after announced plans to reinstate a reserve unit, about a dozen applicants expressed interest in the volunteer positions.

Chief Tim Wiley said selections are expected to be made in mid-April. Twenty positions are open for the roles that require training and a minimum of one 8-hour shift each month.

Wiley said reserve officers will carry a weapon, wear uniforms and conduct duties, such as road patrols with sworn officers, funeral and parade details. They will also assist in emergencies and prisoner transport, among other things.

"Our midnight supervisor, Sgt. Charles Esser, has been selected to be the coordinator of our newly re-established Police Reserve Program that is currently posted on our departmental website. I am pleased to announce I have selected former dayshift supervisor, Retired Sgt. Thomas Cuthbertson, who has been appointed as the unit's lead Sergeant," Wiley stated in a news release.

"Our agency has received a plethora of impressive applications for the program. As your Chief of Police, I am thoroughly impressed with the caliber of applicants who have submitted their resumes in the hopes to be selected for our reserve program. We are very fortunate to have drawn such dedicated stakeholders in our community."