SIDNEY — Sidney’s two newest police officers were officially sworn-in Monday evening, Oct. 22.
During the Sidney City Council meeting, Police Chief Will Balling introduced the department’s newest officers Robert “Bobby” Benshoff and Joseph Kennedy.
After the six-month-long hiring process, City Manager Mark Cundiff swore-in each candidate, with members of their family by their sides.
“We are excited to swear in Robert Benshoff and Joseph Kennedy as the newest Sidney Police officers and we look forward to them and their families becoming part of the Sidney Police Department and the community,” Balling said in front of council members and a room full of Sidney police officers and the men’s family members.
Balling provided some background information on each officer before they took the Oath of Office.
Prior to Monday’s swearing in ceremony, Benshoff had been employed by the Sidney Police Department as a dispatcher. He is a Sidney native, life-long resident and graduated from Sidney High School. He holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Edison State Community College and is currently enrolled in the Peace Officer Academy at Edison. Benshoff is expected to obtain his certificate in December, Balling said.
“In 2015, when he applied to be a dispatcher,” Balling said, “(Benshoff) advised that he wanted to do the best job he could as a dispatcher and also gain as much experience as he could so that eventually he could become a police officer with the department. Over the last three years he has been a very good dispatcher, but even better yet, he demonstrated all of our core values of professionalism, integrity, compassion and courage.”
Benshoff’s wife, Morgan, with nine-month-old daughter, Ava, in her arms, and four-year-old son, Carter, held the Bible used when he took the oath of office. His badge number will be 209, Balling said.
When speaking about Kennedy, Balling noted, “During the interview, it was apparent to all that Joseph, while being young, would be very coachable. He displayed a strong desire to be a police officer. His commitment to the community will be strong and he understood that you have to set a good example as an officer both on and off duty.”
Balling said Kennedy was born in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and that his father had been in the Army, therefore, the family moved around the country frequently. In 2016, he moved to Tipp City to help care for his grandmother. Kennedy attended Sinclair University, Balling said, and obtained his peace officer certification in June 2018.
Kennedy’s mother, Michelle Kennedy, was present Monday to hold the Bible during his swearing in ceremony. Balling said his badge number will be 210.
