Eureka Gains Police Reserve Officer

Residents of Eureka will benefit from a new citizen who now is a police reserve officer. Derek Ploeger, of Eureka, was announced as the latest reserve officer by Eureka Police Chief Michael Wiegand at the April 5 board of aldermen meeting.

Wiegand told aldermen Ploeger had completed all of the police academy training and psychological testing required.

Wiegand said Eureka Police reserve officers are community members who volunteer their time to fulfill many of the roles handled by full-time sworn police officers. "Reserve officers receive the same training as full-time officers, and work alongside them in every aspect of department operations," he said.

He said reserve officers are required to work a minimum of 12 hours every month and attend regular training classes.

Reserve police officers wear the same uniform and badge that full-time police officers wear, said Wiegand.