Robert Wayne Davis, a lifelong Decatur County resident, was recently sworn in as a new Greensburg Police officer, and it’s a job he has always wanted.

Davis is a 2004 graduate from North Decatur High School, and currently serves as a Specialist in the Indiana National Guard 2-238 Medivac unit. Davis has completed a tour of duty in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom from May of 2007 to April of this year.

Earlier this year, Davis spoke about his experiences in Iraq at HighPoint Orchard. There, he mentioned he hoped to become involved in law enforcement, optimally at the local level.

Only months later, that dream was realized when Mayor Gary Herbert swore Davis in as the city’s newest protector and upholder of the peace during a meeting of the city’s Board of Works.

Patrol officer Davis began his duties with the Greensburg Police Department on Monday, Sept. 1. He began and will complete a 40 hour pre-basic training course. Following that course, Davis will continue with a Field Training Officer (FTO) for up to one year.

Included in that year, Davis will attend the 15-week long “police academy” at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.

“New officers are assigned to a very detailed and intense training program under the supervision of an FTO,” Police Chief Brian Heaton explained. “The FTO’s are responsible for training new officers which typically takes nine months to a year to complete.

During that time, the officer will also attend the police academy. It’s not as simple as just hiring someone, giving them a car and equipment and sending them out to work as a police officer. They have to be trained and that takes time to do it right. Our training program is very thorough and methodical, which new officers must complete before we release them to work on their own.”

According to Capt. Dave Wilson, the FTO will expose the new officer to as many situations as possible. The new recruits need to learn the city streets, the alleys and businesses, as well as becoming proficient in report writing, paperwork, radio communications and defensive tactics.

Davis’ experiences in Iraq helped him prepare for his upcoming responsibilities, but other sources of guidance and inspiration propelled him into the law enforcement arena. His father, Rusty Davis, was a police officer for the GPD, while his mother Tracy Davis worked as a dispatcher.

“I’m very excited to get started,” Davis said. “It’s a job I’ve always wanted. I grew up here, so I was glad to be able to stay here.”

Davis added that he looked forward to beginning his training and career as a Greensburg police officer, and he appreciated the opportunity to prove himself, thanking the mayor, the Board of Works and the chief.