History of the Griffith Police Department

In 1904, the Griffith Police Department was established, appointing John Harkenrider as the first Town Marshal. Harkenrider served in this role until 1908, during which Griffith had a solitary police officer. However, in 1945, a Deputy Marshal was appointed, followed by another in 1946, expanding the police force.

On January 3, 1956, the Griffith Police Department underwent reorganization after receiving approval from the town's voters. A Metropolitan Police Commission was formed, consisting of three appointed commissioners: Jerry Heffernan (elected chairman), Josephine Currier (elected Secretary), and Haskell Hoke.

Under the authority of the new Police Commission, William Kussmaul, the former Town Marshal, assumed the position of Chief of Police. Additionally, Texas O. Minter became a Sergeant, while Robert Herod and George Phillips were appointed as 1st Class Patrolmen.

A tragic incident occurred on December 20th, 1963, when Lt. Tex Minter was fatally struck by a train. His name was subsequently included on the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

Following William Kussmaul, John Burns, Robert Herod, James Reyome, William Weddell, Karl Grimmer, and Ron Kottka served as successive Police Chiefs for the Griffith Police Department. In November 2012, Matt Moore served as the Interim Police Chief until February 19, 2013, when the current Chief of Police, Greg Mance, was appointed to the position.