Merrillville police board appoints probationary patrolmen, approves conditional offer and opens new hiring process
July 11, 2026 | Town of Merrillville, Lake County, Indiana
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The Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners of the Town of Merrillville approved two resolutions appointing four probationary patrolmen and voted to open a new hiring process.
President Pullman read Resolution 10-60, which appointed Abiel Chavez, Brandon Kazique and Christopher Franz as probationary patrolmen for a one-year probationary period effective 12:01 a.m. on 07/01/2026. Commissioner Dravoyevich moved adoption; Commissioner Rich seconded. Chief Bassett conducted a roll-call vote; all commissioners voted in favor and the resolution passed.
The board then adopted Resolution 10-61, appointing Daniel Seal as a probationary patrolman for a one-year probationary period effective 12:01 a.m. on July 14, 2026. Commissioner Pollock moved adoption; Commissioner Dragojevich seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote.
The board also voted to extend a conditional employment offer to applicant Edgar Favela. Commissioner Grzegorovich moved the offer and Commissioner Pollock seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.
President Pullman said the appointments will be presented to the town council for formal swearing-in. The resolutions state that compensation for the probationary period will be set by the chief of police for the first year of employment.
After noting the eligibility list for hiring had been exhausted, the board voted to expire the current list and open a new hiring process. Commissioner Rich moved to expire the list and Commissioner Pollock moved to start the new process; both measures carried by voice vote.
No public opposition or debate on the appointments or hiring changes was recorded. The board set the next meeting for Friday, 08/07/2026 at 2:00 p.m.
President Pullman read Resolution 10-60, which appointed Abiel Chavez, Brandon Kazique and Christopher Franz as probationary patrolmen for a one-year probationary period effective 12:01 a.m. on 07/01/2026. Commissioner Dravoyevich moved adoption; Commissioner Rich seconded. Chief Bassett conducted a roll-call vote; all commissioners voted in favor and the resolution passed.
The board then adopted Resolution 10-61, appointing Daniel Seal as a probationary patrolman for a one-year probationary period effective 12:01 a.m. on July 14, 2026. Commissioner Pollock moved adoption; Commissioner Dragojevich seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote.
The board also voted to extend a conditional employment offer to applicant Edgar Favela. Commissioner Grzegorovich moved the offer and Commissioner Pollock seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.
President Pullman said the appointments will be presented to the town council for formal swearing-in. The resolutions state that compensation for the probationary period will be set by the chief of police for the first year of employment.
After noting the eligibility list for hiring had been exhausted, the board voted to expire the current list and open a new hiring process. Commissioner Rich moved to expire the list and Commissioner Pollock moved to start the new process; both measures carried by voice vote.
No public opposition or debate on the appointments or hiring changes was recorded. The board set the next meeting for Friday, 08/07/2026 at 2:00 p.m.
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