Police Department Adds New Officer, Introduces Another
Casey City Council Meeting | December 15, 2025
Article Summary: The City Council approved the hiring of Daniel Martinez to fill the police department’s ninth position and formally welcomed recently graduated Officer Tommy Stark.
Police Hiring Key Points:
-
New Hire: Daniel Martinez was approved to join the force and will begin the police academy on January 5.
-
Training Timeline: Martinez will undergo 16 weeks of academy training followed by 10 weeks of field training.
-
New Officer: Tommy Stark, who recently graduated from the academy, was introduced to the Council.
The Casey City Council on Monday, December 15, 2025, bolstered the police department’s ranks by approving a new hire and welcoming a recently certified officer.
Upon the recommendation of Chief of Police Adam Henderson, the Council voted unanimously to hire Daniel Martinez to fill the department’s ninth officer position. Martinez is scheduled to begin the police academy on January 5.
Chief Henderson explained the timeline for the new recruit, noting that Martinez faces 16 weeks at the academy followed by a 10-week field training program with local officers. Mayor Nichols noted that recent improvements to police benefits and vehicles have helped stem turnover rates and attract “lateral” hires.
Earlier in the meeting, Chief Henderson introduced Officer Tommy Stark, who graduated from the police academy the previous Friday. Stark, a resident of Casey since 2020, is currently undergoing his field training.
“You’ve got some good folks down there to learn from,” Mayor Nichols told Stark. “We support our officers to the utmost.”
Latest News Stories
Report: ‘weaknesses’ and ‘unusual increases’ found in management of Ukrainian aid
WATCH: Illinois lawmakers clash over election consolidation and compulsory voting
Gubernatorial candidate calls for reason, peace outside Illinois ICE facility
Report: Soros foundation gave $80M to groups tied to ‘extremist violence’
Colorado economists warn of potential recession, cite tariffs
Colombian President calls for criminal charges against Trump over boat strikes
More than 2 million deportations, self-removals in less than 250 days
Illinois quick hits: Officer charged in straw gun case
WATCH: Pritzker looks for 4% ‘efficiencies’ after increasing spending 43% since 2019
Lawmakers introduce new visa program legislation
Lawmakers to vote on bill forcing release of Epstein files
Adelita Grijalva wins congressional seat in Arizona