Brownsdale’s newest police chief is settling into his role.

Chief Aaron Kjome took Brownsdale’s vacant police position after he was hired during a city council special session in December. The city of Brownsdale received about 10 applications for the job, said Mayor David Pike, and decided to hire Kjome after completing interviews with the candidates. Kjome takes over for temporary officer Tom Brogan, who recently accepted a position as a full-time officer with the Austin Police Department.

As Brownsdale’s chief, Kjome is working his first position as a full-time, sworn police officer.

“This would be his first law enforcement job,” Pike said.

But it isn’t Kjome’s first experience, as he spent time in the Austin-Mower Police Reserves, which Pike oversees. The reserves assist the Austin Police Department and Mower County Sheriff’s Office with duties, such as traffic control in emergencies, events at area schools, security at the county fair and more.

During the past year, Kjome took a leadership role within the program as a sergeant.

“He stepped up and took a leadership role,” Pike said, and added that initiative helped Kjome get the job.

Another officer, Chris Beaver, is also on patrol in Brownsdale on a part-time basis.

Brownsdale’s former police chief, Jason Mindrup, vacated his position on Nov. 4, 2013, after the city council voted unanimously to fire him amid sexual assault allegations. While Mindrup has pleaded not guilty in Mower County Court, the council chose to fire him after seeking legal counsel about the issue.