Tom Mensink, 29, was sworn-in Thursday as the Mower County Sheriff's Department's newest deputy.

"Working for the Mower County Sheriff's Department is a great opportunity for me," Mensink said. "I also have the chance to meet the citizens and listen to their concerns.

"I feel that community policing is a great way for communities to come together and fight local crime."

Mower County Sheriff Barry J. Simonson swore in the new deputy at the Austin-Mower County Law Enforcement Center. Mensink's in-laws watched the ceremonies with media representatives.

Simonson described Mensink as Mower County's "extra" deputy.

Mensink's position was created with the permission of the Mower County Board of Commissioners after Simonson described the need for an extra peace officer.

"We had an increased jail population and increased civil process needs, more warrants to serve and an increased need in transferring prisoners, that created a real need for another deputy," Simonson said.

Mensink is the 21st deputy on duty for the sheriff's department.

Mensink, who is married and lives at Spring Valley, graduated from Crestwood Community High School, Cresco, Iowa, in 1992.

He graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College in 2000 with a degree in law enforcement and completed his skills training through Hibbing Community College.

Since 1998, he has been employed by the Fillmore County Sheriff's Department as a detention deputy.

Mensink has also worked as a part-time police officer for Preston, Lanesboro and Chatfield for the past several years.

In his spare-time, the new deputy enjoys fishing, boating and spending time with his family.

He said he hopes to enjoy a long career in law enforcement and "move up in the ranks."

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com