Pictured, from left, Mentone Town Marshal James Eades congratulates Mentone Deputy Marshal Sam Bohnke upon completion of his training.

MENTONE — Mentone’s Deputy Marshal will receive a bump in salary after completion of Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.

Sam Bohnke, 29, graduated Friday, Feb. 2 from the 600-hour course, mandatory for all Indiana police officers and to be completed within one year of being hired by a police department. During his training, Bohnke was given extensive training in such areas as emergency vehicle operations, physical fitness, firearms training, vehicle crash investigation and physical tactics.

“It was pretty rigorous at times,” said Bohnke. “But, I made a lot of new friends and learned a lot.” Bohnke was part of a class of 149 officers.

Mentone Town Marshal James L. Eads announced Bohnke’s graduation at the monthly meeting of the Mentone Town Council, Monday, Feb. 5. Bohnke was hired as the deputy marshal in April, 2017 and previously served as a reserve officer for six years. Eads reported to the board that with his academy graduation, Bohnke is entitled to a $1,000 raise in salary. The board approved the pay hike.