Council President Addresses Local Conflict
MENTONE — Mentone Town Board President Tim Croy has released a statement pertaining to the resignation of Deputy Marshal, Terry Engstrand. In a message to Ink Free News, Croy sought to address rumors and allegations that have spread since the Monday, Oct. 5 regular meeting.
“I, Tim Croy, on behalf of the Mentone Town Council, wish to inform you that the town council has not had any discussions concerning the elimination of the Mentone Town Police Department,” he said in his message. “We believe the police department is very important to our town. While we consider and evaluate any future personnel for the police department, let me assure, we have complete confidence in Police Chief Jim Eads in protecting our community.”
Croy also included a letter of recommendation composed on Engstrand’s behalf. The letter reads:
“To whom it may concern,
“Officer Terry Engstrand served on the Mentone Police Department from 2007 until he voluntarily resigned his post on Oct. 2, 2015.
“Officer Engstrand was a credit to the uniform and the Mentone Police Department throughout his employment.
“Sincerely,
Tim Croy, President, Mentone Town Council”
Croy noted that the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department is working with Mentone to provide extra patrols as needed. Brief discussion took place during Monday’s regular meeting between the board and Town Marshal, Jim Eads, pertaining to the hiring of a new deputy, though the timing was not definite.