(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Police Department has placed another new officer on the streets.

Officer Michael Lippelt is from Wanatah.  He was sworn-in Friday after graduating from the police academy.  Police Chief Paul Brettin said the officer will begin field training immediately.

The department now has more than 40 officers after the number dropped into the

low-30’s several months ago because of retirements and officers taking jobs elsewhere.  A pay raise for officers was given in recent months to help maintain the number officers at the department.