The Merriam Police Department adds two new officers to its force. Officers Holly Keith and Brandon Bates were officially sworn in at the Oct. 14 City Council meeting.

Officer Keith graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School. She said she knew she was going to be a cop from a young age because her dad was in law enforcement.

Before coming to Merriam, Officer Keith worked as a civilian specialist and as a deputy sheriff with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. She said she’s excited to start working in Merriam.

Officer Bates received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He said he likes Merriam’s small-town feel because everyone who works in the police department knows each other and “works like a family.”

“I look forward to working with the community and helping to keep it safe,” Officer Bates said.

The two new officers are currently in field training – learning the ropes of the Merriam Police Department.