By Allison Roorda
Community Post
The Minster Police Department added a fifth police officer to its ranks last week, boosting the undermanned staff that has been short for the past few months.

Kevin Draiss, a reserve deputy with the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, started his new job on Wednesday, July 2.
“I got a taste of law enforcement after I went to Buckeye Boys State Program,” explained Draiss. “I went down to Highway Patrol Academy for a week of mini-camp. I got the bug then, and it was in the back of my mind all along.”
Draiss received his Bachelors of Science in interdisciplinary science at the University of Toledo. He went to Rhodes State Police Academy last summer and joined the sherriff's department in December. He received unanimous approval to fill the last remaining full-time vacancy at the Minster Police Department at an hourly rate of $14.43.
Minster Police Department has been shortstaffed since last year when patrolman Doug Latimer took an extended leave of absence due to an injury and later left the department. Chief Don Bergman announced his intention to retire shortly afterward, but officials had trouble finding a replacement. Last April, Randy Houseworth was hired as Minster's Police Chief, and Chris Fetters of St. Marys joined the force in June.
“Our full-time positions are filled and I am pleased with the new officers,” Houseworth said. “I hope to fill some part-time positions with some good prospects.”
Draiss lives in Celina with his wife, Erika, who teaches math at Celina High School.
“I've been riding along for a few weeks,” said Draiss. “I'm looking forward to working with the new chief and the other police officers. They're good guys.”
His new coworkers are also pleased to have him on the force.
“Kevin will be an excellent officer for the department and the community,” said Houseworth. “I am pleased with his training.”