Chad Walther shakes hands with Mayor Aaron Sims after taking the Oath of Office. Bill Ray/News & Review

On Monday, Feb. 26, Mayor Aaron Sims swore in five fire and two police officials at City Hall.

Chad Walther, a South Bend native, was sworn in as the Monticello Fire Department Captain. The father of three has been a part of the department since 2017. He helped pilot the Mobile Integrated Health program in White County. Now, Walther is working to make the department the first fire department an accredited paramedic training facility in Indiana. He is licensed as a paramedic, fire safety officer, fire instructor, EMS instructor, AHA instructor, rope rescue technician, and rescue diver.

Bobby Edwards, a decorated combat veteran born and raised in Monticello, was sworn in as a Monticello Fire Department Lieutenant. The licensed paramedic and firefighter first joined the department in 2018. He is a field training officer and first responder EMS training coordinator for the department. Additionally, Edwards is a certified rope rescue, swift water technician, rescue diver, and dive team leader. The father of two served in the Army National Guard from 2005 to 2013 as a military police officer. In 2008, Edwards completed a tour overseas in Iraq. Outside of work, the lieutenant serves on the board of the White County United Way, and coaches youth soccer and tee ball.

Lieutenant Bobby Edwards is pictured with his son, Winfred. Bill Ray/News & Review

Aaron Miller was sworn in as a Monticello Fire Department Lieu- tenant. The Jasper County native first joined the department in 2019. Miller is a firefighter, paramedic, the primary instructor of EMS, and a rope rescue technician. The father of one said, “I look forward to making a difference in the community.” In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.

Dilan Cruz, a Chicago native, was sworn in as a firefighter and EMT. The 24-year-old previously served the Chicagoland area as an EMT for two years. Cruz explained, “This experience showed me firsthand what it means to help others on their worst days.” He recently moved to West Lafayette and worked in the Franciscan Lafayette East Emergency Department as an ED technician. “I now look forward to being a part of the Monticello Fire Department and serving its community,” he concluded.

Lieutenant Aaron Miller is pictured with his Oath of Office. Bill Ray/News & Review

Garret Swaim, following in his father’s footsteps, was sworn in as a firefighter and EMT. Garret is the son of Amy and Shane Swaim. Shane has served the Monticello Fire Department since 2003. Garret graduated from Twin Lakes High School in 2022 and became a licensed EMT in 2023. Garret plans on taking paramedic classes and becoming a certified rope rescue technician.

Charles “Chuck” Morehead was sworn in as the Monticello Police Department Captain. He has been with the department since 2011 and held rank as assistant chief, patrolman, and K9 officer. In his spare time, the father of two can be found coaching baseball.

Treavor Cox was sworn in as the Monticello Police Department Lieutenant. The certified field training officer and instructor has been with the department since 2019 where he has served as a patrolman. In his spare time, he enjoys detailing cars and hunting.

EMT Dilan Cruz takes the Oath of Office. Bill Ray/News & Review

Chuck Morehead is pictured with his wife, Erin, and Mayor Aaron Sims. News & Review/Bill Ray

Firefighter and EMT Garret Swaim is pictured with his father, Shane Swaim, who has served the department for more than two decades. Bill Ray/News & Review

Lieutenant Treavor Cox is pictured with his wife, Mariah Jo, son, Carter, and daughter, Caybree Jo.

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