Lane Ball has joined the police force, sworn in as Smithville’s newest officer Monday.

“We have been a man down for quite some time. I think he will be a great asset to the police department,” said Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins in introducing the rookie officer to the board of mayor and aldermen who ratified the hire. He was sworn in by City Attorney Vester Parsley immediately after the meeting.

Ball is a recent graduate of Walter State Community College and says he is eager to begin his career in law enforcement.