Police veteran Smith second in command in Cedar Lake

CEDAR LAKE | Former Town Councilman Jerry Smith was named deputy police chief Tuesday night.

Smith, a Democrat who served a term on the Town Council, was unanimously named to the department's second position by the Town Council. Smith replaces Randall Mayersky, who was named chief in December.

Smith has been a member of the Cedar Lake Police Department for 17 years. In a lot of ways, his duties won't change, he said.

"I'll still be doing the DARE (program), still be doing community relations."

Smith said he also will be doing patrols, filling in when other officers have to rearrange their schedules.

"I look forward to continuing to serve the town," he said.