LAKE STATION | Police Chief Kevin Garber already has moved into his office at the new city municipal complex.
Most of his staff, including officers and dispatchers, have not.
The move out of the old police department, 3619 Central Ave., to new police quarters at 1969 Central Ave. will be a major undertaking for Garber in coming weeks.
The move will be Garber's central focus until the transition is completed in about a month.
"The biggest change is we're getting ready to move in. ... Everyone is looking forward to it," Garber said.
Garber, 45, who on Jan. 1 replaced former Police Chief Michael Stills, also is looking forward to being first in command.
The Lake Station department totals 25 when fully staffed.
"I'm excited and happy that the mayor's given me a chance. I don't think he'll be disappointed," Garber said.
Garber has been a police officer for 20 years, starting with the Gary Police Department in 1992.
Garber worked in Gary for one year, then transferred to Lake Station, where he quickly moved up the ranks.
He has been chief of the detective bureau for the past 10 years.
"I've been through all the ranks and feel I have a lot to offer the guys," Garber said.
Garber, who is married and has four children, said he grew up in Lake Station and graduated from Edison High School.
His father, who died a year ago, was the longtime owner of a Lake Station gas station and soda bar.
"I can look out my office window and see the lot where my dad had his business," Garber said.
Many members of the Garber family have served or are serving in law enforcement, including his son, Kevin Jr., who is working at the New Chicago Police Department.
Garber's father-in-law, Jim Strine, served as a former Lake Station police chief.
"When I was sworn into office, he handed me his old chief's badge," Garber said.
Once the move is made to the new police department, Garber said one of the programs he plans to implement is a Neighborhood Watch Program.
"That's something I want to start as soon as possible," Garber said.
