City swears in newest officer

Jasper — The City of Jasper swore in its newest police officer Monday morning.

For Martin Loya Jr. it was a gratifying moment when his daughter Jaslyn pinned the badge on during the ceremony. “She is very proud to say her daddy is a police officer,” he explained.

Loya was joined by his wife Amanda and their two children, 4-year-old Jaslyn and 18-month-old Martin III as well as Loya’s mother, Maria Loya, sisters Gracie Perez and Crystal Loya, grandparents Carmen and Jesus Monarrez Sr., aunt Ana Bravo and cousin Eric Bravo. Dubois County Sheriff deputy Jesus Monarrez, Loya’s uncle, was also in attendance to welcome him to the profession.

Loya graduated from Jasper High School in 2001 and ISU in 2006 with a degree in business administration.  He will start training at the Southwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on July 21st.

According to Loya, he started exploring the law enforcement field when he became a reserve officer last November and then was able to ride along with his uncle. “I really fell in love with it while I was riding along with Jesus,” he explained. “When you go home at the end of the night, you made change. We helped  a lot of people in the short time I did it.”

Loya was passed over during the last hiring cycle but was picked up when another position opened up in the department. “I felt really lucky to be chosen this time,” he said.

Loya will attend the academy in Evansville allowing him to travel back and forth from home daily. “It’s great, I get to see the family every night.”

Jasper Chief Mike Bennett welcomed Loya to the force by reminding him of the honorable profession he has chosen and pointing out the gravity of his position with the the three recent deaths the law enforcement field has witnessed in Indiana.

“Just remember everyday when you go to work, why you put that badge on is to serve the people of Jasper and Dubois County,” Bennett said.