Winona Lake Deputy Marshal Dave Swainbeing sworn in by Town Attorney Jim Walmer (Photos by Michelle Reed)

WINONA LAKE — Winona Lake town council has chosen the officer who will replace Deputy Marshal Malcolm Gilbert.

Officer Gilbert has been with the Winona Lake Police Department for 26 1/2 years and will retire July 31. Out of the 14 applicants, who had completed the physical agility and testing states of the application process, only three candidates were interviewed. The council decided Officer Dave Swain was the most qualified candidate and was offered the position as Deputy Marshal for the Winona Lake Police Department.

Officer Swain has been a reserve officer with the Winona Lake Police Department for 5 1/2 years. During his years of service he has proven to be a hard worker, smart, dedicated and a leader by his actions. He is a family man; married to  his wife, Amanda, for 11 years in August. Swain has four children: Noah, 8; Elise, 5; Johnathan, 3, and James, 1.

Winona Lake Town Marshal Joe Hawn requested that since Swain has served the Winona Lake community in a reserve officer capacity for the 5 1/2 years, that the six months probationary salary be waived and start Swain at the full bi-weekly salary for a deputy marshal of $1,896.51.

Walmer and Swain joking before the swearing in process