Bluffton council hired two full-time police officers on Monday. With the new officers the department now had eight full-time officers, according to Rick Skilliter, police chief.
The two are Hope Hannah and Abigail Michael. Hannah has six years part-time experience with the Bluffton department. Michel has worked part-time for one year with the department.
They officially join the force on Jan. 5, 2014. Their pay is $13 an hour. Other members of the department are Matt Oglesbee and Ryan Burkholder, both sergeants, Tyler Hostettler, Chad Cupples, Lonny Kent and Skilliter.