Herren named Baxter police chief

“I’ve spent my entire law enforcement career here in Baxter,” he said.

He was hired by then-Police Chief Danny Holmes, who now serves as mayor, nearly 16 years ago.

Today, Herren is the city’s new police chief.

“I was born and raised here in Baxter,” he said. “I didn’t intend to be an officer in the town I grew up in, but there are advantages to that.”

After graduating from the law enforcement academy, Herren interviewed with Holmes.

“I remember him from being my DARE instructor when I was in the fifth grade,” Herren recalled.

The Baxter Police Department currently has eight officers.

“The main goal is to keep up with the forward progression,” he said. “Technology has advanced. I want to be able to keep up with all of that and make sure we have enough officers to ensure a quick response.”

For Herren, it is about keeping residents and businesses safe.

“Industry is a big thing here, and with new developments coming in, we’ve got to keep up,” he said.

The relationship between the Baxter Police Department and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is essential.

“We have a great relationship with the sheriff and his team,” Herren said.

What does he enjoy most about being in law enforcement?

“The people,” he said. “I love the fact that I can drive through town or walk into the bank and see people I know. Building relationships with people and keeping the streets safe is what we do. That’s what this job is all about.”