Sunman Town Council Names Interim Marshal

Former Ripley County Sheriff Tom Grills is stepping up to help.

Tom Grills sworn in as interim town marshal. Town of Sunman Facebook photo.

(Sunman, Ind.) – The Town of Sunman has appointed an interim Town Marshal.

On Thursday, Tom Grills was sworn in during a Sunman Town Council meeting.

Grills retired from the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office in 2014 after roughly 17 or 18 years on the force. He was Sheriff from 2007 to 2014. Since then, he has jumped around jobs.

“I’m here to help,” said Grills. “There are a few people here who know who I am and know my background. This obviously will not be a full-time job for me, but I expect it will take two or three months to get back on track and hire a new marshal.”

Grills replaces Jason Hoffman, who was fired earlier this month. Sunman Town Council remains tight-lipped about Hoffman’s termination – citing employer/employee protections.

With an interim marshal in place, reserve officers can resume serving the community.

While Grills serves in the interim role, Sunman Town Council will continue to seek a permanent replacement. 

Grills will be responsible for making determinations on the future direction of the Town of Sunman Police Department - including hiring a deputy marshal and reserve officers, assessing budget and equipment needs, and overseeing the hiring process for a new full-time marshal.

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police will continue to provide additional coverage to the Town of Sunman during this transition.

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