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New Marion police officers bring experience, heart to jobs

Staff reporter

"Protect and serve."

Simple to understand but a demanding job.

Marion Police Officer Chad Johanning joined the Marion police force in July because he likes to serve smaller communities.

Johanning has been a law enforcement officer for seven years, spending his first five years as an officer at Kinsley, and then a year each as a deputy with the sheriff's departments in Pawnee and Lincoln counties.

"I am particularly interested in criminal investigation," Johanning said.

His ultimate goal as a Marion police officer is to provide a safe environment for the community which improves the quality of life for residents.

Josh Bryant is a Marion native and being a police officer in his hometown is a dream come true.

"I have always been interested in law enforcement," Bryant said. "Being a police officer is something I've wanted to do all of my life."

Bryant's career is just beginning. Having no formal law enforcement training, this spring he will enroll at Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center at Hutchinson.

His previous job experiences have helped to prepare Bryant for a law enforcement career. As a former Kansas Department of Transportation employee, he has a general understanding of the rules and regulations of the road.

Bryant also is a former employee of Cooperative Grain & Supply where he was certified in handling hazardous materials and trained for working in confined spaces.

"I want to make a difference in my community," Bryant said.

He is particularly interested in working with youth.

"Young people are the future of our community," Bryant said.

Even though Marion Police Chief Josh Whitwell did not initially hire Johanning, he is pleased with the officer.

"Officer Johanning has many years of experience and fits in well with the department and community," Whitwell said.

Whitwell said he hired Bryant because Bryant knows the community and people, and people know him.

"Officer Bryant is good with kids and wants to be involved with the schools," Whitwell said.

Bryant is training with Marion County Sheriff's Department personnel in learning the DRAGNET program at Marion Elementary School.

Johanning is married to Ashley who is a nurse. They have two sons, Evan, 6, and Connor, 2 1/2.

Bryant, a 2000 Marion High School graduate, is married to Jynifur and they have three sons, Joseph, 16, Jackson, 13, and Jermyn, 11.

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