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Shine a light on issues that matter—support local news with your gift today. DECORAH — Nicholas Matelski was officially sworn in as a police officer for the City of Decorah during a recent city council meeting, marking the conclusion of a months-long hiring process. "We started our hiring process in February, and [if] anybody who knows anything about police department hiring, it is a process," Police Chief Tricia Thein told council members and attendees during the meeting. Following an extensive vetting process, four candidates were placed on the certified civil service list. "All of them great," Thein noted. "Throughout our process, though, one rose to the top." That candidate was Matelski. Before administering the oath, the department introduced Matelski's family to the council. "I want to take a chance here to also introduce to you his lovely wife, Billie, and their children," Thein said. "I want to introduce the family because I will tell you from personal experience and for our staff, without the family supporting you and loving you to do this job, there's no way you could come out to do it every single day. So we are always thankful for the family." After taking his oath, Matelski kneeled to allow his children to pin his badge to his chest. He received congratulations and a warm welcome from city officials. "I want to welcome you and your family to the Decorah city organization," Mayor Lorraine Borowski said. "You have a great team there to work with. It's gonna get fun to get to know you." The ceremony concluded with applause and expressions of support from city council members and those in attendance. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.

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Matelski Sworn In as Decorah Officer, Celebrated by Family and Council