(STURGIS) – The Sturgis Department of Public Safety has hired a new Deputy Director of Police Operations.

Director Ryan Banaszak says Jeff Case has been hired to fill the position. He will begin his new duties December 4.

Case recently retired after 25 years of distinguished service with the Battle Creek Police Department. During that time he earned over 50 awards including citations for Bravery, Professional Excellence, Unit Citations, and Officer Of The Month and Officer Of The Year.

Retiring at the rank of Sergeant, Case led a variety of units in his career, including the Gang Suppression Unit, the Emergency Response Team and most recently, he created and oversaw the development of their Fusion Center.

Case holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Sienna Heights University, and has instructed on a variety of topics at local police academies since 2006.

Banaszak says Case has a demonstrated passion for training and leading police officers, and he is confident Case will further the pursuit for professional excellence at the Sturgis Department of Public Safety.

Case will take over for Damon Knapp, who moved back to a road patrol position with the department.