New Healdsburg Reserve Police Officer Sworn In

Healdsburg Police honored two of their own at Monday's Healdburg City Council meeting.

Ian Benner was sworn in as a reserve officer for the

In addition, Healdsburg Police Officer Scott Eland received a certificate of appreciation for his five years of service with the department.

Benner, 24, received a badge pinned on by his father, Brian Benner. 

"This is a dream come true for me," Benner said "I've wanted to be a police officer since I was 6 years old."

He said he grew up in Sebastopol, but added he has come to embrace his new city as he has worked with the department.

"I've come to love Healdsburg," he said.

Healdsburg Mayor Gary Plass told Benner he was making a good move.

"You're joining an organization where people take a lot of pride in what they do," said Plass, a former Healdsburg Police sergeant.

Benner, who will be the only Healdsburg reserve police officer in the department -- due to the recent retirement of the most senior reserve officer -- was sworn in by Healdsburg City Clerk Maria Curiel.

Eland, 37, previously served five years as a park ranger before joining the Healdsburg Police Department.