GRUNDY CENTER - A Hudson native has been hired to head up the city's police department.

Brock Gilbert took the oath of office Tuesday night after council members approved his appointment. Gilbert's hiring fills a vacancy in the chief position that lasted more than two years.

Mayor Jack Stumberg served as the administrative chief of the department in that time. Stumberg said city officials decided at that time to not fill the position as a way to save money. The department's roster also wasn't brought up to full-force at that time, he said.

'The people of Grundy Center kind of let it be known that they wanted a full police force," said Stumberg.

Stumberg said it was "nice" to have a full-time chief take over.

Gilbert has nine years of law enforcement experience, where he served as a patrolman in West Burlington, Hudson and Belmond, and most recently as a sheriff's deputy in Colorado. This is the first administrative position he's held. Gilbert said it was nice to come back to the area he calls home.

"This is great," he said.

Gilbert began his duties immediately on Wednesday. Dustin Blackburn, of Conrad, was also hired as a new officer. Gilbert said Blackburn still has to go through law enforcement certification, however.

Contact Josh Nelson at (319) 291-1565 or josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com.