About Us



The Highland Police Department’s staff, both sworn and civilian, is comprised of dedicated individuals who strive to improve upon the quality of life for our residents by acknowledging both the responsibility and commitment our profession dictates. We realize our personnel are our biggest asset, as evidenced by their daily accomplishments. For even with the best tools in law enforcement, we could not have enjoyed the successes we have without the commitment from our employees. It is our honor to work alongside such individuals, possessing the characteristics of true law enforcement professionals.

Peter Hojnicki, Metropolitan Police Chief
phojnicki@highland.in.gov
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Non-Emergency:
219/838-3184
Tips Hotline:
219/838-TIPS
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Vision & Mission Statement
 Members of the Highland Police Department's sworn and civilian staff, its Commission, and civilian volunteers are dedicated to enhance the quality of life for citizens of our community by providing a superior level of service and protection in the most effective and efficient manner.

We value open communication, citizen participation, honesty and fairness, unity and teamwork.

Department Heads
Chief Peter Hojnicki phojnicki@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3317
Commander Pat Vassar pvassar@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3321
Deputy Commander George Georgeff ggeorgeff@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3319
Sgt. Tim Towasnicki ttowasnicki@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 4026
Sgt. John Banasiak jbanasiak@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 4058
Sgt. Darren Suroviak dsuroviak@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 4036
Sgt. Michael O'Donnell modonnell@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 4049
Cpl. Jerry Koedyker jkoedyker@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3320
Cpl. Chris Balbo cbalbo@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3366
Detective Greg Palmer
(Crime Watch)		 gpalmer@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 4001

Criminal Investigations
Detectives are plainclothes investigators who gather facts and collect evidence for criminal cases. Some are assigned to interagency task forces to combat specific types of crime. They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of suspects, and participate in raids or arrests. Detectives and State and Federal agents and inspectors usually specialize in one of a wide variety of violations such as homicide or fraud. They are assigned cases on a rotating basis and work on them until an arrest and conviction occurs or the case is dropped.
Corporal Ralph Potesta rpotesta@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3315
Detective Greg Palmer gpalmer@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3311
Detective John Siple jsiple@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3313
Detective Mark Santino msantino@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3314
Detective Shawn Anderson sanderson@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3312

Crime Impact Unit
Officer Jose Rivas jrivas@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3387
Officer Scott Shaginaw sshaginaw@highland.in.gov 219/838-1313 ext. 3388

Chaplains
Highland Police Chaplains perform the following duties:
  • Assist the department with making injury or death notifications.
  • Visit sick or injured officers and department personnel
  • Counsel officers and their families
  • Participate in public ceremonies

Highland Police Chaplains are available to the department 24 hours a day. They are members of the International Conference of Police Chaplains.



Chaplain
Father Francis Lazar

 Chaplain
Rev. Randy Bergsma
 Chaplain
Rev. Dan Kuiper

Fallen Officers
Meet the officers who gave their lives to protect our community.


Officer Donald R. Sheppard
November 12th, 1971

Officer Sheppard made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for his community in a gun battle with an escaped convict. Maurice Barnes was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and died while serving his sentence. Officer Sheppard was survived by his wife and three small children.

A park in the town of Highland was dedicated and a monument was erected to honor Officer Sheppard. Sheppard Park is located at 9217 Liable Street.


Officer Robert J Markley
March 10th, 1978

Officer Markley was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver while directing traffic at the scene of a Hijacking - Kidnapping. March 10, 1978 2:02 am 8000 block of Indianapolis Blvd (US41).

A park in the town of Highland was dedicated and a monument was erected to honor Officer Markley. Markley Park is located at 9501 Saric Drive.