Officer Sheeley takes the oath of office

A new Bellefontaine Police Office with previous law enforcement experience, Jayde Sheeley, left, was administered the oath of office Friday, May 3, by Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman. The 2012 West Liberty-Salem High School graduate and area native said she begins her new role May 20, after serving for about five years as a Champaign County Sheriff’s Office deputy. “It’s been such a fun career so far, and I’m excited for the switch,” she said, relating that moving to Bellefontaine feels like she’s “coming home.” The 2016 Ohio University graduate studied sociology and criminology there, and said as a youngster, she previously had aspirations of being probation officer, possibly working with juveniles, or working at the FBI or CIA. While enlisting in the Army ROTC (but having to back out after a hand injury just prior to basic training), she fell in love with the structure and purpose-driven aspect of the job, similar to the work she does in law enforcement. “I love helping people, and this is the best type of job for me, not just sitting at a desk,” she said. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)