Carrier Mills welcomes new peace officer.

Carrier Mills Police Department welcomed a new member to the force today, Officer Neill Mooney.

Mooney, 26, who was sworn in Thursday by Village Clerk Rita Diefenbach, is originally from Prospect Heights. Mooney is a Southern Illinois University graduate with a bachelors in criminal justice and criminology.

He graduated from Southwest Illinois Police academy in November

"We are really happy to have a trained and qualified officer on the team," said police Sgt. Billy Duncan. "I have confidence he will do a fine job."

Duncan, along with officers Mike Gribble and Mike Stover are excited to add another member to Carrier Mills finest.

Mooney spent his time at SIU side by side with campus police in a program called Saluki Patrol. Mooney gained experience working along side officers and acting as camp security.

Before joining the Carrier Mills police force, Mooney worked as a job developer with a company called Return to Work and assisted men and women who needed help joining the workforce.

"Since 2012 I have been searching to work and serve a community," Mooney said. "Sargent Duncan and Chief Rubright have given me that opportunity, it will be an honor to serve them and the Village."

Mooney is trained in several martial arts and enjoys participating in events as sort of a hobby. He has spent a lot of time hiking around Shawnee National Forest while studying in Carbondale.

"We are very fortunate that he has chosen us," said Chief Rubright. "Working with Mr. Mooney will be a benefit to us and the community."

Mooney's area based training will begin Friday and it will not be long till he is working the beat along the streets of Carrier Mills.