PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – This past week, Pierre City Commissioners approved the hiring of two new police officers.

Commissioner Jim Mehlhaff thanked the two for joining the department during a time when how members of law enforcement across the country interact with the constituents they serve has come under the microscope.

Mehlhaff also thanked the community.

Mayor Steve Harding echoed Mehlhaff’s show of support for local law enforcement officers.

Since the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, some government agencies either have or are planning to dismantle departments or make massive budget cuts.