When Jeremy Brinkman accepted a position as Worthington's deputy marshal in the fall of 2024, he knew the commute from Indianapolis-area communities would be a challenge. Shortly after, he's not only serving as the town's interim marshal but also calls Worthington home.

Brinkman assumed the role of interim town marshal in June, bringing with him a background that spans firefighting, corrections, courthouse security and law enforcement. He said his goal is simple: build a department rooted in integrity while strengthening relationships with the community.

"I want to run a police department built on ethical, moral and legal foundations," Brinkman said. "Above all, I want to bridge the gap between our officers and the community, ensuring we work hand-in-hand."

Originally from Indianapolis, Brinkman began his public safety career as a firefighter before transitioning into corrections. He spent two years with the Indiana Department of Correction in Plainfield before serving as a special deputy with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, where he worked in both the county jail and courthouse.

He later joined the IU Health Police Department in Bloomington, where he was selected to attend the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Brinkman graduated from the academy in June 2024.

Shortly after graduation, he learned of an opening with the Worthington Town Marshal's Office.

"Even though Worthington was about an hour away from where I lived at the time, I wanted to follow my dream of working for a town police department," Brinkman said.

He was hired as Worthington's deputy marshal in September 2024. Not long afterward, he relocated to Worthington so he could live in the community he serves.

Brinkman said one of the things that attracted him to the town was its strong sense of community.

"Aside from general safety and security, I believe community is the most important asset Worthington has," he said. "It is essential that we never lose that classic feeling of neighbors watching out for neighbors."

He said that sense of family is what ultimately convinced him Worthington was the right place to build his career.

"The people here genuinely care about us and about one another," Brinkman said. "That's a powerful bond you just don't find in larger cities."

As interim marshal, Brinkman said he hopes to continue fostering relationships between law enforcement and residents while maintaining the small-town values that make Worthington unique.

"I want our department to be one the community trusts and feels comfortable working alongside," he said. "When law enforcement and the community work together, everyone benefits."