Rhine selected to fill latest GPD vacancy

While Friday was veteran Officer Albert Epple's last official day on the Greencastle City Police force, his replacement is already waiting in the wings.

The Greencastle Board of Public Works and Safety has selected Zachary Daniel Rhine, a 2006 South Putnam High School product, as the newest member of the City Police Department.

Newly selected Greencastle City Police officer Zachary Rhine (right) is congratulated by Police Chief Tom Sutherlin after his selection by the Board of Works to fill the GPD vacancy stemming from the retirement of longtime Officer Albert Epple. Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE

Rhine was the board's unanimous selection following a round of interviews earlier this week at City Hall.

A 2010 University of Indianapolis graduate who majored in criminal justice and minored in sociology, Rhine has completed one year of law school through the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich., with a concentration on litigation.

He has been employed since February at Crown Equipment Co. in Greencastle. Rhine had worked one year at Fedex Express, Indianapolis, prior to starting at Crown.

But his first love has been law enforcement.

"Although my past job history does not reflect my passion for law enforcement, I can assure you the law is where I belong," he told Board of Works members Trudy Selvia, Thom Morris and Mayor Sue Murray.

"The law has always fascinated me," he added.

Pointing to courses such as criminal law, criminal procedure and legal writing he has completed, Rhine suggested, "with this knowledge under my belt, I feel I could be a viable asset to your office."

Rhine, who resides in Cloverdale with wife Amber and their eight-month-old son Lincoln, is the son of local residents Renee Marsteller and Rick Rhine.

Not only was he a member of the University of Indianapolis football team from 2006-08 but he was a cadet in the university's Police Department throughout his four years.

Rhine now must await approval by the Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERF) before he can officially be sworn in to succeed Epple, the third longtime GPD officer to retire in recent months.

Epple's retirement follows those of Capt. Mike Hanlon and Sgt. Terry Eastham. Officers Joshua Smith, 32, and Brad Hiatt, 35, were recently approved and sworn in to fill those positions.

A retirement party for Officer Epple is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Friday, June 5 at City Hall.