FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Wednesday afternoon, members of Parkview Health and Indiana state leaders joined together for the swearing-in ceremony of 19 Parkview Health Police Department officers. This first class of officers will be members of the newly formed Parkview Health Police Department, the first of its kind in Indiana.

A recent bill passed and signed into law by Governor Mike Pence made it possible for the department to be formed.

“More than two years of thoughtful discussion, work and consideration went into the formation of the Parkview Health Police Department,” said Mike Packnett, CEO and president, Parkview Health. “Safety on our campuses has been and will always be a priority. We want to thank Tom Rhoades and Senator Dennis Kruse for their leadership and vision in helping to make this day a reality.”

These officers will be assigned to the various campuses of all the Parkview hospitals around northeast Indiana. They will be available for the aid and safety of hospital visitors and patients.

“These men and women who will begin serving our police department have gone through a thorough screening process before getting to this point,” said Tom Rhoades, Chief of Police, Parkview Health Police Department. “Beyond their great ability to support from a law enforcement perspective, they also bring a very important customer service skill to the team. This will be an important component of what their day-to-day is, as we look to improve upon the services provided to our patients, visitors and co-workers.”

The Parkview Health Police Department will eventually be made up of nearly two dozen officers, who will cover the entire health system.