Sgt. Mark Rookus, who retired earlier this summer after 29 years with the Wayland Police Department, will return to duty soon as a part-time lieutenant.

The Wayland City Council Tuesday night approved a recommendation from Police Chief Steve Harper to make the move because the force is short one officer and another is on medical leave.

Harper said right now he’s doing all the administrative paper work and he could use Rookus for three days a week at $30 an hour. His part-time job would replace the full-time sergeant’s post.

Councilman Tim Rose backed up Harper’s contention, saying, “I drive by the police department often and the chief’s is parked outside there nearly all the time. I appreciate the extra work he’s put in.”

The chief said, however, “Even though we’ve been short-handed, the community has been served well.”

Harper said he’d be very happy to have Rookus back in the department because he doesn’t have to train him. Rookus can only work 1,000 hours per year.

“This would save some money for the city,” the chief said. “And he likes to work Fridays and Mondays (when officers are most needed), don’t ask me why.”

City Manager Tim McLean said he’s delighted to have Rookus back on the force.

“I feel like he will be a great rehire for the police department,” he said. “He knows this community well and is a good fit for the department.”

PHOTO: Mark Rookus (Photo supplied)