ELKHART COUNTY — Sgt. Jim Stanley is hanging up the keys to the BearCat for the last time as he retires from the Indiana State Police after 25 years of service to Indiana’s citizens.
Stanley graduated from LaVille High School in 1995 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University. He also answered the call to serve the nation in the Army National Guard for seven years, where he earned the rank of Corporal. During his military service, Stanley took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
A graduate of the 62nd Indiana State Police Recruit Academy in 2001, Stanley was initially assigned to the Toll Road Post, where he served from 2001 to 2008. In 2008, he was reassigned to Special Operations as a full-time member of the SWAT Team. Demonstrating strong leadership capabilities, Stanley was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2015, stepping into the role of North SWAT Team Leader—a position he held until his retirement.
Throughout his career with the Indiana State Police, Stanley served in numerous capacities, including field training officer (FTO), Taser instructor, control tactics instructor, and firearms instructor. His specialized expertise within the SWAT field includes mechanical breacher, explosive breacher, and hostage crisis negotiator.
Following his retirement, Stanley looks forward to a more relaxed pace of life in St. Joseph County, where he resides with his wife.
