Federal Grant Allows Cherokee Nation Marshal Service To Expand Force

The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service says will be adding three new marshals to its 34-member squad after receiving an $845,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

A $551,387 grant from the DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services will pay the salary of three new marshals over the next three years. Nearly $300,000 from the grant will equip the new marshals with vehicles, pistols, bullet proof vests, uniforms and other essential equipment.

"The COPS office recognizes the issues facing Indian County better than most federal entities and has given our Marshal Service the funding to better serve our citizens," Marshal Shannon Buhl said.

"This new DOJ federal funding will be used prudently to add needed staff and equipment. It will help the Cherokee Marshal Service fulfill its core mission: to protect Cherokee citizens," said Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr.

Cherokee Nation marshals serve within the 14-county Cherokee Nation jurisdiction.

The Marshal Service says they are currently hiring and plan to have new marshals hired, trained and equipped by February 2015.