VALENTINE, Neb. -- Law enforcement is essential to keep everyone safe, but across the country, police departments are struggling to hire enough officers. In Nebraska, they’ve seen a 30% reduction in forces.

To fight that trend, Valentine, Nebraska is getting creative to lure in more officers.

Ask just about anyone in Valentine, and they can tell you who the chief of police is -- Dana Miller.

“They know all of us officers by our first name,” Miller said. "I think that’s spectacular because in their day of crisis, they’re not afraid of us."

Miller, who jokes that her power bangs are on point, has been the chief for more than a decade and in law enforcement for almost 30 years.

“I haven’t had a single day where I didn’t want to come to work,” Miller said.

But over the past decade, Miller has had a more difficult time finding people with that same love. Brandon Ormesher is one of just four Valentine officers. The town has consistently had open positions for three years, including two current spots.

“We all do our part at some point working extra hours and extra shifts,” Ormesher said.

To try to attract more officers, the department has deployed all sorts of tactics, such as funny social media posts, job fairs, and advertisements.

“The city council has authorized a hiring bonus of $7,000,” Miller said. "That’s a trend across the nation of agencies trying to do that. It really hasn’t attracted very many people, which has been a surprise to all of us."

A bonus that Ormesher said is on top of the benefit of a very rewarding job.

"I have kids of my own,” Ormesher said. "I have friends here who have kids. I'm trying to make the community safer for families in general."

If you’re interested in becoming a police officer in Valentine, send your resume and cover letter to valentinepd@valentinene.gov to start the hiring process. Call 402-376-3055 with any questions.