Associated Press
HOBART, Ind. (AP) - A man proposed marriage to his girlfriend immediately after he was sworn in at the police department, becoming an officer and getting engaged in the space of a few seconds.
As the mayor and police chief of this northwestern Indiana city watched Friday, Michael Webber got down on one knee and popped the question.
“I always introduced you as my girlfriend. But I want to change that and start introducing you as my wife,” Webber said before asking Melissa Smith, “Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” responded a stunned Smith, her eyes filling with tears.
The part-time police dispatcher’s response drew applause from the couple’s families who, like city officials, had been tipped off about the marriage proposal.
“This is a first for me,” said Mayor Linda Buzinec, who swore Webber in and ordered roses and cake to celebrate the engagement. “He made some major decisions in one day. I wish them luck.”
Webber, a 26-year-old former police reserve officer, said he decided to pop the question to make his swearing-in even more memorable.
The Valparaiso couple are expecting their first child in late June.