“This is a very nice community,” said McKane. “I really like it. The people I’ve had contact with, so far, have been very pleasant to deal with. Everyone seems very eager to make sure the town is the best it can be.”

The soft spoken McKane still lives in his home town of Albert Lea. He and his wife, Leah, a Mary Kay Sales Director, have two children, Nick, 7, and Tori, 5.

McKane heard about the opening in New Richland through his involvement with the Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle group that meets at The Willows.

What does McKane enjoy the most about his job?

“Just that it’s different every day,” he said. “I’m very much a people person, and it’s fun to constantly meet new people, and hopefully make a positive impact on the community you’re working with.”

The most difficult aspect is easy to guess.

“Obviously, when you respond to a call, you’re generally meeting people on their worst day,” he said.

In his free time, McKane enjoys motorcycling, spending time with family and bowling, a sport he’s done since he was 13.

When he was a kid, McKane got to know Star Eagle columnist Bob Hanson quite well. He was his paper boy for years, mowed his lawn and even looked after the Hansons’ home when they were vacationing.

McKane invites New Richland residents to come and introduce themselves to him if they feel so inclined.