February 16, 2021 Photo Mendota Police Department MENDOTA – An accomplished marksman has joined the ranks of the Mendota Police Department. On Monday Brandon Hornung was sworn in as a part-time officer. He recently graduated the Law Enforcement Training Advisory Committee Academy in Springfield in September and is currently in his final stages of field training. Hornung is a 2005 graduate of Mendota High School and joined the National Guard in 2008 and served in the guard until 2020 where he retired at the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in the National Guard, Hornung was assigned to the Charlie Batter 2nd Battalion 123rd Field Artillery regiment. During his tour of duty, he was deployed to both Egypt and Kuwait. Hornung was one of eight soldiers assigned as State Marksmanship Firearms Instructor. He was awarded four Army achievement medals, three army commendations medals and one Meritorious Service Medal. Hornung is a highly accomplished shootist, not only in pistol but multi-gun competitions as well, having travelled to England, Canada and through out the US to compete. In 2016 Hornung won the US Army small arms combat championship award which included competitors from active duty, reserve and National Guard Soldiers.