BRATTLEBORO — At the Police Department's first public swearing-in ceremony, held during the Feb. 3 Selectboard meeting, four cadets solemnly swore to protect the people of Brattleboro, and joined the ranks.
They are cadets Caleb Currie, Matthew Petlock, Steven Chase Stanley, and Colby Kerylow.
The four, graduates of the Vermont Police Academy's 16-week training course, will now ride for the next 12 weeks with seasoned members of the BPD as part of their field training.
According to Police Chief Eugene Wrinn, the cadets' certification through the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, which operates the Academy, means that they're full-fledged police officers.
Wrinn added that field training helps new officers learn the procedures and protocols specific to their new department.
Town Clerk Annette Cappy officiated.
Such ceremonies typically are held at the Police Department, but Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland suggested the change of venue to give citizens a chance to meet their new officers, and Wrinn agreed.
In taking on the four new officers, the department is in what Wrinn called “a great position” with staffing, with only one open position.
He characterized hiring officers as a balancing act that can take a year: Although the department accepts applications throughout the year, the Police Academy's training sessions occur only twice a year, in January and August, said Wrinn.
He added that identifying a promising applicant is only the first step. Following that are numerous tests and background checks. Completing the training at the Police Academy is the final crucial hurdle.