Three new officers will be joining the ranks of the Madison Police Department (MPD) following completion of six-months of police academy training.

According to Public Information Officer Lt. Jeremy Yorke, candidates for police positions in Connecticut must first apply to a local department, get hired, and then they are sent to the Academy. Previously, candidates would complete Academy training and then go out and seek employment, according to Yorke.

Yorke noted that competition for candidates is fierce among departments as many police departments state-wide suffer from a lack of candidates.

The three candidates, Francesca Moore, Avery LaChance, and John Terray were sworn in at a ceremony. According to Yorke, they began training at the Connecticut Police Academy on Sept. 22 and are expected to graduate in April 2023. Upon completion, they will have been received 1,345 hours of training. Following graduation, they will participate in a field training program where they will ride-along with veteran MPD officers for over 400 hours, where they will learn how to implement all that they have learned at the Police Academy to real-life situations, according to Yorke.

“It’s a true honor. Every step of the way has been worth it. I am very happy and looking forward and I am very excited to be part of this department. I am really looking forward to serving the residents of Madison,” Moore said after the ceremony.

Capt. Douglas Harkins spoke at the swearing in ceremony, reminding all of the sacred trust that residents place in their police officers.

“This is a great day for the Madison Police Department as we are about to swear in three new officers,” Harkins said. “(T)hey represent the continued honor and distinction held by the profession of law enforcement. We as a department are excited… (W)e feel we have the top three recruits of the many departments involved.”

Harkins also provided insight to the new candidates about what it means to bear the responsibility of a police officer.

“I want to remind you that one of the most important things to remember on this job is how you treat people,” said Harkins. “You must treat people with compassion and listen to people with understanding. Our job is to protect the citizens of Madison and to help them in their time of need. This is a great job, but at times it can be difficult and require discipline, sacrifice, and patience. Never lose sight of those you serve. I look forward to seeing you at graduation.”