Utica Police Welcomes New Recruits to the Department

The City of Utica gained six new soon-to-be police officers today. The department, family, and city officials gathered to see the new recruits sworn in.

While most still need to complete their training to officially become officers, these 6 people are very close to putting on the uniform.  But it's been a long process to get to this point between agility, medical, and background tests.  And that's in addition to the interview process, the academy, and other training.  Christian Portalatin says it's been about a year since he started the whole process, and he's ready to get going.  "I've always wanted to be a police officer especially in the city of Utica," he says, "Utica has given a lot to me, my education, my morals and I want to give back."

The six recruits were sworn in by Mayor Roefaro as their family and friends proudly watched.   UPD Chief Mark Williams says he feels a bit relieved in welcoming these new recruits, as the department has been running short on officers for a little while.  

Portalatin says he still has about six months to go before he'll be done with the academy...  Then he'll shadow another officer to complete his training.