GROVELAND — Ever since former police Chief Ronald Weeks and his deputy retired, and two Groveland officers were promoted to replace them, the force has been short two patrolmen.
However, Chief Robert Kirmelewicz is taking steps to build the force back up. Michael Traister, a reserve officer, has been appointed by selectmen as a full-time officer for the town.
Kirmelewicz said Traister took advantage of a new program offered through the state Criminal Justice Training Council, where recruits who are sponsored by a police department and have a degree in criminal justice can graduate from the Police Academy in 16 weeks instead of 24.
In order to get into this program, candidates must pass an entrance exam.
"I offered this exam to the three reserve officers who have degrees," Kirmelewicz said. "All three of them passed, but Michael was the only one to go."
He graduated from the academy on Friday, and worked his first shift as a full-time officer Monday night.
Traister is 24 and lives in Groveland. He has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University.
"I've lived in Groveland all my life, and I always wanted to be a police officer," Traister said.
The Police Department did not pay for Traister to go to the academy, and he did not get paid for his time there, department officials said. However, the department did provide him with a cruiser and ammunition when he needed it for his course work.
"It was quite an accomplishment on his part. We're proud of him," Kirmelewicz said. "We look forward to having him come on board."
