Dartmouth Police Chief Robert Szala introduced two new officers to the Select Board on June 27. Both Alex Almeida and Ryan Reis recently finished 26 weeks of training in Randolph and will soon start assisting the Dartmouth Police Department.

Surrounded by family and friends, the two Dartmouth residents addressed the Select Board.

“Until recently, it was just the place i lived, not because I wanted to, but because that’s where my parents lived,” said Reis, who served a stint in the United States Army before returning to Dartmouth. “This is the place I grew up, and this is the place i want to live and work,” he said.

Almeida followed Reis’s prepared speech with an impromptu one: “I love the town of Dartmouth. I love its people. There’s nothing I’d rather do than give back to the town of Dartmouth for all it’s given to me,” he said.

Select Board member Shawn McDonald welcomed the two new officers, but with a warning. “Because you’re lifelong residents, people know you. You have to act professionally when you have a badge on,” he said, urging them to lean on veteran officers for guidance. “You guys will do okay. Congratulations.”

Select Board Chairman Stanley Mickelson offered words as well. “It’s not the same as it was 40 years ago. Be safe out there.”

The new officers will be able to patrol in September after 12 weeks of training under seasoned officers.