The eighth full-time officer in Rindge has been named, and many will recognize her as a familiar face.
Police Chief Todd Muilenberg confirmed Thursday that Amanda Swanson – who is currently working as a part-time officer in town – will begin to serve in a full-time capacity, likely after the first of the year.
“She came out above everyone else,” said Muilenberg. “I told her she would have to prepare for everything and she did well.”
While Swanson has been put in place as the town’s eighth officer, there are still a number of questions surrounding the position, namely, how it will be funded. While there is a warrant article on the table to subsidize $125,000 of her salary over the next three years with a grant, and her salary for next year has been placed in the budget, there is still a chance that either or both could be voted down at Town Meeting.
The Select Board is currently debating whether the position should be included in the town’s default budget, with no definitive answer at this time. Regardless of whether the town votes for the position or not, Muilenberg said he has assurance from the Select Board that his department will not have to lay anyone off after Town Meeting.
“The Select Board has been very supportive,” said Muilenberg, who admitted he knows of a group of people in town that do not want the position.
Swanson will report to the police academy in May for 16 weeks. Swanson will be able to work in town up to that point, according to Muilenberg, but then will be fully committed to the police academy, as it is a full-time commitment.
With Swanson transitioning, Muilenberg said he is ramping up his search for more part time officers to fill the void.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.