ALPENA -Officers who are hired by Alpena Police Department are vetted thoroughly to be sure they are the cream of the crop and ready to protect residents to the highest degree. Monday at city hall a new officer took his oath to do both.

In council chambers police and fire employees, as well as heads from other departments, gathered to welcome Andrew Smith, who is the latest hire for the police department.

Smith, who is from Hillman, graduated from Kirtland Police Academy and was employed by Mackinaw City Police Department. He applied for the job in Alpena and made the cut after a vigorous screening process. Police Chief Joel Jett said each application is assessed and then face to face interviews are done.

“We always have one goal and that is simply to hire the best,” Jett said. “Policing is a challenging profession, especially in these challenging times and with that in mind we scour and scrutinize so we hire the absolute best for this community.”

Once Smith did well in his first interview, Jett said he met with peer boards that weigh in how the applicant will fit on the team. It was determined Smith would be a good fit.

“This is a family and we found our newest family member,” Jett said. “He will not only fit with the department, but with the whole community.”

After Smith took his oath he received a round of applause from his new co-workers, many of whom took time to give him a quick handshake or a congratulation. He said he is excited to work in Alpena because it is close to his home in Hillman and he’s eager to better get to know the people he will be working alongside.

“Mackinaw was an hour and a half away and was good experience, but being able to come and work closer to home feels great. I went to ACC so I already know the area and that will help,” Smith said. “It seems like everyone here gets along great and I believe everything will work out good.”

Mayor Matt Waligora said having police and firefighters who are highly trained and outstanding citizens is important to the fabric of a community. He said Smith seems to fit that mold and urged him to lean on resources available to him to help get settled.

“I want to say welcome aboard and not just to the police department, but to the city of Alpena,” Waligora said. “Take advantage of what we have to offer and the opportunities we have and good luck.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews. Read his blog, Upon Further Review … at www.thealpenanews.com.