Joseph Crea and Jennifer Cosme, in front of family, friends, fellow officers and the Town of Newburgh Board, were sworn in as new Town of Newburgh Police officers.

Officiating the swearing in ceremony was Judge Jude Martini of the Town of Newburgh.

Crea, a lifelong resident of the Town of Newburgh, shared before the ceremony that he was excited to be sworn in that night and to officially be a part of the department. “Tonight’s a big night,” Crea said. “I’m pretty excited.”

Within his immediate family, Crea shared that his grandfather, John DiPofi, who was in attendance for the ceremony, worked as a state trooper for many years.

Crea also previously served in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of sergeant.

As a police officer within his hometown, this new step in his career means everything to Crea and he said is ready to serve his community.

“The community gave a lot to me and just can’t wait to start giving back to the community,” Crea said.

The daughter of a retired New York Police Department detective, Cosme said she is proud of becoming a police officer.

“To be able to serve my community and honestly to follow in my fathers footsteps, it’s just really a privilege,” Cosme said.

Cosme also currently serves in the United States Air National Guard and is part of the 109th Airlift Wing.

Cosme shared that this new position will be a learning experience for her but she is proud to be joining the department.

“It’s an honor. It’s rewarding in so many different ways,” Cosme said. “What I hope to give back to the community is, I hope I’m able to inspire the youth within the community and help to bridge the gap between diversity and the police department.”