The Crawford Town Board held a brief special meeting on Monday, November 9 to vote on approval of the hiring of two full-time Crawford police officers. The meeting was necessary to stay within required time limits to properly process the new hires as the next Board meeting would be two days beyond the deadline needed for the civil service system.

Chief Dominick Blasko summarized the qualifications of the candidates as each having college degrees, previously passed their required civil service exams, and have already attended required training. The officers would be replacing two officers who have left and were already included in the 2021 budget.

Blasko reminded the Board of Michael Hughes current status as a part-time Crawford police officer and Pine Bush High School alumni. Blasko explained Patrick Swayne is currently an officer in New York City and would need minimal additional guidance during onboarding mostly around local geography and department procedures.

The Board voted unanimously and quickly to make a motion to hire both candidates. One position remains open on the Crawford Police Department.

The November Crawford board meeting will be held Thursday, November 19 at 7 p.m.