At last week’s Walden Village Board meeting, Police Chief William Herlihy welcomed the two newest members of the Walden Police Department.

Officers Ariana Kirschner, 22, and Peter Tukovic, 23, were officially introduced to the village board.

Kirchner holds an associates degree in criminal justice from Orange County Community College, inspired by her grandmother’s enduring legacy at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

“Ariana is driven by a passion for community outreach and a sincere desire to contribute,” the chief reported.

Tukovic, originally from Sloatsburg, initiated his academic path at Rockland County Community College, where he earned an associate of science degree. Subsequently, he furthered his education at the University of Albany, inspired by his family’s notable legacy in the NYPD, which include his mother, his father, and his grandfather.

“On this joyous occasion, it’s important to highlight to the board that the Village for almost two decades has not enrolled anyone in the full -time police academy,” Herlihy said. “However, breaking this trend, we are currently in the process of sending these two individuals with the expectation of hiring a third one in the next couple of weeks.”

Later in the meeting, Village Trustee Chris Batson asked if the village paid for its new officers to attend the police academy.

“No, we pay their salary while they’re in the academy,” Village Manager John Revella replied. “We get the academy for free because our officers teach at the academy as well. It’s one of the benefits.”

It’s a benefit, he added, that the village had not been able to take advantage of in recent years. That’s about to change.