Police Department Adds Two New Officers

Two officers from the same academy class joined the ranks of the  during a ceremony Monday morning.

Jeffrey Foss-Rugan, 24, was born and raised in Wethersfield and is taking criminal justice courses at Manchester Community College. He graduated first in his police academy class. He was an officer with the Avon Police Department for two years where he won an award from MADD before accepting a position with Rocky Hill.

"I am really excited," Foss-Rugan said. "Rocky Hill is a great department."

Foss-Rugan's fiancée Christina Patterson, who is a police officer in Middletown, has a connection to Rocky Hill as well. Her grandmother and grandfather worked at Town Hall for many years and have lived in Rocky Hill for several years, according to Town Manager Barbara Gilbert.

Joseph Smith, 25, was born and raised in Hartford, but graduated from Newington High School. He is also taking criminal justice courses at Manchester Community College. For the past two years, he has been a patrol officer with the New Britain Police Department.

"We are happy to steal him away as well," said Police Chief Michael Custer. Rocky Hill has recently .

"I love it," said Smith, who has lived in town for the past year. "I look forward to being a part of this community."

Custer said both men are brilliant, energetic and enthusiastic.

"They came highly recommended," Custer said. "I think they are going to be good additions."

There are currently 34 officers in the police department, which is one short of the number allotted for the department. Gilbert said the department is expected to fill the position in the near future, which will cut down on overtime.

"Then, the guys can get some rest," Gilbert. "We are doing everything we can to keep ourselves afloat while we fill these positions. Now, we are coming to fruition with our plan."