Burlington Welcomes New Recruits to the Police Department [Video]

The will soon have three new officers working to protect the residents of town.

At a recent Burlington Board of Selectmen meeting Burlington Police Department Chief Michael Kent introduced two of the new recruits to the board and asked for the selectmen to appoint the three candidates. Kent highlighted their dedication to the position and gave his recommendation for all three of them, which board members were happy to approve.

"The chief and the screening committee went through the normal process," said Town Administrator Robert Mercier "The Chief is impressed with all three individuals."

The board also waived the normal 15-day waiting period in order to allow the future officers to enter training on June 6.

So who are Burlington's newest recruits currently studying and training to become the town's newest officers? Here is a bit of background:

Ryan Griffin, a 23-year-old Burlington resident and graduate of UMass Dartmouth and Burlington High School. Griffin was formerly employed as a manager at Kings Bowl in Dedham. 

James Hanafin, a 25-year-old Burlington resident and graduate of Framingham State College and Burlington High School. Hanafin was formerly employed by the State Street Corporation in Boston.

Christopher DiDonato, 26-year-old Burlington resident and graduate ofUMass Amherst and Burlington High School. DiDonato was not present at the Board of Selectmen meeting because he is currently deployed in Afghanistan with the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Upon discharge he will attend a Massachusetts Police Academy.

Click the video on the right to see a video of Kent's introduction of the three recruits and the board's vote to accept their appointment.