Four new police officers were sworn into the Erie Police Department today in City Council chambers at Erie City Hall. The new officers are:
- Malik Alassedy, age 22
- Nicholas Brundage, age 21
- Matthew Crosby, age 25
- Emiliano Urbieta, age 25
During the ceremony, the Erie Police command staff recognized the new officers who are replacing officers who have retired. ” Today is also a milestone for the Erie Police Dept. as we continue to diversify our ranks,” said Erie Police Inspector Christopher Janus, who led the recruitment team for the four new officers. ” Emiliano will increase the number of Hispanic officers to 7 and Malik will be our first Iraqi police officer. Law Enforcement is not just a job, but a calling to serve and protect others. Each of these individuals answered that call.”
Fellow officers, friends, and family members packed City Council chambers for the ceremony.
Mayor Joe Schember congratulated the new officers and said, “You are joining a new generation of policing. You will be serving with integrity and sharing your skills to protect our diverse community. We made a lot of changes to our recruitment process which resulted in more women and members of the BIPOC communities taking the test. Due to the fact that the City of Erie follows Civil Service hiring procedures, these officers represent the best of the best.” The City of Erie Police Department was established in 1851 and has been in existence for over 170 years.
Erie Police Chief Daniel Spizarny said the new officers need only to look at their families when preparing for their new responsibilities as peacekeepers, law enforcement officers, and guardians. “It is a great responsibility you have chosen,” said Chief Spizarny in his remarks during the ceremony. “You will be expected to protect and serve the citizens of Erie in a courteous and professional manner, sometimes in the most difficult of circumstances.
“Look out at the family and friends here today. Let them be reminders of why you took this job. Remember that your desire to protect them and defend your family is now your responsibility to the entire community. I suggest this: Treat everyone as you would want your family and friends to be treated.”
