HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department held swearing-in ceremonies for five new officers and staff Thursday morning.

The three new officers are John Williams, Dakota Roberds and Rodney Henry.

Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper says after being as many as 19 patrol officers short of a full staff, the department is down to about 10 vacant positions.

Hooper took time to address the families of the new officers and staff during the ceremony. “This is a family for us and one of the things I promise to the families that are here is that we’re going to take care of your family,” Hooper said. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for the men and women who work for this agency. We’re always going to do the best we can to make sure they all come home safe.”

The police department also welcomed Crystal Most as its new records technician and Heather McCain as a new dispatcher for Reno County 911. Both were also sworn in Thursday morning. According to 911 Director Michele Abbott, the addition of McCain to 911 dispatch leaves the department two dispatchers and one supervisor short of a full staff.