ADAMS, Mass. — The Police Department has welcomed two new full-time Police Officers Alexander Morse and Nicholas Sorrell.

 

The Selectmen unanimously ratified Wednesday the hiring of the two men. Police Chief Richard Tarsa said they will be an asset to the force.

 

"I think you will agree with me when I say we have two very good choices before us this evening," he said.

 

Morse was brought on as a reserve officer in August of last year and Tarsa said he took it upon himself to learn every street in town. Tarsa added Morse always puts in the extra effort.

 

"We have seen Alex grow considerably in his ability and his knowledge. He is a very quick learner and very quick to grasp things," he said. "When you ask something of him he always takes the extra step."

 

Tarsa said Sorrell was brought on in February and comes from a long line of police officers. 

 

"He is from four generations of law enforcement," the chief said. "Even his godfather is in law enforcement so he comes from a long line of police officers." 

 

Tarsa said both officers had great interviews and will benefit the department.

 

"The answers from both gentlemen were very well thought out and well phrased," he said. "They both showed good leadership, knowledge, and confidence and they both will bring many, many things to the town of Adams."

 

Chairman John Duval said he has only heard good things about the officers.

 

"I have heard more compliments about these two gentlemen than any other officers that you have brought forward," Duval said. "I am very happy that they are becoming members of the force and I take great pride in the officers that we have."

 

The town had had a hard time in recent years attracting and retaining officers because of limitations set by Civil Service. In 2017, the town dissolved its agreement with Civil Service and since then has regularly brought on new permanent and reserve officers.

 

Tarsa added that these two officers will not expand the department's numbers, but replace two officers set to retire this year.

 

"The idea behind hiring two officers right now is to prepare our department for two retirements coming this calendar year," he said. "We want to be proactive and get them into the academy as soon as we can so when they graduate, we have two officers ready to go."

 

Tarsa added after the vote that he is proud of all of the officers on the Adams Police Department.

 

"I am very very proud of every member of this organization and they go above and beyond," he said. "I have been on this job a long time and I can tell you we have a very good bunch of officers ... the town of Adams can sleep well at night knowing they are out there."