DALTON, Mass.—The town has welcomed its newest patrol officer, Christopher Prior, during the Select Board meeting on Monday. 

 

"I really appreciate you stepping up for this. It's an important job. You're the guys that have our backs in town. We really appreciate it," Select Board chair Robert Bishop said. 

 

This is Prior's first position as a police officer, and he said he is excited to embark on this new journey. 

 

He had always wanted to become a police officer, being inspired by television shows such as Walker, Texas Ranger. However, decided not to do it because of his young age and went on to work labor jobs. 

 

However, after having four kids, he was motivated to make his childhood dream come true. 

 

The Dalton Police Department seems like a family, and "I'm just happy to work with a great group of people," he said. 

 

About a year and a half ago, the department was looking to fill another position, and as part of that process, applicants were required to complete an exam. Prior was one of the top candidates from an exam list. 

 

"We loved him when we interviewed him," Police Chief Deanna Strout said. However, at the time, they selected the top-scoring candidate. Prior came in second. 

 

"It was the hardest decision of our life. We wanted to take both of them at the same time, but unfortunately, financially, we can't," Strout said.

 

The department maintained communication with Prior, and when another position became available in April, they initiated the hiring process for him. 

 

"We were lucky that he didn't go elsewhere, because he's certainly a great candidate, and we're excited to have him," Strout said. 

 

Prior was willing to complete all required tests and exams quickly so that he could join the academy, which starts on July 14, she said. 

 

He had to finish the physical fitness test, psychological exam, and medical exam by April 30 to meet the deadline.

 

"Otherwise, we would have been a year out before we could put him on the street," Strout said. 

 

His graduation from the academy is anticipated for mid-December, followed by a few months of field training before he can work independently, likely by February. Strout said.

 

"We love that he's got a great family. We love that he's local. We love so many things about him. When we interviewed him, he stood out to us because we really want to focus on people who are family-oriented and want to stay here," she said. 

 

The officer hiring and onboarding process is lengthy and costly. The department aims to attract candidates who are committed to staying long-term and do not see this role as a stepping stone to other departments, Strout said. 

 

"Chris really said he wanted to be here, and this is where he wanted to work. And he certainly showed that by staying available for us when we were ready, and we're very grateful for that," she said.