Newtown Police Department, at a swearing in ceremony on Friday, January 16, swore in two new young officers, as well as a veteran from another force, and at the same time promoted one of its own officers.

Officer Timothy Schoen was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Schoen grew up in Bethel and graduated from Danbury High School. He served eight years with the marines before joining Newtown Police Department in 2013.

The two new officers include Samantha Lassen and Jason Dennisson.

Lassen grew up in Greenwich and Danbury, graduating from Danbury High School and Hartwick College. She previously worked for two years as a volunteer dispatcher in Danbury.

Dennisson grew up in Danbury, and graduated from Immaculate High School. He received a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of New Haven. While attending college, he worked 30 hours per week at Home Depot.

The third new officer is a 26 year veteran, rather than a new recruit. Manuel Dominguez was born in Bridgeport, served with a number of departments over his 26 years, and retired from Shelton Police Department last year. His wife, Renee Dominguez, is the deputy chief of police in Watertown.

First Selectman Bruce Walczak said that he had previously served on the town’s police commission, so he knew “how tough the interview process is” for getting hired by Newtown Police Department, and “how stringent the credentials must be.”

“It’s not an easy thing to get on this force,” said Walczak.

Police Commission Chairman Scott Cicciari said the swearing in was a “historic day” with two new officers, a transfer, and a promotion.

“I’m just glad that we’re not making more history and giving us a retirement,” said Cicciari.

Cicciari said he remembered the interviews for the new officers and was “very impressed,” and with the hiring of Dominguez “it is always great to have someone who can hit the ground running.”

“Thank you to all the men and women who are called to serve,” said Cicciari.

Chief of Police David Kullgren introduced each of the new officers and the promotion, giving their background as well as some lighthearted jokes including “baby pictures” that were each officer’s adult head pasted onto a picture of a baby.

Upon administering the oath of service, Kullgren said that it takes “less than a minute, but guides your whole career, your badge, your family name, and the path of service.”

“We take it seriously,” said Kullgren.

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.