Merced, CA-Three new officers joined the ranks of the Merced Police Department Friday afternoon during swearing in ceremonies conducted by Chief Norman Andrade. With the additional officers, the Department now has 91 sworn personnel. There still is three budgeted positions to be filled.

The new officers are, Chase Wilson, 30, from Merced, Badge No. 255. He was a reserve officer in with the Merced Police Department while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. He has attended college and received PME (Professional Military Education). In his spare time he enjoys playing the guitar, music and weight training.

Levi Crain, 23, from Atwater/Merced, is Badge No. 256. He is a former Atwater PD officer who served on the SWAT Team. In 2015 he received the MADD Award and Crain has been honored for his work in recovering stolen vehicles. Crain holds an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors, hunting, and riding dirt and street bikes.

Israel Garcia, 32, Badge No. 257. Garcia is from Sanger and graduated from the Fresno Police Academy as a Merced Police Officer trainee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and a Master of Science in Forensic Science. His hobbies include running, reading, and barbeques.

The new officers with enter several months of additional training with field training officers before going on patrol solo. Officers make $59,029.57 a year.