The Town of Wallkill Police Department is now fully staffed after five new officers were sworn in Monday.

Also joining the force Monday is another full-time officer who has started training with the police academy, bringing the department’s staff up to their fully budgeted 26 officers.

Wallkill Police Chief Robert Hertman says the officers will help the department better interact with the community and will help combat the growing opioid epidemic in the region.

"I asked the officers that when they interact with citizens in our community, that they treat that citizen the same way they would want a member of their family or loved one treated if that person was in the same situation," Hertman said.