Town hires two new officers and creates part-time K-9 position

The Town of Goshen Town Board on June 12 approved hiring two candidates recommended by the police chief and created a part-time K-9 officer position.

Appointments: The board voted to appoint Natalie Welsh, who ranks number one on the current Orange County civil-service list, as a full-time police officer. Chief Post had recommended Welsh; staff noted she is enrolled at the Orange County Police Academy and is expected to be sworn in for department duty during late June and complete academy graduation in July.

The board also approved hiring Jonathan (Jonathan Barajas), a candidate who ranks number two on the civil-service list, as a part-time officer once he completes Ulster Police Academy training. Both candidates were introduced during the meeting.

K-9 position: The board approved a motion to create a part-time K-9 officer position. The agenda described the K-9 slot as a part-time assignment; the board moved to establish the position and approved it by vote.

Training and equipment: Police staff told the board recent grant funding supplied updated in-car tablets and vehicle workstations and that the department had received funding for technology upgrades. The chief also reported the department secured an $7,329 training grant (IRPO) to fund training on extreme risk orders of protection and other training needs.

What’s next: The two officers will enter department training schedules; staff said they expect the new hires to be incorporated into patrol coverage and training blocks as they complete required academy phases. The K-9 position will require further operational planning, training protocols and budget details for procurement and assignment.