John Scarffe, Nederland. The Town of Nederland Police Department swore in its officers in a new ceremony slated to become an annual tradition on Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at the Nederland Community Center. Town Marshal Paul Carrill led the ceremony to administer the oath of office to seven police officers.

Carrill opened the ceremony by thanking the crowd of about 50 people for showing up. He said each officer would be presented a certificate and a biography would be read. Then each officer would receive a pin for the uniform.

Judge David Gloss would then administer the oath, one copy going to the officer and one would to their employment file.

The Town of Nederland has a long and colorful history, first founded in 1874, Carrill said. Shortly after its founding, a Town Marshal was hired. Since then, the Nederland Police Department has strived to serve the community with integrity, respect, and service.

The Police Department will continue the 140-year-old tradition of service, Carrill said. He also recognized those in attendance who have assisted in the preparation of the ceremony and Nederland Board members and town staff in attendance.

Carrill first recognized Sgt. Larry Johns. His grandparents were long-time Nederland residents, and in 1999 he became interested in law enforcement work. He has an associate’s degree in criminal justice and received recognition as a top skills cadet.

Johns first worked for the Department in 2002 as a volunteer for Frozen Dead Guy Days. He was hired part time in April of that year, was promoted to corporal in 2009 and to Sergeant in 2012. He also served as the Interim Town Marshal.

Jessica Steele began working in law enforcement in 1996 and was a 911 dispatcher until 2000. She served as a school resource officer and a detective in Louisville. She took a break from law enforcement and then returned to Nederland, where she is now a full-time police officer.

Joshua Follett graduated from the Ames Police Academy in June 2012. He is a former apprentice electrician and an avid outdoorsman.

Darragh O’Nuallain comes to Nederland from Killarney, Ireland, He first moved to the United States in 2006 and his wife, Donna, brought him to Nederland.

He said he loves huge dogs and pay increases. He has been in the office for five years and is very fond of Nederland.

Officer Jacob Smith has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in business administration, He is certified to train officers and to administer firearms training.

Officer Troy Tamasko was not able to be present at the ceremony because of a new baby in the family. He graduated from the Arapahoe Community College Law Enforcement Academy. Tamasko is formerly from law enforcement in Grand County.

Rick Dirr graduated from the Red Rocks Community College Police Academy. He began work in law enforcement in 2004. He has numerous certifications and worked to improve the relationship between the Police Department and the Fire Department.

Chief Carrill ended the ceremony by saying that he hopes it will establish a new tradition in Nederland. He hopes it will bring additional camaraderie to the Department.