During a special meeting Thursday New Martinsville Council voted unanimously to hire three new police officers.

Michael Todd Owens, a certified officer, will begin Aug. 31.

“He will be able to help out right away on the schedule,” said Councilman Chris Bachman.

Owens is coming to New Martinsville’s force from Sistersville, where Rob Haught will become full-time to fill his space there. “It’s kind of a win-win,” noted Chief Tim Cecil.

They also approved the hiring of two non-certified officers: Shawn Ambrose Kohler and Daniel James Haynes. The hirings will become effective Oct. 26. They are tentatively scheduled to start training at the West Virginia Police Academy on Jan. 6

Of Kohler, Cecil said, “I think he’s going to be a good fit here. I think he’ll have the determination to make it through the academy”

Of Haynes, Cecil said, “He comes from a long background of police.”

All of the hirings are based on them passing physicals and drug testing.

Despite those hirings, the NMPD is still be in need of two more officers. They will be advertising for more testing. David Benson of the Civil Service Commission said it is a good opportunity for people looking for a job in law enforcement.

“I, for one, am glad we’re actually at this point,” said Mayor Keith Nelsen.

Also during the meeting, council approved promotions inside the police department as follows: Steve Kastigar to captain and Don Larsen to sergeant, effective Sept. 1.

Councilmembers present: Steve Pallisco, Chris Bachman, Kay Goddard, and Doris Fannin.

The next regular council meeting will be held Sept. 9 because of the Labor Day holiday.