Cheshire Police Department is Fully Staffed

The hiring of Cheshire's newest policeman brings the department up to its approved number of 48 officers, Police Chief Neil Dryfe said Monday.

Dryfe welcomed David Maliar, 30, to the force during a swearing in ceremony at  where about a dozen relatives filled the room. Among those recognized were Maliar's wife, Cassie and their eight-month-old son Christopher. 

"It's been a long process, but definitely worth it," Maliar said. He said he applied for the job in January and began to apply in other Connecticut towns about a year ago. Maliar said his wife is from Cheshire and still has relatives in town. 

The new recruit is working on a master's degree in public relations at Central Connecticut State University where he has taught diving and swimming for about 10 years. 

Maliar said he'd like to apply his public relations knowldege in working with the youth of the town. "I've been a coach, eventually, I'd like to work with kids as a resource officer," Maliar said. 

"It's a very proud day," said Maliar's mother, Robin. "It's always been a dream of his. I'm glad it's becoming a reality," she said. Maliar lives in West Hartford and is a graduate of Windsor High School.

Acknowledging that new recruits are assigned to the overnight shift, Maliar said his family is prepared for it. "My wife's ready for this. We'll have breakfast/dinner together," he said.

Dryfe reminded the crowd that Maliar was hired from a field of 324 applicants. "He's done well in the application and testing process," Dryfe said. Maliar will start training at the Connecticut Police Academy on Friday along with the department's other new recruit, Vincent Nastri, who was hired June 26. The session lasts 20 weeks.