ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Elmira Police Department added its newest member to the fold in a ceremony Monday morning at the Elmira City Clerk's Office. Elmira native Corey Hamula, 30, was officially sworn in, and had his badge pinned on by his father.

Hamula, who previously worked for the Chemung County Sheriff's Office, graduated from Brockport College in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Hamula's arrival was a lateral transfer from the Chemung County Sheriff's Office and brings the E.P.D. number of able-bodied officers to 66, still eight less than the 74 the department is approved for. Hamula's hiring is part of the department's efforts to bolster its roster through a number of benefits and residency changes. 

Chief among those benefits is a $20,000 hiring bonus and allows officers to live within 60 miles of Elmira City Hall. 

According to a release from E.P.D. staffing issues aren't expected to disappear any time soon as the department continues to carry one officer on long term injury status and anticipates at least three retirements over the next six months.