CORNING, NY (WENY) -- Four new members, as well as a new K9, joined the Corning Police Department and the Fire Department on Friday morning at City Hall. Each person, whether they joined law enforcement or became a full-time firefighter, said it's like a dream come true.

"I watched my dad do it. He was a chief for a volunteer department back where we live. I watched him for many years and just fell in love with it. [It's] what I always wanted to do," said Justin Grose, who was one of two firefighters who were sworn in.

Connor LeBarron was the other person who was sworn into the fire department. He said he grew up in Corning and always wanted to be a firefighter; he has served the last six years and is excited to now be a full-time member.

"I'm looking forward to serving the community I grew up in. Being around family and friends and being able to help the community as much as I can with my job, it's something I'm looking forward to," said LeBarron.

Brennan Hardy and David DuBois were sworn into the police department. DuBois said working in law enforcement runs in the family, but at first, it wasn't something he wanted to do. DuBois was an MP (Military Police) in the Army and then became a police officer. He said becoming a police officer was helpful when he transitioned from the military to civilian life.

"The City of Corning['s] structure is very similar to the military and how it was. It's nice having the same structure with the command staff and the leadership makes it a very easy transition," said DuBois.

Hardy said he always wanted to be a police officer and to help people when they need it.

"[The] City of Corning has a lot of opportunities as far as professional career growth. There's also a never-ending opportunity to be able to help the community and be able to reach out to something new every day," said Hardy.

The new K9's name is Mikey. He's a German Shepherd and came from Arkansas. Mikey is being trained and handled by Officer Christopher Clair.

 

"This is something I've been pursuing for quite a few years. We were able to get approval from the City Council...and I went [to Arkansas] for four and a half weeks. I'm continuing my training for New York State and should be fully certified by the end of the month," said Clair.

Clair said Mikey will be used on traffic stops, drug searches, and will be used on rescuing/locating a vulnerable person or a suspect.

Mikey is named after former Police Lieutenant Michael Schwartz who passed away several years ago shortly after he retired. According to Corning City Manager Mark Ryckman, Lt. Schwartz started his career as a police officer in Addison, before becoming an officer in Painted Post and then joined the Corning Police Department in 1989. He retired in 2008 after 24 years of service.

"Lt. Schwartz was an outstanding officer having received two medals of merit.  He was one of my neighbors in the Houghton plot living a block down Wilson Street from my house.  Any time you talked to Mike he was friendly, upbeat, and always smiling.  He is missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.  So, naming our new Canine “Mikey” after Mike Schwartz seemed like an excellent way to honor his memory," said Ryckman.