Jose Santiago, of Lawrence, is one of three new police officers in Methuen. (Courtesy photograph.)
Methuen has hired three full-time police officers.
A Lawrence native and nine-year law enforcement veteran, Jose Santiago began full-time Jan. 22. He is currently completing the department’s Field Training Officer program before being assigned to a shift. Reserve Officers Patrick Fleming and Joshua Waller were also hired and are currently enrolled in the Northern Essex Community College Methuen Police Academy.
“I am pleased to be adding three new officers to our roster,” Chief Joseph E. Solomon said. “Their experience as reserve officers will certainly be beneficial to this community and our residents.”
Santiago has served as a reserve officer with Methuen police since January, 2015. He previously worked at the Essex County Sheriff’s Department from September, 2007, until May, 2011, when he graduated from the Lowell Police Academy and transitioned to a role at Salem State University. For the last year, he has worked for the Bolton Police Department.
“On behalf of the entire city, we would like to congratulate Officer Santiago for earning a full-time position at the Methuen Police Department,” Mayor Stephen Zanni said. “I’m pleased to have another person tasked with keeping this community and our residents safe.”
The academy began on Jan. 30, and Officers Fleming and Waller are scheduled to graduate in July. Upon completion, they will become permanent full-time officers and enter the Field Training Officer program.