Two new officers sworn into NBPD family

The New Bedford Police Department welcomed two new officers Thursday, June 29, at City Council chambers at City Hall, 133 William St.

 

Mark Conley and James Marinelli were sworn in as New Bedford Police officers by City Clerk Dennis Farias.

 

Officer Mark Conley, who attended New Bedford High School, has worked in a variety of civilian jobs, including serving as general manager, regional manager and district manager for a fitness company and as a supervisor for a medical outsourcing company.

 

James Marinelli, who graduated from Bishop Stang High School and earned an associate’s degree from Bristol Community College, has worked as a dispatcher for the New Bedford Police Department and State Police, a special officer in Plympton and a deputy sheriff for the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Mayor Jon Mitchell described the new officers as good men who play a crucial role in the city. “Nothing else matters unless people are kept safe and feel safe in their communities,’’ he said. “The first order of government is to protect people.’’

 

The badge the new officers now wear may be light in weight but it carries a heavy burden of responsibility, Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro said. “We’re here to make a better city, a safer city,’’ Chief Cordeiro said. “We are here to serve and protect the public. We are servants to the public.’’

 

Both the mayor and the chief praised the men’s families for providing support for the new officers. “You are the backstop,’’ the mayor said to the new officers’ family members.

 

City Councilor Linda Moran, speaking on behalf of the council, congratulated the new officers. “You’re joining a great police department,’’ she said.

 

City Councilors Ian Abreu and Steve Martins also attended the ceremony.