ELKHART, Ind. -- The Elkhart Police Department and Mayor Rod Roberson swore in three new officers to its ranks on Monday morning at the Police Merit Commission meeting.

The EPD says that new Patrolman Dane Frieden (#518) is from Elkhart and graduated from IUPUI with a B.S. in Public Affairs. He was last employed at building materials store Fastenal in Elkhart.

Patrolman Matthew Gimson (#520) is also from Elkhart and graduated from Jimtown High School before graduating from Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.S. in Organizational Leadership. He was last employed at Masterbrand Cabinets in Goshen and helps coach wrestling at several local high schools.

Patrolman Aric Chevalier (#519) is from Goshen and graduated from Northridge High School. He was last employed by Basney Honda in Mishawaka.

His father, Jon Chevalier (#136) was an EPD officer for 20 years from 1986-2006.

In what the department called a special moment, retired Officer Chevalier presented his son with his EPD badge.

"The hiring of these officers brings the department’s staff to 120 of the budgeted 143," EPD said. "Congratulations gentlemen, and welcome to the EPD officer family!"