Three new Austin police offices were sworn-in today by city Finance Director Tom Dankert.

Dustin Wollenburg, Chad Norman and Brandt Strouf bring the Austin Police Department's complement of officers to 30.

After two weeks of "in-house" training under the direction of Capt. Curt Rude, they trio of officers will spend 12 weeks in field training under the direction of Sgt. Mark Haider and rotating all three shifts of duty.

Amy Morgan, the city's first full-time female officer, was the last new officer to be sworn-in and Morgan is now working full-time on patrol.

One of the new hirees fills the vacancy created by the retirement of veteran police officer Scott Moldenhauer. Another is a new position approved by the Austin City Council and the third allows the Austin Police Department to use grant funding for a police liaison officer in Ellis Middle School.

The new officers, their families and other relatives and friends watched the swearing-in ceremonies in Austin City Council chambers Monday morning.

Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz extended her congratulations to the officers.

Wollenburg is the son of retired Austin police detective Wayne Wollenburg and Norman is the son of a retired Rochester police officer.

Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp praised the families and friends for attending the ceremonies.

"Families play such an important role in this," he said.

The police chief said he feels "very comfortable" with the new level of 30 full-time officers being able to meet the current public safety needs of the city.

Also, he had praise for the Austin City Council

"In these extremely difficult financial times, it shows a significant commitment to public safety," he said.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com