City of Norwich Police Department (NPD) Officer Tristan Rifanburg was officially sworn in to his new rank as sergeant by NPD Chief Reuben Roach at the June 6 joint committee meeting. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — City of Norwich Police Department (NPD) Officer Tristan Rifanburg was officially promoted to the rank of sergeant at the joint committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 6.

Flanked by family, friends, and fellow officers of the NPD, Rifanburg was sworn in to his new rank.

"I, Tristan Rifanburg, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution and laws of the State of New York, and the City of Norwich," recited Rifanburg. "I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and defend them against enemies foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of sergeant to the best of my knowledge and ability, so help me God."

The sergeant has been with the Norwich Police Department since 2019. Before his career in law enforcement, Rifanburg graduated from Norwich High School, and attended Binghamton University where he received his bachelor's degree in geography, and was a Division I wrestler.

NPD Chief Reuben Roach said Rifanburg is "highly respected amongst their peers, and well liked within our community."

"Know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the abilities of Tristan D. Rifanburg, I do appoint this officer to the rank of Sergeant of Police at the Norwich Police Department," said Roach. "This appointee will therefore carefully and diligently discharge the duties of the rank to which he is appointed by doing and performing all manner of things thereto pertaining."

"I do strictly charge and require all personnel of lesser rank to render obedience to his appropriate orders, and this appointee is to observe and follow such orders and directions as may be given from time to time by superiors acting according to the rules and regulations of the Norwich City Police Department, the laws of the City of Norwich, and the State of New York."

Roach said allowing for career growth and retaining qualified staff is crucial for any police department, as less and less people are entering the law enforcement field each year.

For instance, Roach said when he took the civil service exam in 2002, around 100 people were vying for four available positions. But, last year only 17 individuals took the exam.

"Policing in America has changed, and less people are taking the civil service test to become law enforcement officers every year," said Roach. "Career growth is important in any police department, and keeping qualified employees is essential. We compete with other agencies in our surrounding areas, who offer significant sign on bonuses and often-times higher salaries for lateral transfers."

"Moving forward, we are going to continue to serve this community, build bridges and trust where its needed, and deter crime as much as possible," he added. "Partnering with outside resources will be the key to implementing these goals."