Bristol Borough Council approved the hiring of a new part-time police officer, at Monday nights meeting.

Thomas A. Habgood, a resident  of Yardley was officially welcomed to the police  department ranks this weeks council meeting. He is the fourth part timer hired by the borough this year.

Habgood, a graduate of the Temple’s Police Academy has been in training with the department over the last month, paired off with senior officers at local events.

Habgood earned a Bachelors Degree in Criminology from Indiana University at Pennsylvania.

“I just want to  thank you for the opportunity.  This is one of the best opportunities I’ve had. I love working with the community  ..especially one that has your back” Habgood said.

Borough officials said earlier this year the part timer ranks in the police department were decimated by officers leaving for full time positions in other localities. The recent signing and new agreement by the police union, with the borough does not call for any new full timers to be hired at part of the new contract.