Horsham Welcomes New Police Officer

Joseph Rivera spent four years serving his country – including a year in Iraq – and beginning Tuesday he will serve the community he’s called home for the last eight years.

Rivera, 32, was sworn in during Wednesday night’s township council meeting as ’s newest officer. Rivera’s family and many of the department’s 39-member police force filled council chambers.

“As you can see, we have a pretty big family,” Police Chief Robert Ruxton said, gesturing to the uniformed officers present. “We all look out for each other."

Starting next week, Rivera, who had worked part-time for the last three years as a police officer in Jenkintown and West Conshohocken, will begin looking out for fellow police officers and the Horsham community.

“It’s something I always wanted to do since I was a kid,” Rivera told Patch after District Judge Harry J. Nesbitt performed the official swearing in ceremony.

Regardless of other career high points, Ruxton said Wednesday’s ceremony will remain a highlight for Rivera.

“He’s always going to remember tonight and he’ll especially remember when he receives his badge,” Ruxton said, before turning to Rivera. “Joe, I hope you’ll wear it with great pride.”

Rivera will fill the void left from the .

Ruxton said Rivera was the top candidate of the 146 who took the test.

The high volume of applicants was “a testament to the quality and reputation of our police department," Township Manager Bill Walker said.

“These men and women work 24/7 protecting our quality of life,” Walker said.