New London - The police department added to its ranks in two ways Thursday, adding manpower and, perhaps, the assistance of a higher power as well.

In a swearing-in ceremony held at City Hall, the department welcomed three new officers: John Green, Michael Lax and Ryan Griffin. The three men will attend the Police Academy before returning to the department to participate in a field training program.

The department also appointed three local clergy to the newly reinstated chaplaincy program, which had been dormant about 15 years. The chaplains, all volunteers, will be on call in weekly shifts.

The three department chaplains are Father Michael Belt of St. James Church, Rabbi Carl Astor of Congregation Beth El in New London and the Rev. William Wilson, pastor of Walls Temple A.M.E. Zion Church.

The Rev. Claudine Crooks, one of the advisers who helped put the chaplain program together during the past six months, said the chaplains would likely help in death notifications and could be available for accidents or other tragedies. Chaplains would also be available for police officers who might want to talk with them.

The role is one the chaplains are certainly familiar with, Crooks said, while acknowledging that it could also present new scenarios.

"This will be a different element and a new type of ministry for all of us," said Crooks, pastor of Poquonnock Baptist Church.

Crooks pointed out that the program is an interfaith agency that respects all faiths and beliefs, or nonbeliefs.

The additions of Green, Lax and Griffin brings the police department's ranks to 93 sworn officers, Chief Margaret Ackley said during the ceremony. A federal grant will help pay their salaries. The three recruits all have military service and college education on their resumes.

Green, 44, is married with children and has a degree in accounting from Eastern Connecticut State University. He served in the U.S. Navy and has worked in crime prevention.

Lax, 24, has a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Connecticut National Guard 643rd Military Police Company.

Griffin, 21, is a full-time student at Central Connecticut State University who plans to get his degree when he finishes with the Police Academy, Ackley said. He is also a member of the National Guard.

"You are going to join a department that is second to none," Ackley told the trio. "We have the very best of the best."

Ackley pointed to the high-profile experiences the men will have as city officers as well as the behind-the-scenes, nonpublicized moments that would take up most of their time.

In commending the department, Ackley also read off a list of cases where the department had collared suspects in impressive time: two bank robberies that took 8 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively, from report to suspect-in-custody; a strong-armed robbery that took 12 minutes from report to custody; and a homicide solved in three days.

Ackley urged the men to turn to their families and colleagues for support.

"Remember, if you fall down, get up," she said. "Do not be afraid - we are here for you. The members of this department put their lives on the line for you and the community they serve. They do it every day … without hesitation."

k.crompton@theday.com