New London ― Mayor Michael Passero and Police Chief Brian Wright on Thursday welcomed two new recruits to the police department.

Juan Hernandez, 25, and Kwabena Benegyani, also 25, were sworn in at a ceremony at City Hall. They begin their 30 weeks of training this week at the Connecticut Police Academy before coming back to New London for field training.

Hernandez is a New London resident and New London High School graduate who previously served in the United States Marine Corps.

Benegyani is a Manchester resident and a graduate of Central Connecticut State University. He previously worked for the State of Connecticut in the Rockville Juvenile Court.