CRANBERRY TWP — Three new township police officers were sworn in Thursday, bringing the department’s numbers to a new high.

According to Police Chief Kevin Meyer, the department has been operating with 28 officers since the last time new positions were added in 2006. Thursday’s addition brings that number to 31, which is still one shy of the 32 positions available.

“It’s long overdue,” Meyer said of the new hires.

Meyer said last year, the department responded to more than 19,000 calls for service. He said when he, along with detectives and sergeants are taken out of the equation, that leaves a lot of work for the officers who are responding.

“They’re really running,” he said.

He added he hopes to fill the final open position by the end of the year.

The new officers sworn in Thursday include Christopher Schott, Jeremy Norton and James Cipriani, who were joined by the family and friends as they took an oath. Family members were given the chance to pin badges on their loved ones for the first time.

Norton comes to the department from the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department, while Schott served with the University of Pittsburgh Police Department. Cipriani most recently served with the Beaver Falls Police Department.

The trio was sworn in by Dick Hadley, township supervisor chairman.

“We’re pleased to welcome these police officers,” Hadley said. “With the experience they have, we know they’ll be a great fit for this department. ... Tonight you become a part of a great organization with a dynamic community, and on behalf of the entire organization we’d like to welcome you to Cranberry Township.”