ADAMS TWP — A few members of Mars Area School District’s new “hybrid” police force were introduced to the public at Tuesday night’s board meeting.

“The district board of directors hired four police officers,” said Jeff Bitzer, director of Mars Area Telecommunications and Safety Systems. “As well as two Adams Township police officers.”

Bitzer introduced retired state police officers Hank Cacurak, David Fries Jr., Daniel Herr and Gerald Markle.

Cacurak, Fries and Herr are full-time on-duty officers. Markle is a substitute officer for the district.

“I believe, personally, we have a great police force here,” Bitzer said. “They’re going to do wonderful things for us.”

District solicitor Tom King told the public the force has a “whole lot of police experience.

“Every one of them is highly recommended and highly qualified,” King said.

Superintendent Wesley Shipley agreed with King. The force has specifically greeted students and families at the elementary school during the first week of school.

“They are a great addition already,” Shipley said. “They’ve just been a breath of fresh air.”

Student council members presented the officers with pens on their first day of school to thank them for their service.

Centennial school STEAM teacher Colleen Hinrichsen said the teachers have looked forward to meeting the new police force. She reported the officers were a nice presence during the first week of school.

“It’s nice having them outside greeting us when we come in,” Hinrichsen said. “And the kids really like having them in the halls.”

Board President Dayle Ferguson told officers they were very welcomed in the district. She said the board would look for input from the police force on how to make the district safer.

“We’re still actively pursuing another substitute officer,” Bitzer said.

Adams Township police officers Mike Bordt and Randy Ruediger also are part of the force. The district has a one-year agreement with Adams Township for contracted officers. The agreement was approved in May.