Fairport swears in Nicholas Pagano as new police officer

Fairport Police Chief Matt Barnes administered the oath of office to Nicholas Pagano at the Village of Fairport’s Jan. 13 organizational meeting, formally adding Pagano to the department’s ranks.

Chief Barnes introduced Pagano and outlined his background, saying he ‘‘comes to us from the New York State University policing system,’’ having started at SUNY Binghamton and later serving at SUNY Brockport where he advanced to lieutenant. Barnes noted Pagano holds multiple instructor and operational certifications, including defensive tactics, patrol mountain bike, and property-evidence custodian technician qualifications, and added that recruiting and background checks are ‘‘state mandated’’ and a significant departmental investment.

Pagano, who said his grandfather served on the Rochester Police Department, told the board he ‘‘look[s] back on [his] journey in the profession of police officer’’ and that policing ‘‘is the only thing I saw myself doing.’’ He said he and his family have settled in the area and that he is ‘‘excited’’ to serve Fairport.

Barnes also reflected on staffing trends and recruitment nationally, noting the police profession has faced shrinking candidate pools in recent years and calling the department fortunate to have filled the vacancy. The chief said Pagano’s mix of experience and certifications ‘‘shows his leadership style and motivation’’ and called the hire ‘‘the right choice.’’

The board observed the oath and welcomed Pagano; Barnes told the board the department expects to return next month to announce a promotion related to a recent retirement. The organizational meeting then continued with routine business and appointments.

Provenance: The swearing-in was introduced by the presiding officer and covered by Chief Matt Barnes and Nicholas Pagano during the meeting’s opening presentation.