Vienna Police Chief Mike Pifer, Corey Richards, Joshua Fox, Council member Tom Azinger and Mayor Randy Rapp pose for pictures during Richards and Fox’s swearing in ceremony Monday. (Photo by Krisen Hainkel)

VIENNA — The City of Vienna swore in two police officers in the City Council chambers Monday morning, filling two spots on the department’s roster.

As of Monday, the department had eighteen officers on their payroll. By hiring Corey Richards and Joshua Fox, it will increase to twenty with a capacity of twenty-one.

“This is an exciting day for the Vienna Police Department,” Police Chief Mike Pifer said.

Richards and Fox arrived with years of policing experience under their belts.

Richards worked for the Parkersburg Police Department for six years.

Joshua Fox, center, takes the oath of office for the Vienna Police Department from Mayor Randy Rapp, right. His spouse, Janie Fox, holds the Bible and as Police Chief Mike Pifer stands by. (Photo by Krisen Hainkel)

“I am honored to have been offered the position and to be serving the citizens of Vienna,” he said.

Fox worked for the Parkersburg Police Department for two and a half years. Before that, he worked for Norfolk (Va.) Police Department and served as an officer in the Military Police Corps in the Army.

“I am looking forward to getting out and interacting with the public,” he said.

Mayor Randy Rapp read the oath of office to each as they held their hand on a Bible held by a family member.

“They are experienced officers who will be a great asset to our force,” he said. “Corey is from Vienna and grew up there. He knows the neighborhoods. We are now one officer away from a full complement.”

Corey Richards, left, takes the oath of office for the Vienna Police Department from Mayor Randy Rapp, right, while his father Ralph Richards holds the Bible. (Photo by Krisen Hainkel)

City council members Kim Williams and Tom Azinger were in attendance. Azinger had proposed a $12,000 a year pay increase on July 27. The increase was amended to $2.88 per hour or $6,000 per year on Aug. 10 and approved by City Council.

Pifer said the increase was a factor in hiring Fox and Richards.

“It’s a big step forward in recruitment,” he said.

Azinger said more officers on the roster means more safety for Vienna’s 10,500 citizens.

“It’s a great day for the city in my mind,” he said. “I think we have a great police force.”

Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com