New Orland police officer sworn in

Orland put its newest police officer on the job Thursday.

Severin Lemstrom took the oath of office from City Clerk Angie Crook on the steps of City Hall.

This is his first job as a peace officer, Lemstrom said, after graduating from the Butte College Police Academy four months ago.

The 26-year-old lives in Marysville and will commute to Orland for now, he said.

He is engaged, has a baby on the way and a 5-year-old son.

Lemstrom said the Orland Police Department recruited him at the academy, so he applied for a job here.

Police Chief J.C. Tolle said he selected Lemstrom because of his testing at the academy earlier this year.

Orland officials also attended his graduation and decided to recruit him, Tolle said.

He was chosen because of his personality, the chief added.

"He is well spoken and very mature, and he had a clean background," Tolle said.

Lemstrom's hiring brings the number of Orland officers to nine. The city has 11 police officer positions.

Orland has another candidate going through a background check.

The previous three officer candidates had background issues, so the city did not hire them. Certain crimes committed in the past and drug use can disqualify officer hires, Tolle said.

Candidates must also be tested for psychological fitness for the job in addition to a number of other qualifying criteria.

After his swearing-in ceremony, Lemstrom was ready to start training.