Newly appointed police officer Roger Champion admitted to being a little nervous Tuesday morning as he began his first day with the Selma Police Department.

A veteran officer of 12 years, previously serving in Baldwin and Jefferson counties, he chalked up his feelings to just plain first-day jitters.

During a short ceremony in the office of Police Chief Robert Green, Champion swore to serve and protect the citizens of Selma.

He was then welcomed to the force by those in attendance and given his badge.

The Talladega native and father of two boys says he is no stranger to Selma. He has spent plenty of time in this area and lives just outside of Dallas County.

The police chief said he is glad to have the new officer on board.

Since Champion already has plenty of experience under his belt, Green says, he does not need to attend the police academy and can start on patrol right away. &uot;With the closing of the academy at Craig Field, it can be costly to send our officers to other places,&uot; Green said. &uot;I am hoping they can find a way to keep the place at Craig Field open.&uot;

With this new addition to the force, the police department now has 59 officers. &uot;We still need more,&uot; Green said. &uot;I would like to have a force of 64 officers.&uot;

Before becoming a police officer, Champion served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.

Champion said he is excited to be a part of Selma department and will do all he can to ensure the citizens of this city are safe and well protected from crime.