Village Trustees add new recruit to police force

MILLERTON — For Hannah Dworkin, 25, of East Fishkill, joining the police force was more than a career choice. It was a family tradition.

Raised among military veterans and law enforcement officers, Dworkin is the daughter of Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin and has two brothers who also serve as police officers. Even her maternal grandfather served behind the badge.

“I’m proud to join the family business,” Dworkin said at her swearing-in ceremony on Monday, June 23, at the Village of Millerton Police Department. “I am fortunate to have a family full of strong role models. They taught me the importance of loyalty, family values and taking pride in your work.”

Dworkin’s commitment to hard work is evident. After high school, Dworkin took a job at Stewart’s, where she spent seven years rising through the ranks to become a supervisor. During that time, she also studied criminal justice at Dutchess Community College, earning college credits and strengthening her interest in a law enforcement career.

“I’ve always known I wanted to work in law enforcement,” she said. “As a kid, I was fascinated by forensics, but lately I’ve become more interested in the community side of the job.”

Hannah added that she is interested in criminal behavior and the psychology behind it. She added, “I think it’s fascinating to understand how people think and learn what drives them to make certain choices … not just criminally, but in life in general. It’s interesting how the way someone was raised can shape how they live their life.”

Hannah said she is especially excited about what lies ahead in Millerton. “Chief Olenik has a lot of great ideas and knows exactly where he wants to take the department. I think that’s really important,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the community and the people I’ll serve.”

Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shared her enthusiasm. “We’re so looking forward to having her here,” he said. “She’s going to be fantastic with community relations.”

Dworkin will fill the position vacated by Officer Julia Phillips, who recently resigned to spend more time with her family. “She was a great officer,” said Chief Olenik at a recent Village Board meeting, where Dworkin’s candidacy was introduced and approved unanimously.

Hannah’s parents looked on proudly at the swearing-in ceremony. Her mother, Mary Dworkin, grew emotional. “Hannah has looked up to her brothers and her dad for so long, and it’s nice to see things come full circle,” she said. “This is something she’s really wanted, and we’re thrilled she’s following in her family’s footsteps.”

Her father agreed. “This is something she’s worked hard for,” said Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin. “To see her achieve that goal — it’s fantastic. We’re very proud.”

In August, Dworkin will begin a five-month training and certificate program at SUNY Ulster in Kingston, which includes all state-required police academy components, such as physical training and academic coursework. Chief Olenik says she will begin working with the Millerton department upon completing the program.