Selectmen on Aug. 6 appointed a new part-time police officer. Aaron Bates is the fifth part-time police officer appointed over the past several months.

With his wife and three young sons in attendance, Bates, 37, of Mattapoisett, accepted the appointment.

Bates grew up in the area and is a graduate of Old Colony Regional Technical High School. He recently completed training at the State Police Academy.

"We'd like him appointed to part-time officer so he'll be eligible to help us work shifts and assist the full-time department when we need him to fill those shifts, especially in the  summertime when people are taking time off," Sgt. Bob Small said Monday night in presenting Bates as a candidate to Selectmen.

"He would be our fifth part-time officer, which does put us at the upper limit (for part-time officers), but we haven't had it in years," said Small, who will become police chief upon the Sept. 15 retirement of current Chief Paul Magee. "We've been really busy filling these (part-time) positions because it's really important getting that manpower. It'll be great to have him on board."

Selectman Brad Morse made a motion to appoint Bates, seconded by Selectman Paul Ciaburri, and Selectman Chairman Woody Hartley made the vote unanimous.

"Welcome aboard," Hartley said, shaking Bates' hand, followed by the others.