This week, the Springfield Police Department welcomed a familiar face to the force. 

Springfield Police Chief John Cook and Mayor Ziad Shehady swore in Ercan Sidar as a Probationary Officer at the Springfield Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19. 

Since December, 2011, Sidar has served the police department as Special Law Enforcement Officer and volunteered with the township's Auxiliary Police. But he was well known with the town's public safety professionals and volunteers before putting on either uniform.

His late father, Tony Sidar, was a longtime, decorated member of Springfield’s Auxiliary police squad. Ercan Sidar started at the special law enforcement officer academy the week after his father died from complications from Leukemia. 

Cook, a close friend of the late Sidar, said that he was sure the younger Sidar would prove to be a valuable asset to the force. 

"I know you're going to do great and make us all proud," Cook said shortly after Sidar was sworn in. "And I know your Dad is proud of you."