The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a request Wednesday night from Marblehead Police Chief Robert Picariello to add two new police officers to the local department.

Picariello's request followed a crowded swearing in ceremony for the department's recently-promoted Lt. Michael J. Everett Jr., and he said he was glad to report that the two men at the top of the candidates list were both from Marblehead - current dispatcher Nick Michaud and Colin Coleman.

"We've found two very good candidates," Picariello said, "and we're extra-happy to report that the top two names on our list were both from Marblehead."

Picariello said Michaud's time spent working as the department's full-time dispatcher has prepared him well for the transition to officer. He also served for five years in United States Marine Corps, completing two tours of duty in Iraq in 2004 and 2005.

Coleman, who currently works as an engineer, said his dream has always been to become a police officer and would like to make a career change to law enforcement. Joining the Marblehead Police Department, he said, was the first step toward making his dream a reality.

Both men said they would like to ultimately become detectives.