The Braintree Police Department recently brought on two military veterans as part of an expansion of the department's ranks. The department currently employs 68 officers, but has a budget for 75 this fiscal year. According to Police Chief Russell Jenkins, so far this year the department has hired five officers, including the two veterans—one from the Navy and one from the Marine Corps. All the new hires have to go to the Police Academy before patrolling the streets. With three expected retirements next July, Jenkins hopes to hire five more officers sometime in 2013. "By the end of next year, we hope to have 75 [officers on staff]," Jenkins said. "I also hope to be on my way to attempt to get up to 80. Mayor Sullivan has been very supportive of that, as has the Town Council.”