WESLACO – The Weslaco Police Department is adding a pair of reserve officers to its staff.

Weslaco Police Lt. Jose Cano said they will have the same training and certifications as regular full time officers.

"They're going to look like us. They're going to have full authority and powers of a regular active duty police officer,” he said.

Marco Siller, one of the reserve officers, said he was a member of the department before switching to a career as a teacher.

"I've always had a passion for people to feel safe in their communities, so that's why I wanted to come back," he said.  

Cano said it's the first time in over 20 years that the department is adding reserve officers to its staff. He said they will work on a voluntary basis and will not get paid.

"It helps the city from paying the officer and the taxpayer from paying the officer," he said.

Siller, who was an officer for six years before leaving, said doesn't mind working for free.

"I love doing it, so it doesn't matter whether I'm getting paid or not,” he said.

Cano said the department will look to add more reserve officers in the future.