HAMPTON — Four new firefighters were officially sworn into their new positions by Hampton Town Clerk Arleen Andreozzi at Monday night's selectmen's meeting.

In introducing the newest additions to his department, Chief Hank Lipe said he was pleased to present the new firefighters as a result of the vote of Hampton residents.

"Each brings a different level of experience which provides for a consistent and continuous delivery of service in the highest Hampton Fire/Rescue tradition," Lipe said.

The new members of the Hampton Fire Department include Matthew Clement, formerly a call firefighter for two years in Exeter; Anthony DeRubbio, a 16-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department; Scott Steele, who is a firefighter from Dover, NH; and Peter Wahl, who comes to Hampton after eight years in North Hampton.

The addition of the four firefighters comes as a result of approval by the Budget Committee to put a fifth firefighter in place 24 hours a day at the Beach Precinct Station, with nine firefighters in place at the Winnacunnet Road firehouse. Chief Lipe said the increase in personnel was the first since 1987.