The New Bedford Fire Department swore in their newest firefighters – Shawn Hay, Devon Maisonave, Peter Medeiros, Paul Britto, and Michael Talbot.

Did you make it out to the 5th Cinco de Mayo Festival in New Bedford this year?

Video by Arjenis Marcial.

Jazz performance in downtown New Bedford during AHA!

Here’s some footage from the District Wide Band Festival at New Bedford High School on Wednesday. The festival included bands from New Bedford High, Keith, Normandin, Roosevelt, Acushnet and All-City Middle Schools and All-City elementary.

Video by Arjenis Marcial

Live from The Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast on 31 Ventura Drive in North Dartmouth to meet some animals. Want to adopt one of them? Contact (508) 995-6661.

This live stream is sponsored by Amaral and Associates, the areas most trusted and independent realtors. Check out https://amaraladvantage.com/ for new listings and open houses.

Want to sponsor a live stream like this? Contact leo@newbedfordguide.com for more information

The New Bedford Police Department welcomed three new officers Thursday, April 12, at a swearing-in ceremony at City Hall. Officers Marc Felix Jr., Mason Oliveira and Robinson Ubri were sworn in by City Clerk Dennis Farias.

The New Bedford Police Department welcomed three new officers Thursday, April 12, at a swearing-in ceremony at City Hall. Officers Marc Felix Jr., Mason Oliveira and Robinson Ubri were sworn in by City Clerk Dennis Farias.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, City Councilor president Linda Morad, City Councilors Joseph Lopes and William Brad Markey, Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro, Deputy Chief Paul Oliveira, Lt. Nathaniel Rodriguez and Police Chaplain Rev. David Lima were on hand to welcome the city’s three newest officers.

The three new officers graduated Wednesday, April 11, from the Reading Police Academy. They were officially sworn in as New Bedford Police officers Thursday, April 12.

At Thursday’s ceremony, Mayor Jon Mitchell welcomed the new officers to the department, describing public safety as the foundation of the city.

“Public safety is the first business of government,” he said.

He said of the city’s goals for quality of life, job opportunities, good schools and other important priorities, “none of it happens without a solid foundation of public safety.”

He described police work as an avocation, “a call to service. It’s an especially demanding job that not everyone can do. Sometimes people appreciate what you do, often they don’t.”

He thanked the families of the new officers for their support. “Being a police officer is a family affair,” he said.

Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro congratulated the new officers for making it through a rigorous process. “Your dream did not end with the academy,” he said. “It’s just beginning. It starts today.”

The new badges and patches they now wear have great weight, the chief said. “The responsibilities and burdens they carry are enormous,” he said.

He encouraged the young officers to embrace the philosophy of community policing. “We need to be problem solvers,” he said. “We help the public and the public helps us. It’s a team effort. Treat people with compassion and respect, and I guarantee you’ll get that back.”

Officer Felix hails from Dorchester and grew up in Wareham before moving to New Bedford seven years ago.

He was inspired by a visit by a Boston Police Officer to his elementary school. “I was in awe of his presence,” he said. “Every experience I’ve had since then with a police officer has been inspirational.”

He especially credited the influence of one-time Wareham Police DARE officer, Lt. John Walcek, for his decision to pursue a career in law enforcement. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” he said.

He is married and the father of two children.

Officer Oliveira was born and raised in New Bedford.

He served as a cadet with the New Bedford Police Department, where much of his work was done within the walls of the department, including time in telecommunications.

“Being a cadet inspired me to be on the road, dealing with people,” he said. “I wanted to help not just on the phone but in person. I want to give back to the city.”

His family includes his girlfriend and her son.

Officer Ubri was born and raised in New Bedford. He decided to become a police officer when he met other officers and saw it was a “great career. They loved it. So I’m happy to be here.”

He said he looks forward to participating in community events and reaching out to people. “This city made me so I want to help the city,” he said.

He and his fiancee and two sons live in New Bedford.

The City of New Bedford and Zagster, Inc. today launched a new bike-share program that will provide New Bedford residents and visitors with a convenient, affordable and healthy way to get around town.

Starting today, New Bedford cruiser bikes will be available at Fort Taber Park and State Pier stations for members to use for on-demand, local trips. Riders join the program by signing up for Annual, Pay as you go or student membership. Rides for members — who must be age 18 or older — are $25 annually, with trips under an hour free and $1 each additional 30 minutes, up to $20/ride.

Zagster bike shares feature an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious basket that’s perfect for carrying groceries, takeout, or personal belongings. And because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic lights, a bell, and full reflectors. Zagster makes it easy to grab a bike and go. Riders can view stations and bikes in the free Zagster app, available on the App Store and Google Play, or online at zagster.com/newbedford. One tap in the app automatically unlocks the ring lock on the rear wheel, allowing a rider to get rolling in seconds. After the rider returns the bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy.

Unlike traditional bike shares, in which riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop, the built-in lock on every Zagster bike gives users the freedom to ride as long as they want, wherever they want. This hybrid model, which blends the ability to lock anywhere for mid-trip stops with fixed station locations for beginning and ending rides, allows users to plan their trips around their destinations — and not around station locations.

Since taking office in 2012, Mayor Jon Mitchell has prioritized enhancing the quality of life in New Bedford, including its physical environment. In the past three years, the City, with support from the state, has built HarborWalk and CoveWalk, and extended the existing Saulnier path along West Rodney French Boulevard to connect with the CoveWalk. The improvements along the waterfront allow residents to New Bedford’s spectacular water views as never before.

Last year, New Bedford launched The Blue Lane, a designation that describes the city’s waterfront paths from the CoveWalk and HarborWalk along the South End peninsula to the planned RiverWalk on the banks of the Acushnet River in the North End, reconnecting the city’s waterfront to its residential and commercial areas.

“One of the things that makes New Bedford such a great place to live is our access to the water. The bike share program is a great tool for even more people to experience our fantastic shoreline,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “This addition to The Blue Lane offers another innovative way for residents and visitors alike to enjoy our city’s natural beauty.”

Mayor Mitchell and City officials, representatives of sponsor Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Zagster, Inc., unveiled the program at a kickoff ceremony at Fort Taber Park on Thursday.

More information about the program, including a list of station locations, is found at zagster.com/newbedford.

Love fish? Here’s a look at Waterfront Grille​’s pistachio crusted red snapper risotto special this week!

Lisa Chase – amazing Southcoast Health nurse, teacher and volunteer that is making the world a better place.

The weather was nice and we caught this street musicians playing some great tunes in Boston.

Video by Arjenis Marcial.