Nick Welsh and Adam Hall are teammates again.

The former Ceres High School athletes started working as Ceres Police officers in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

“The uniform has changed,” Hall said. “In a way, you still get to represent Ceres.”

“The first day I put on the uniform, I was excited,” Welsh said. “It felt right. I wear it with pride.”

Hall was hired six months after Welsh joined the Ceres Police Department.

“Our schedules are always changing,” Welsh said. “We rotate every month. Right now, we work on the same shift together. It’s been nothing but a pleasure to work together. We’ve been really close friends since junior high. He’s someone that I trust and treat like a brother.”

“We have a bond and trust from growing up together,” Hall said. “We played on the same teams from elementary through high school.”

Welsh started working for Ceres PD in September of 2018.

“There’s a reason I came back,” Welsh said. “I’ve always had love for the community. I wanted to give back to the streets that raised me. I know the city like the back of my hand. I know hangout spots and certain troubled areas. The most challenging part of the job is wanting to help everyone you come in contact with. Not all of them want help. The most satisfying part of this profession is the people who share their stories in how you helped them and changed their lives.”

Welsh was previously employed by the Modesto Police Department for 18 months.

He spent four years in the Army as an Infantryman with the 101st Airborne and the 4th Infantry Divisions.

“Law enforcement always intrigued me,” Welsh said. “One of the main things I love about public service is the team atmosphere. It’s really comforting know there’s a lot of support in our department. We are police officers. It’s our job. But we’re also human beings. There are a lot of roles and responsibilities you have. If you’re not mentally preparing for your shift, it can affect you. You really have to be on your game. The biggest thing I believe in is community engagement. Communication his huge.”

Hall celebrated his one-year anniversary with the Ceres Police Department on June 19.

He previously worked for Gustine’s and Los Banos’ police agencies.

Hall attended Modesto Junior College, Merced Junior College and Delta College.

“I knew I always wanted to come back to Ceres,” he said. “But I didn’t know when it would happen. It’s special working for your hometown. It’s a different type of feeling. This is hands down the best department and group of guys I’ve worked with. The most satisfying part of the job is working in a community you grew up. Not being to everyone is the toughest part of the job.”

Welsh and Hall both graduated from Ceres High School in 2012.

A four-year varsity baseball player, Welsh batted .369 from the plate with 106 hits, four homers, two triples, 17 doubles, 54 RBIs, 90 runs and 43 stolen bases in 104 games.

Welsh earned second-team all-league honors as a senior and junior.

He represented the Bulldogs at the 23rd Stanislaus County All-Star Baseball Classic.

Welsh played three seasons of varsity football.

He passed for 774 yards and six touchdowns, rushed for 417 yards and two scores and totaled 214 yards on 18 receptions.

He had 34 tackles, 11 pass deflections and one interception at defensive back.

Welsh also forced two fumbles.

Hall contributed on the offensive line and at linebacker during his two seasons of varsity football.

Welsh and Hall both filled key roles as Ceres High’s freshman football team claimed the Valley Oak League title in 2008.

“I didn’t realize I wanted to get into law enforcement until my sophomore year of high school,” Hall said. “I had a rough upbringing. My ultimate goal was to come to Ceres. I embrace and understand this community. I don’t want to work anywhere else for the rest of my career. I’m completely happy with what I have right now.”

“I love this town,” Welsh added. “I was born and raised here. I had great mentors. I had people I could talk to whether it was a teacher, coach or local business owner. I don’t see myself leaving.”