New Shelton officers bring diverse backgrounds to the job
SHELTON — Two new faces have joined the police force in the past month, bringing the department’s roster to 53.
Officers Steven Kernstock and Lonnie Blackwell, fresh off their recently completed field training, have officially joined active-duty ranks.
“These two young and energetic officers immediately hit the streets to patrol,” Chief Shawn Sequeira said about the newcomers. “After successfully completing field training they both expressed their preference to start on evening shift, which is the most active shift.”
Sequeira said he was proud to welcome the pair into the fold.
“Their eagerness to work reflects their commitment to the profession,” Sequeira said. “They both graduated at the top of their academy class. Both hold college degrees and have already begun to build relationships within the Shelton community.”
Kernstock, a Fairfield resident, said he has family in Shelton and has grown to like the city. When he had the opportunity to join the police, he jumped at the chance.
“This is a good city. It’s growing,” Kernstock said. “I felt it was a good place to be.”
Kernstock served five years active duty in the U.S. Air Force, then five more in the Air National Guard.
The said the switch from military service to police work was a good transition.
“The environments are similar,” he said. “There’s great camaraderie between the officers, and I have always wanted a chance to give back to the public.”
Blackwell, a lifelong Milford resident, is following in the footsteps of his father, Lonnie, a Bridgeport police officer for more than two decades.
“I watched (my father) do so much for the people in the community,” he said. “He is such a big part of people’s lives, helping people. When I decided to make a career change, this just seemed that the right fit.”
Blackwell was a strength and conditioning coach at Southern CT State University, where he also earned his master’s degree, before choosing to enter law enforcement. Blackwell said he chose Shelton because of his familiarity with Sequeira and many of the officers already working in the city.
“Shelton just sounded like a place headed in the right direction when I decided on a career change,” Blackwell added.