The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
NEW OFFICER SWORN IN
Police welcome Woodbury resident with ceremony
WINSTED >> Brandon Simmons took a step toward a longtime goal Wednesday as he was sworn in as the newest member of the Winchester Police Department.
Simmons, 21, of Woodbury, wanted to be a police officer from a young age, he said Wednesday and was excited at the chance to become a member of law enforcement in the community.
“(I feel) great — a lot of conviction, commitment, and (I’m) excited to get started in what I’ve wanted to do for my entire life,” said Simmons. “It’s a department where I see extreme growth — great community interaction here — and a department I can see my self growing in and staying in for a while.”
Police Chief William Fitzgerald, Mayor Althea Candy Perez and Selectman Todd Arcelaschi welcomed Simmons to the community during the ceremony.
“It is important to be true to yourself and always feel honored to be part of community service, to provide your very best in serving our community and (trying) to make it a better place for everyone,” Fitzgerald said. “Be re-
spectful, fair, in your duties — this will provide you with job satisfaction in making a difference.”
Everyone in this law enforcement community strives for this on a daily basis, Fitzgerald said.
“You are becoming a family member to a very special police department, with extraordinary people with similar goals as yourself,” the chief said. “An addition of you to the team will make us even better... I welcome you, and your family, to our family.”
Perez said Winsted residents are always very proud of its police force.
“They have always, always, been there for the community, no matter what — so you’re joining a great group of people,” she said. “You’re going to have a very good career, and we wish you a lot of luck.”
Arcelaschi joined the other officials in welcoming the new officer.
“You always need to keep in mind that your actions today are always going to be judged,” he said. “As long as you do the best to serve the community, take pride in yourself and the community, be firm and be fair with all your dealings, you’ll make us proud.”
Simmons is set to attend the 357th session of the POST Academy beginning on April 7, and he is expected to graduate in September, according to the department. He is in the midst of pursuing a degree in criminal justice at Naugatuck Valley Community College, according to the department, and is a member of the marine patrol unit on Lake Waramaug in Washington.
Steven Papadonikolakis was originally expected to also be sworn in as a Winchester police officer Wednesday, but withdrew his candidacy for the position because he was unlikely to pass the required agility test, Fitzgerald said Wednesday. The department is seeking another person to fill the opening, the chief said.
Two other officers are also expected to retire in the near future, Fitzgerald said, leading the department to seek candidates to replace them as well.