The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
NEW OFFICERS WELCOMED
Bryan Failla, Joshua Blass, Justin Waltzer are newest members of police force
WINSTED » Residents gathered at town hall on Wednesday morning as three new officers with the Winchester Police Department were sworn in.
Bryan Failla, Joshua Blass, and Justin Waltzer were honored as the newest members of the police department.
Failla, 25, of Torrington, is a 2011 graduate of Torrington High School and a 2015 graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Boston, Police Chief William Fitzgerald Jr. said Wednesday.
He has already graduated from the academy, Fitzgerald said, and is now in the Field Training Officer program with the department. He was previously sworn-in, Fitzgerald said, but honored Wednesday so that he could share the moment with his family.
Blass, 30, also of Torrington, is a graduate of Oliver Wolcott Technical School and Northwestern Connecticut Community College, according to Fitzgerald, and was a member
of the Torrington Police Explorer program as a young man.
He said Wednesday that he decided to become a police officer when he was about 15 years old, after taking a ride-along with a Torrington officer and getting a sense of the job.
Waltzer, 24, of Danbury, is a former arena football player, according to Fitzgerald, and is a graduate of St. Anselm’s College in New Hampshire.
Blass and Waltzer are set to attend the 358th POST Training Academy Class, which begins July 7.
All three men said they are excited to become a part of life in Winsted, and to spend their time lending a hand to residents.
“I’m excited, and looking forward to being part of this community,” said Blass.
“I’m happy to be here,” said Failla. “(There’s) just something about helping people — it’s a gratifying feeling.”
“(I’m) excited and looking forward to making a big change, (and being) a part of this community,” said Waltzer. “It’s the ability to help people in good situations in bad situations... no matter (what the situation is) being able to create a positive impact.”
Family members wished the young officers well, as they embarked on a new step in their professional and personal lives.
“We’re proud of him, and wish him the best of luck,” said Anthony T. Failla, Bryan’s father.
“(We) want him to be safe,” added Bryan’s mother, Tammy M. Failla.
“(I’m) very excited and proud,” said Samantha Blass, Joshua’s wife.
Fitzgerald wished the new officers well Wednesday, before the ceremony came to an end, and folks gathered for snacks and conversation.
“It is important to remember to be true to yourself, and always feel honored through community service — to provide your very best in serving our community, and to try to make it a better place for everyone. Be respectful, fair, in your duties — this will always provide you with job satisfaction in making a difference in which all in law enforcement strive in our daily duties,” said Fitzgerald. “You are becoming a family member of a very special police department, with extraordinary personnel with similar goals. (The) addition to all three of you to this team, makes us even better... I would like to welcome you and your family to your new family, so thank you and welcome aboard.”