East Hartford Police Welcomes New Officers
East Hartford, CT—The Town of East Hartford and the East Hartford Police Department welcomed three new police officers today at a ceremony held outside the East Hartford Public Safety Complex.
Officers Robert Zalewski, Richard Henry and Aidan Black were administered the Oath of Office by East Hartford Town Clerk Robert Pasek, overseen by Mayor Marcia Leclerc, East Hartford Police Deputy Chief Mack Hawkins and members of the Department Command Staff.
“I would like to wish our newest recruits all the best as they begin rigorous training at the police academy this week,” said Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc. “I am proud to say that upon their successful graduation, these officers will be joining one of the finest police departments in the state. I am confident they will uphold the East Hartford Police Department’s high ethical standards and will serve our community with pride and integrity.”
“Qualified recruits are hard to find,” Deputy Chief Hawkins said. “For these candidates to select East Hartford says a lot about our agency and our community,” he explained. “We look forward to having them join our Patrol Division following graduation, and anticipate these new East Hartford officers enjoying long careers here.”
East Hartford’s newest officers come from a diverse background. Officer Robert Zalewski, 31, was born in Poland and became a U.S Citizen in 1995. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Central Connecticut State University and has worked for the last eight years as a supervisor for General Nutrition Centers. Officer Richard Henry, 41, was born in Jamaica and became a U.S. Citizen in January of 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of West Indies in Public Sector Management and has most recently worked for the New York City Police Department as a Traffic Agent. Prior to moving to the United States, Officer Henry was a Police Officer in his native Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Officer Aidan Black, 23, is a New Jersey native who recently finished up his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at Kean University. Officer Black most recently worked as a substitute teacher for the Andover Regional School District in Newton, NJ and also served as a high school basketball coach.
The new Officers will begin Academy training on Friday, January 8, 2020 via distance learning. A formal ceremony will be planned for a later date.