East Hartford Police Department Welcomes New Officers

The Town of East Hartford welcomed its newest Police Officers during a ceremony held today at the East Hartford Town Hall.  In the presence of family and friends, Officer Christopher Arace and Officer Joshua Santiago were administered the Oath of Office by East Hartford Town Clerk Robert Pasek, overseen by East Hartford Police Chief Scott Sansom and members of his Command Staff. 

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome our newest police officers to our community,” said Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc. “I am certain they will be a credit to our Town, and I wish them luck with their transition and a successful career at the East Hartford Police Department.”

“We’re fortunate to be able to find such great officers,” Chief Sansom said.  “There are many options for qualified candidates these days, so for them 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, and anticipate these new East Hartford officers enjoying long careers here.” 

Officer Santiago, 32, served two years with the Hartford Police Department before joining East Hartford Police, and now joins his brother Justin Santiago on the East Hartford force.  Both originally from Hartford, Justin joined East Hartford Police in 2015.  Officer Arace, 48, previously served 20 years with Hartford Police Department, retiring as a Lieutenant in 2014.  He served the next four years with the Connecticut Supreme Court Police Department, then served as a Court Planner for the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch.  He is a graduate of Charter Oak State College where he earned a B.S. in Public Safety Administration.  Officer Arace and Officer Joshua Santiago will begin their transitional training immediately, which will be followed by Field Training later next month.