East Hartford Police Welcomes New Officers

East Hartford, CT—The Town of East Hartford and the East Hartford Police Department welcomed six new police officers today at a ceremony held at the East Hartford Public Safety Complex.

Officers Eric Apronti, Jamel Coleman, Omar Ortiz, Brian Altamirano, Shane Mebane, and Mark Manson were administered the Oath of Office by East Hartford Town Clerk Robert Pasek, overseen by Mayor Marcia Leclerc, East Hartford Police Chief Scott Sansom and members of his Command Staff. 

“I am honored to welcome our newest officers to the East Hartford community,” said Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc. “They are joining one of the finest police departments in the state. I am certain they will be a tremendous asset to our Town, and I wish them best of luck and a successful career with the East Hartford Police Department.”

“Our citizens deserve the best of the best in their police department, and that’s exactly what we’re striving for,” Chief Sansom said. “To have such great officers 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.” 

All six officers previously served with other Connecticut police departments. Officer Eric Apronti, 29, served the last two years with the Hartford Police Department. Born in Ghana and raised in New York, he served four years with the New York Department of Corrections before relocating locally. He also served for four years with the Army National Guard, is currently serving with the Air National Guard, and is pursuing a degree in Business Administration from Eastern Gateway College. 

Officer Jamel Coleman, 23, is a life-long Connecticut resident.  Raised in Waterbury, he served for one year with the Waterbury Police Department. He holds an Associate degree in Criminal Justice from Naugatuck Valley Community College. 

Officer Brian Altamirano, 27, was born in Ecuador and raised locally. He began serving with the Hartford Police Department in 2019.  He has also served with the United States Air Force since 2014. 

Officer Omar Ortiz, 29, began serving with the Hartford Police Department in 2018.  A long-time Connecticut resident, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies from Southern Connecticut State University. 

Officer Shane Mebane, 25, began serving with the Hartford Police Department in 2018.  A life-long Connecticut resident and raised locally, he holds an Associate degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Goodwin University. 

Officer Mark Manson, 56, served with the Bloomfield Police Department for more than four years, then joined the Hartford Police Department where he retired after 20 years of service to the City of Hartford. A life-long area resident, he also served with the U.S. Coast Guard.

All six officers will begin their transitional training immediately.