For the first time in two years, the city Police Department is finally back up to full force.
The City Council on Monday unanimously approved the hiring of Brian W. Connolly, 31, of Baltic, as a new police officer. He was sworn in to office Monday by City Clerk Debra J. Patrick.
The city's 31-member police department has had vacancies since May 2003, when a longtime veteran officer retired. Other officers have left the department since then.
As a result of tough fiscal times, a hiring freeze was instituted around 2003, preventing Police Chief Bruno L. Giulini from filling any vacancies. Once the hiring freeze was lifted, Giulini's department then saw a sparse field of qualified candidates who could complete all the necessary tests, exams, interviews and background search required for the position.
Connolly, for instance, was one of only 16 candidates who successfully passed the physical fitness exam, Giulini said. Forty candidates took this exam.
Connolly won't be available to patrol the city streets until after he completes his 22-week training at the police academy, starting Sept. 30, and his 12 weeks of field training with a veteran city officer.
Connolly graduated from the Norwich Technical School in 1992 and then from the Three Rivers Community College in 1998 with an associate's degree in business administration. For the past 10 years, Connolly, who has been active in scouting, has worked as a self-employed carpenter.
— Gladys Alcedo
© The Day Publishing Co., 2005
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