Police, friends and family gathered at Lapham Community Center on Friday morning for the swearing-in ceremony of the New Canaan Police Department’s newest officer, Owen Ochs.
New Canaan Police Department Officer Owen Ochs’s swearing-in ceremony, March 2017 at Lapham Community Center. Contributed
The 27-year-old Stamford residents emerged as a singularly “exceptional candidate” from a field of 114, Police Chief Leon Krolikowski told those gathered for the ceremony, officiated by Town Clerk Claudia Weber.
“Today is a very special day that began months ago,” the chief said.
He continued: “Many challenges and changes lie ahead for our department and our profession but with men like Owen joining our ranks, I see great success as we fulfill our mission to protect and serve the town of New Canaan.”
The chief welcomed Ochs’s family and thanked First Selectman Rob Mallozzi, Selectmen Beth Jones and Nick Williams as well as the Police Commission for their support and sign-off on the department’s newest officer. Ochs is expected to attend the Connecticut Police Academy next week with a tentative graduation date of Sept. 20, Krolikowski said.
New Canaan Police Department Officer Owen Ochs’s swearing-in ceremony, March 2017 at Lapham Community Center. Contributed
The chief also thanked Sgt. Brian Mitchell, NCPD training and recruitment officer, for “managing the selection process and bringing these great officers to us today.”
“Your good work will carry on for many years to come,” he said.
Ochs was sworn in by Weber and presented with a badge. Most recently employed by the U.S. Army, where he served for nine years, Ochs was honorably discharged Jan. 23 as a staff sergeant with a military occupational specialty in infantry, police said.
“He completed deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan and later served as a recruiter,” Krolikowski said. “During his military career, he was awarded several medals and commendations for performance in his duties.”
Ochs earned an associate’s degree with honors in General Studies through the American Military University and currently is currently enrolled full-time at the University of Connecticut, pursuing his bachelor’s degree in political science.
Regarding Ochs’ Police Academy enrollment, the chief said: “Our expectation is that Owen will graduate at the top of his class.”
Krolikowski told his new charge that the NCPD represents “public trust.”
“The public willingly puts this work into your hands, and they trust that you will take care of them in the proper manner,” he said. “They do not want this responsibility for themselves. They want to give it to you. But, they also want you to get it right.”
The chief urged Ochs to “do just that—get it right.”
“We all have heard and read about the stories of officers who have gotten it wrong—sadly we rarely hear the overwhelmingly positive stories of officers who get it right every day,” he said. “Remember that not everyone will automatically understand what you are doing as a peace officer or why you make certain decisions. Realize that there will be times when your actions will be the biggest and most important thing that ever has happened in someone’s life.”
Krolikowski said his “final charge” to Ochs was “to protect your credibility, our department’s credibility and maintain your honor.”