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L-R: Kelly Coughlin, Chief Leon Krolikowski, and William Sheehan. "Kelly and William, welcome to our family, we are here to protect and support you, just as you have taken the oath to protect and serve our town," the chief said.
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William Sheehan, shown here with Danielle Debellis. His grandmother said of him, "I am so excited, I'm thrilled for him, this is what he wanted, and I'm so happy he made it."
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Kelly Coughlin, shown here (L-R) with her brother TJ, mother Laura, her father Tim, and her Grandmother, Jo. Her mother, Laura, said, "I feel incredibly proud, she's an amazing girl and I think she has a lot to offer, and I'm impressed with everybody I've seen here so far and I think she's on the path that she's meant to do."
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"The badges we just issued represent public trust", said Chief Krolikowski. "It comes directly from those who give it to you freely, and believe you will use it wisely."
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"My final charge to you is: conduct yourself in honor, and remember that you create your own reputation each day with every action at work."
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Chief Krolikowski's speech welcomed the new officers as well as told them about their duty as officers. "The past few years have been difficult for law enforcement in general, across our whole nation, and sadly not a lot of people love the police anymore. But, we have a mission to fulfill, and together we're going to do it."
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When receiving their badges, the Chief gave them words of wisdom:"Remember that not everyone will understand that what you are doing as a police officer, or why you make certain decisions. realize that sometimes your actions will be the biggest and most important thing that ever has happened in someone's life."
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Coughlin and Sheehan shake the hands of Captain DeMaio and DiFederico. Chief Krolikowski said in his speech, "Remember that not everyone will understand that what you are doing as a police officer, or why you make certain decisions. realize that sometimes your actions will be the biggest and most important thing that ever has happened in someone's life."
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Lots of family and friends gathered at the ceremony this morning, showing appreciation for the new officers.
On Wednesday morning, at Lapham Community Center, Kelly Coughlin and William Sheehan were officially welcomed as new officers in the New Canaan Police Department, following a swearing-in by the Town Clerk. They were two of 140 applicants to be selected by NCPD. They were given badges numbered 168 and 169, respectively, by Police Chief Krolikowski. Coughlin is the first woman officer the department has hired in about eight to 10 years, officials have said. After this week, they will both go to the CT Police Academy for about six months of training. Attendees included Police Commissioner Sperry DeCew, Selectman Beth Jones and Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt. Scroll through the gallery above for photos and quotes.