Three New Police Officers Sworn In

The grew by three officers Thursday as a trio of men were sworn in to join the force.

The ceremony took place in , following a procession by Chief Margaret Ackley, Deputy Chief Marshall Segar, and about 18 officers down Eugene O’Neill Drive and State Street. Ackley said the men, who will begin training at the state’s police academy, bring the number of police officers in New London to 93. The positions are being .

It’s clearly a great day for three men who will join the New London Police Department,” said Ackley. “It’s also a great day for the citizens of New London.”

Sworn in were John Green, 44, of Waterford; Michael Lax, 24, of Wethersfield; and Ryan Griffin, 21, of New Britain. All three are college educated and have served in the military. Green holds accounting and business degrees from Eastern Connecticut State University and served in the Navy. Lax has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and is a member of the Army National Guard. Griffin is currently a student at Central Connecticut State University and has served in the Army.

Ackley thanked the public for their support as well as the attending officers for their work. She told the new officers that they would not only respond to criminal acts, but serve as people to listen to the public and be respected by them.

“We believe you have what it takes, the character and integrity to join our team,” she said.

Mayor Martin Olsen and City Councilor Robert Pero were also in attendance. Olsen said he was raised to regard police officers as friends, and Pero said his brother currently serves in the New London Police Department.

“Welcome aboard,” said Olsen. “You’re joining an outstanding police department.”

“You have a great department with a great leader,” said Pero. “I think we have a great department here. We just need a few more officers to get the job done.”

City Clerk Michael Tranchida swore the three officers in. The wives of Green and Lax pinned their badges on, while friend Jim Fleming pinned the badge on Griffin.

Ackley also represented four clergy members who are joining the department’s newly reinstated chaplain program. Its members are Carl Astor of , Michael Belt of , and William Wilson of . Claudine Crooks, of the Paquonock Bridge Baptist Church in Groton, will serve as an advisor.

Belt said the department hasn’t had a chaplain program in 15 years, and that a rotation will be established so one person is always on call. He said the members will be doing direct work with police officers, but also officiating at ceremonies, going along to serious accidents and the service of death notices, and other duties.

“We’ll really be functioning doing whatever the police need us to do,” said Belt.