After a long pandemic-related delay, nine new police officers were finally and officially sworn in last week by the Guilford Police Department (GPD) at a ceremony at the Community Center. The officers, some of whom have been on duty for close to two years but never ceremoniously sworn in, hail from across the state and New England.

According to Chief of Police Butch Hyatt, the officers epitomize the new direction in law enforcement with strong backgrounds in law enforcement, advanced college degrees, military veterans, and several who are multi-lingual. Most are parents as well, Hyatt said.

“We rarely get so many officers and their family and friends gathered in one place, at one time, for a ceremony like this, so this is really a treat,” said Hyatt. “Typically, we swear in new officers being hired or promoted at the monthly Board of Police Commissioners meeting and usually one or two at a time. Well, the last two years COVID affected that and the Commission went virtual with Zoom, and we didn’t have that opportunity and the ability to have those events.”

GPD officially swore in officers Ryan DeMatteo, Salvatore Nesci, Craig Michalowski, Lauren Greeley, Anthony Nucolo, Eryk Derda, Robert Proto, Maya Glenbovitch, and Andrzej Kowalski. Glenbovitch and Kowalski were unable to attend the ceremony.

First Selectman Matt Hoey said the new slate of officers deserves the respect and thanks of the community.

“I am very fond of saying that public service is a noble endeavor, and I can think of no more noble effort than people who are willing to put their lives on the line for this community,” Hoey said. “I have the utmost appreciation and gratitude for what you officers do every day because it’s not easy, but it is essential. The people of this community owe a great debt of gratitude to all of you. You all deserve every accolade that this community can give.”

Hyatt praised the community as well as the new officers at the ceremony.

“In addition to the support we get from our families, we get unbelievable support here in town and from the government officials here, the town departments, our public partners, and most importantly from the community. That does not happen by accident. That support we enjoy today was built on the backs of all the officers you see here today and all of the others who came before them. That is because our officers are committed to treating people with dignity and respect, and many times putting the needs of others well ahead of their own.”

Officer Lauren Greeley, a local resident who has been with GPD for about a year, transferred to Guilford after spending more than two years with the Hartford Police Department. Greeley said she was excited about the opportunity to work for the community.

“I worked as an officer for two and a half years in Hartford and then I transferred down here,” Greeley said. “I’m from Branford so transferring to a small town close to a community where I live is a big thing for me.”

Greely said that working for a smaller department increases the opportunities to learn and build valuable investigative and law enforcement skills.

“There is a difference. In terms of investigations, you do everything here in a town like Guilford. In a big city like Hartford, I would usually do the initial investigation and then pass it off to whatever branch. Here, you do everything from the bottom up,” Greeley said. “So, you gain a lot of experience and the chance to learn a lot. I’ve been here about a year now and I feel like living close allows me to work closer with the community too.”

In addition to swearing in the new officers, GPD also promoted several officers. Rich Casey, Joe Duro, and Jared Dillon were promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Officer Chris Massey was also sworn in as the new Deputy Chief.