Community Corner

Before Becoming 1st Black CT State Trooper, He Was Branford Cop

Albert Washington Jr., a Navy frogman during the Korean War, was a Branford cop when he was hired by state police in 1961.

Ellyn Santiago's profile picture
Ellyn Santiago, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|
Albert Washington Jr. was a Branford Police Department officer when he was hired by CT State Police in 1961 as the first Black state trooper.
Albert Washington Jr. was a Branford Police Department officer when he was hired by CT State Police in 1961 as the first Black state trooper. (Photo courtesy of CT State Police/Ct State Police Museum)

BRANFORD, CT — Before Albert Washington, Jr. was hired as the first Black Connecticut State Trooper, he walked the beat in Branford.

Hired by state police in 1961 straight out of the Branford Police Department, Washington served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

Washington was also a U.S. Navy Frogman, a member of the Underwater Demolition Team One from 1950-1952.

Find out what's happening in Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Branford