2 New Officers Join Darien Police Department

DARIEN, CT — Two new officers have joined the Darien Police Department, both sworn in on March 29 by the town's Board of Police Commissioners, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson and Chief Ray Osborne.

Kelly Thurston, of Naugatuck, is joining the force after being employed as a Physical Education/Health Teacher for the Naugatuck School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University, according to the department.

Milford resident Steven Costantini comes to the department from Yale Health where he was an H.R. Specialist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut.

"The two were selected at the conclusion of a highly-competitive and lengthy application process," wrote Darien police officials in a statement. "The hiring process includes, but is not limited to; a written exam, an oral board interview, a polygraph examination, a thorough background investigation, a psychological exam, and a police commission interview."

Both will start at the state's Municipal Police Academy on April 9 in Meriden, which runs for 26 weeks. After graduating from the academy, the two new officers will undergo three months of training in Darien with a Field Training Officer.

Following successful completion of the above two training segments, both officers will be able to assume full law enforcement responsibilities in town.

"We welcome Steven and Kelly to the department and wish them the best of luck."

Photo: New Darien police officers Steven Costantini, left, and Kelly Thurston. Photo credit: Darien Police Department