Darien Officer Graduates Top Of Her Class At Stamford Police Academy

DARIEN, CT — New Darien police officer Katrina Cook graduated this week from the Stamford Police Academy at the top of her class, according to the Darien Police Department.

Cook also received the Samuel J. Luciano Award from the Connecticut Chiefs of Police Association. The award is given to the recruit in each police academy class who achieves the highest cumulative grade point average during basic training.

According to the DPD, Cook, who joined the department in May, will now begin her probationary employment period and complete several months of comprehensive field training.

"Congratulations to Ofc. Cook on her tremendous accomplishment and welcome aboard!" Darien police said in an announcement. "A special thank you to the Stamford Police Department for hosting this police academy session and providing elite instruction to and for these new officers."

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Cook spent her early years in Orange County, N.Y., according to the department. She earned a full athletic scholarship to play soccer at Southern Connecticut State University, and in 2010, she earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science and human performance.

Prior to becoming a police officer, Cook worked in the health and fitness industry for 14 years, nine of which were spent serving the Equinox fitness clubs in various management roles and as a personal trainer, the department said.

The Stamford Police Academy launched the week after Cook was sworn in.

The academy serves officers from across Region 1 of the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, which includes 14 municipalities in Southwest Connecticut.

The last training academy in Stamford was in operation about 15 years ago.