Darien Public Schools Welcomes 6 School Security Officers

DARIEN, CT — Darien Public Schools recently welcomed six new school security officers with decades of public and youth safety experience.

In a news release sent to families and staff Wednesday, Director of Security Leon Krolikowski said the following officers would be joining the district as school security officers:

• Mark Cappelli
• Michael DiPane
• Leonard LaBonia
• William Larkin
• Shawn Murray
• John O’Connor

According to Krolikowski, the recruitment process began in the fall and resulted in a high-quality candidate pool. Finalists were interviewed by Police Chief Donald Anderson, Superintendent Alan Addley, elementary school principals human resources representatives and the directors of security, finance and operations.

The finalists completed an intensive testing and selection process, including a thorough public safety psychological evaluation, background investigation and medical and drug testing, Krolikowski said.

"These SSOs varied and accomplished experiences in law enforcement and school security will strengthen the safety and security within our district," Addley said in a news release. "We welcome them all as members of our Darien Blue Wave community."

The officers will begin orientation, training and certification Monday. The training and certification will be conducted by staff at the Darien Police Department and Darien Public Schools.

They will be assigned to their respective schools April 17, Krolikowski said.

"The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is a priority," Krolikowski said in a news release. "I am thrilled to work with these public safety professional SSOs as we work as a team to enhance the safety and security within our district."

The following biographies for each officer were provided by Krolikowski:

Mark Cappelli is a Darien resident. Mark has been with the Darien Police Department for twenty-seven years and has served as a detective and youth officer. Mark is a board member of the Thriving Youth Task Force and the Juvenile Review Board. He graduated from Darien High School and earned an Associate of Science Degree from the Norwalk Hospital School of Respiratory Therapy. Mark is assigned as the floating SSO for all Darien Schools.

"Having had the honor of serving the town of Darien as a police officer," Cappelli said in a news release. "I look forward to the next chapter as a School Security Officer for the Board of Education."

Michael DiPane is a Bethel resident. Michael retired from the New York City Police Department after twenty years, where he served as a police officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. After retiring, he served as Security Officer for various institutions. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts from Farmingdale State College. Michael is assigned to Hindley School.

"As a retired law enforcement officer with over ten years of school security experience, I have full faith the District chose correctly in hiring me to help keep the children and faculty safe in this very uncertain world," DiPane said in a news release.

Leonard LaBonia is a Southbury resident. Len has been with the Danbury Police Department for twenty-seven years and has served as a police officer and detective. Len has volunteered as a student mentor at Danbury Public Schools, and he is an adjunct criminal justice professor at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU). While attending WCSU, he earned a Bachelor's of Science and Master's of Science Degrees in Justice Administration. Len is assigned to Tokeneke School.

"I am looking forward to engaging with students, families and staff," LaBonia said in a news release. "Ensuring the safety of students and staff will be a top priority, and I'm excited to become part of the community at Tokeneke Elementary."

William Larkin is a Stamford resident. Bill retired from the Greenwich Police Department after twenty-nineyears, where he served as a patrol officer and sergeant. He is a former youth football, basketball, and baseball coach and an emergency medical technician. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s of Business Administration Degrees at Iona College. Before his policing career, Bill worked as the Assistant Director of Residence Operations at SUNY Purchase. Bill is assigned to Royle School.

"I look forward to being a member of the Darien school community," Larkin said in a news release.

Shawn Murray is a New Milford resident. Shawn has been with the Ridgefield Police Department for twenty-six years and has served as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and canine handler. He is a youth football coach. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Culver-Stockton College. Shawn is assigned to Holmes School.

"I am looking forward to working with Darien Public Schools and the staff, students, and faculty at Holmes Elementary School," Murray said in a news release.

John O'Connor is a Southington resident. John retired from the Connecticut State Police Department after twenty years, where he served as a trooper and canine handler. He recently served as an Armed School Safety Officer at the Sherman School. Before serving as a trooper, John worked in Massachusetts as a Special Education Aide/Substitute Teacher. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. John is assigned to Ox Ridge School.

"When I started my career in public safety over 20 years ago, I would have never imagined working in a school. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else," O'Connor said in a news release. "I'm here to give parents peace of mind by ensuring that every day is just another day for their kids."