Four New London Police Officers Sworn In At City Hall

The grew by another four police officers Thursday as a formal ceremony swore in two men and two women at .

The additions bring the police force up to 96 officers and follows the in February. The new additions are Leigh Bonkowski, 26, of Groton; Sarah Bironi, 22, of Cromwell; Michael Krodel, 21, of Quaker Hill; and Jake Nickerson, 22, of Cromwell.

The event began with a procession of police officers from the department's headquarters to City Hall. In addition to recognizing the new members, Chief Margaret Ackley pointed out the new members of the honor guard and Roger Newton, who has been named Officer of the Year. She told the four new officers that they were chosen due to their "character and integrity" and would be assisted by supervisory officers as they moved into the department.

"Do not be afraid," she said. "We are here for you. The men and women of this department put their lives on the line every day for the community, and they won't hesitate to do so for you."

Bironi graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and interned with the New Britain Superior Court in juvenile matters. Bonkowski graduated from Ithica College with a bachelor's degree in recreational management and holds a commercial sailing license. Krodel is a student at Three Rivers Community College, studying criminal justice, and has interned in probation matters. Nickerson graduated from the same school with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

"I'd just like to be part of bettering the city where I was born and raised," said Krodel.

Leigh, who grew up in Mystic and attended the , expressed similar sentiment.

"I just want to help the city become a better place," she said.

City Manager Denise Rose and four city councilors also addressed the new officers. Mayor Martin Olsen said he has been visiting social studies classes at and urging students there to befriend a police officer. He said he wanted to issue the same challenge to the police department, asking them to reach out to the city's youth.

The four officers will attend the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden for six months.