Stamford Police Department Welcomes 15 New Officers Into The Ranks

STAMFORD, CT — Fifteen new recruits from diverse backgrounds were sworn into the ranks of the Stamford Police Department last week.

Mayor Caroline Simmons was joined by Director of Public Safety Ted Jankowski, Police Chief Tim Shaw, Assistant Police Chief Silas Redd and several police commissioners as she administered the oath of office to:

Samantha Carpio; Adam Dean; Frank Dogali; Ryan Hubbard; Steven Johnson; Zachary Lockwood; Jose Lopez; Karen Mahon; Eric Moore; Molly Phelan; Carlos Ribeiro; James Smith; Victoria Vickerman; Ryan Wilkins; and Joseph Zoppi.

The officers will soon head to the police academy where they will complete the state’s basic training program over the next 26 weeks.

"I am proud to be swearing in this exceptional group of men and women," Simmons said in a news release. "Hiring this diverse group of recruits exemplifies my administration’s commitment to reinforcing public safety and reflecting the diversity of our community. The safety and security of Stamford residents and our officers is a priority for me and my administration and I look forward to watching this class as they begin their career and look to make a difference in our city."

Several recruits have connections to public service in Stamford, which spans across generations. Recruits who are following in their family footsteps include:

• Frank Dogali, son of current K-9 Officer Dave Dogali.
• Joseph Zoppi, son of current firefighter John Zoppi.
• Zachary Lockwood, son of current 911 dispatcher Michael Lockwood.
• Molly Phelan, daughter of retired K-9 Sergeant Richard Phelan.

The Stamford Police Department is starting a new initiative in continuing to improve community relations, according to a news release from the city. This week, prior to going to the police academy, the recruits will be in Stamford for a few days to stop in and introduce themselves to community members around town.

"Whether it’s solving a crime, protecting citizens from danger, or working with the community, Stamford police officers selflessly put their lives on the line every day with courage, dignity and excellence," Jankowksi said in a news release. "These new recruits will follow in the footsteps of the brave men and women who came before them in protecting the residents of Stamford."

Police Chief Tim Shaw shared that police recruit Eric Moore displayed the qualities that the Stamford Police Department is looking for in their ranks. During a follow-up fitness test for some fellow recruits, Moore showed up to support his classmates through the grueling test. He was there providing inspiration when he did not need to be there.

"We are proud to welcome these recruits, each of whom stood out among an outstanding group of applicants," Shaw said in a news release. "This is a unique and challenging time in our profession, one that is very demanding and often dangerous. It will be a different path for them than those who have come before. I am confident that they will meet the challenge, making our department even better."