Three Sworn In As Police Patrol Officers

By Andrew Gorosko

In ceremonies held July 29 at Town Hall South, the town swore into office three new police officers, two of whom are just starting work with the town, and one of whom began work late last year.

Taking their oaths of office were Felicia Figol, 35, of Derby, and Matthew Wood, 29, of Naugatuck.

Also, Sean Buckley, 25, who has been with the police department since last December, took a ceremonial oath of office. Buckley had taken the oath unannounced last December at the town clerk’s office. The July 29 session was a public event at which Buckley restated his oath. Assistant Town Clerk Sue Shpunt officiated at the ceremony.

The two new hirings bring the police department up to 43 sworn officers, which is its full complement of officers.

Figol formerly worked as a member of the Arizona Highway Patrol, where she spent 61/2 years. Figol was stationed at Williams, Ariz., where she was responsible for patrolling more than 120 miles of roadway. While an Arizona state trooper, Figol investigated many motor vehicle accidents and criminal complaints. Figol is a certified drug recognition expert and a phlebotomist.

Figol, who is originally from Connecticut, is married and has one child.

Wood, of Naugatuck, is a 1992 graduate of Naugatuck High School. Wood formerly worked for Indian Mountain Adventure, Inc, where he served as an outdoors challenge course instructor.

Wood is married and has one child.

Both Figol and Wood started their police training for law enforcement at the Connecticut Municipal Police Academy on July 30. They are scheduled to graduate from the course in mid-December.

Buckley, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, has a bachelor of science degree.

Buckley started instruction police academy last December. He returned to Newtown in May and is now receiving field training from Newtown police officers.

In a talk at the July 29 ceremony, Police Captain Joe Rios noted that the town is selective in choosing its police officers. Buckley, Figol, and Wood are among the top people who applied for police department posts, he said.

Police Chief Michael Kehoe noted that Buckley graduated near the top of his police academy class.

After handing the new officers their police badges, the chief said the lustrous objects symbolize the honor and professionalism that are a basic part of law enforcement.

Chief Kehoe urged the recruits to perform well in their role as peace officers, saying that he has confidence in their abilities.

In the police hiring process, applicants who pass a written test proceed to physical testing. Those who pass physical testing, proceed to oral interviews, which are conducted by a panel of officers from other police departments.

The Police Commission then interviews remaining applicants. Extensive background checks, a physical examination, psychological testing, and lie detector testing are used to screen job candidates before hiring decisions are made.