Town Police Officer Headed To Iraq War

By Andrew Gorosko

Although police patrol Officer Liam Seabrook, 24, only began his independent patrol work for the town in June, the US Air National Guard member recently received orders from the military to report for training preceding his deployment to war in Iraq at the end of this year.

Officer Seabrook was hired by the town in August 2007, after which he underwent law enforcement training at the state’s municipal police academy in Meriden. He then patrolled Newtown with field training officers until assuming independent patrol work last June.

Before joining the police department, Officer Seabrook had served for almost four years in the US Air Force, with postings in Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Korea. He holds the rank of staff sergeant with the Air Force.

Officer Seabrook’s last day as a patrol officer for the town was Wednesday, October 29. After completing his tour of duty in Iraq next June, he will return to Newtown to resume his work as police officer.

In his military role, Officer Seabrook works in the field of electronics, setting up radio communications and radar systems, he said. The patrolman said he is not surprised he has been called to serve in Iraq.

Of his brief time as a town police officer, he described his job experience as, “Great, the best job I’ve ever had.” He said he likes the variety of work experiences that law enforcement provides.

There is much to know about law enforcement, creating a situation in which continual learning is necessary, he said. He said he essentially likes all aspects of police work, a field which he finds stimulating.

“I learn every day,” Officer Seabrook said.

“I’m looking forward to be able to serve my country more,” he said of his upcoming deployment to Iraq. Being in the Air Force has opened up various opportunities for him, he said.

He said he seeks to return to Newtown safely and resume police work when his military tour is complete.

Officer Seabrook graduated from Bethel High School in 2002, after which he joined the Air Force.