As 43 newly promoted members of the Hartford Police Department marched across the stage to have shiny badges pinned to their chests, some received hugs from their children, others were given pecks on the cheek from wives or warm embraces by proud mothers, and all were given a comradely salute from their chief, David Rosado.
“The men and women on the stage this evening have distinguished themselves through their commitment and hard work,” Rosado said before the room of families and police officers gathered Thursday in the auditorium of the Aetna building. “Today is a day they’ll remember for the rest of their lives,” he said.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin congratulated the promoted members of the force and recognized the years of service — more than a decade for most — they dedicated to the department.
“Each of you has served the city for many years and years ago you took an oath that very few have the courage to take…we are so grateful that you did,” Bronin said.
Bronin highlighted the hardships a job with the department presents and thanked the officers for their commitment. “You have undoubtedly seen things you wish you could unsee. You have seen humanity at its worst and you have seen humanity at its best,” Bronin said. “Today you are moving on to a new chapter and assuming new responsibility.”
For Captain Gabriel Laureano, who has served 15 years, the ceremony presented recognition for his work and for his family who helped every step of the way, he said. “We can’t do this without them,” he said.
The road to becoming a captain was not easy, Laureano said. He was one of five who were promoted to the position — one that is held by just 2 percent of the force, he said. “There’s a grueling testing process behind the scenes, so it’s nice to recognized,” he said.
Among the newly promoted officers were Assistant Chiefs Rafael Medina III after 22 years and Jason Thody after 22 years. Deputy Chief Sonia Watson was promoted after 15 years of service.
Also promoted (years served in parentheses):
Captain: Jeffrey Rousseau (15); Ian Powell (16); Glendaly Garcia (20); Gabriel Laureano (15); Michael Coates (15).
Lieutenant: Anthony Pia (13); Brian Bowsza (12); William Rea (11); Vincent Benvenuto (10); Kevin O’Brien (10); William LaBelle-Boucher (13); Lauren A. Cox (10); Jason R. Lee (13); Marisol Rodriguez-Velez (11); Sean Michel (12); Luis Ruiz (14); JohnMichael O’Hare (13); Obdulio Santiago (8); Robert Shelby (11); Aaron Boisvert (13).
Sergeant: Christopher Mastroianni (10); Luis Raimundi (10); Manuel Pacheco (10); John Zweibelson (15); Michael Diana (13); Anthony Rykowski (13); Omarya Martinez-Baidy (18); Daniel Zarebski (12); Leslie Suarez (16); Lara Traczynski (10); Robert Hathaway (13); James Campbell (14); Valentine Olabisi (12); Joseph Mauro (13); Ivys Arroyo (15).
Detective: James Newell (11); Benjamin Lee (10); Johnny Muniz (10); Michael Caron (8); Kevin Small (7).
