Manchester Residents Among New Connecticut State Troopers

Manchester CT

24 March, 2022

7:16 PM

Description

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester residents were among 53 new Connecticut state troopers graduating with the 131st Training Troop. Manchester residents assigned to Troop K in Colchester include Thomas Flaherty, Imelio Griffin and Abdiel Martinez. Manchester residents assigned to Troop C in Tolland include Stephanie Gurski and Anthony Liberto. James C. Rovella, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and commander Col. Stavros Mellekas congratulated the graduating class during a ceremony at the Hartford Armory. Gov. Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz also addressed the graduates. The 131st Training Troop entered the Connecticut State Police Training Academy on Sept. 10 with classes starting remotely due to the coronavirus. On Oct. 10, the class began the residential portion of the academy for 24 weeks. In total, the class completed a total of 28 weeks and 1,400 hours of training both online and in person. In addition to classwork, the recruits spent many hours on physical conditioning, driving, firearms training, active shooter response, experiential training and other specialized areas of police work. The 53 members of this class includes 38 men and 15 women. Members of the 131st Training Troop have diverse backgrounds, training and experience. Some are former municipal police officers or corrections officers, some have been trained as firefighters and EMTs. The youngest member of the class is 21 years old and the oldest is 47 years old. Among the 53 graduates: 15 have military experience11 have prior law enforcement experience 24 hold Bachelor's Degrees4 hold advanced degrees The graduating Troopers will be assigned as follows: Troop A, Southbury – 6 new Troopers Troop B, North Canaan – 2 new Troopers Troop C, Tolland – 5 new Troopers Troop D, Danielson – 4 new Troopers Troop E, Montville – 7 new Troopers Troop F, Westbrook – 4 new Troopers Troop G, Bridgeport – 6 new Troopers Troop H, Hartford – 7 new Troopers Troop I, Bethany – 4 new Troopers Troop K, Colchester – 5 new Troopers Troop L, Litchfield – 3 new Troopers