East Hartford welcomed three new police officers Monday at a ceremony in front of the Public Safety Complex.

Newly-sworn members of the East Hartford Police department are Robert Zalewski, Richard Henry and Aidan Black. They accepted the oath of office administered by Town Clerk Robert Pasek Monday morning as Mayor Marcia Leclerc, Deputy Chief Mack Hawkins and members of the EHPD’s command staff and Town Counselor Awet Tsgai looked on.

“I would like to wish our newest recruits all the best as they begin rigorous training at the police academy this week,” said Mayor Leclerc. “I am proud to say that upon their successful graduation, these officers will be joining one of the finest police departments in the state. I am confident they will uphold the East Hartford Police Department’s high ethical standards and will serve our community with pride and integrity.”

“Qualified recruits are hard to find,” said Deputy Chief Hawkins. “For these candidates to select East Hartford says a lot about our agency and our community. We look forward to having them join our Patrol Division following graduation, and anticipate these new East Hartford officers enjoying long careers here.”

East Hartford’s newest officers come from diverse backgrounds. Officer Robert Zalewski, 31, was born in Poland and became a U.S Citizen in 1995. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Central Connecticut State University and has worked for the last eight years as a supervisor for General Nutrition Centers.

Officer Richard Henry, 41, was born in Jamaica and became a U.S. Citizen in January, 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of West Indies in Public Sector Management and has most recently worked for the New York City Police Department as a Traffic Agent. Prior to moving to the United States, Officer Henry was a police officer in his native Jamaica and in the Cayman Islands.

Officer Aidan Black, 23, is a New Jersey native who recently finished up his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at Kean University. Officer Black most recently worked as a substitute teacher for the Andover Regional School District in Newton, NJ, and also served as a high school basketball coach.

According to the department, the new officers will begin Academy training this Friday, January 8 via distance learning. Another formal ceremony is planned once the officers complete their formal and field training.