A 9-year U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is poised to join the New Canaan Police Department as an entry-level officer.
Owen Ochs. Photo courtesy of the New Canaan Police Department
Following a 3-0 ‘yes’ vote Tuesday at the Board of Selectmen for his classification and pay, 27-year-old Owen Ochs will travel next month to train with the Connecticut Police Academy.
Honorably discharged Jan. 23 from the Army as a staff sergeant who specialized in infantry, Ochs as the department’s 47th officer would bring NCPD to its full complement, according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski. While serving, Ochs earned his associate’s degree in general studies from the American Military University, according to a biography supplied by police.
Though currently enrolled full-time as a student working toward a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Connecticut’s branch in Stamford, where he lives, Ochs “is willing to leave that and pursue his law enforcement dream,” Krolikowski told the selectmen during their regular meeting, held at Town Hall.
“He successfully endured an intensive testing and selection process, including a written examination, physical agility testing, interview panel, polygraph, psychological evaluation, background investigation, medical testing and Police Commission interviews.”
First Selectman Rob Mallozzi, Selectman Beth Jones and Selectman Nick Williams voted 3-0 to approve his classification and compensation.
The selectmen asked Krolikowski whether Ochs would attend the Police Academy on a full-time basis (yes), whether officers live there in Meriden while the academy is in session (weekdays, yes), whether Ochs would continue to serve in the Army as a reservist (no, though there’s an outside chance of being re-called).
Krolikowski added that two prospective officers are at an early stage in the process now so that the department could draw on a strong pool of candidates should there be an opening.
Williams asked whether the chief expected to have open positions in the department.
“Historically, yes, someone will leave in the next six to 12 months, but nothing is guaranteed right now,” Krolikowski said.
We should all be proud to have an officer with Mr. Ochs background serving as a police officer in New Canaan. Welcome to town Mr Ochs and thanks for your service to our country and your future service to our town. Thank you Michael D for letting us know this fine gentleman will be on our police force.