DAVID SEPULVEDA PHOTO
The protests out on the street were not far from the stage of Career High School as 25 top cops were promoted to the ranks of captain, lieutenant and sergeant while surrounded by family and friends.
The promotion ceremony took place Friday afternoon — as the second of two street protests that day unfolded blocks away over the killings of unarmed civilians by cops in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City.
Citizen concerns were not far from the minds of Mayor Toni Harp and top police brass who addressed the packed Career High auditorium. They said that an ethos of truth, training and community engagement among police separates New Haven from other towns and cities that continue to experience killings of primarily unarmed black suspects by police.
Mayor Harp,left, Chief Esserman, center.
“Any society that agrees to live under the rule of law instead of under the rule of might, reflects one of the highest ideals in history,” Harp said. “On the timing of your promotion today, your new rank comes close on the heals of recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City, which have once again, placed policing and community relations in the headlines and made it a hot topic in public conversations.
The mayor repeatedly praised the work of New Haven police department: “I want to say again how proud I am of the work that you do every day in gaining the confidence of the people of New Haven, and particularly, of the people in our community for whom in other communities, such confidence does not exist. The conversations we’re having concerning policing and community are important conversations to have. This is a critical opportunity to reevaluate the progress we’re making, to improve policing in this society as it relates to race relations.” Chief Dean Esserman told the cops that they are “guardians,” not “warriors.”
The first order of business at the promotional ceremony was the presentation of colors by New Haven Police Honor Guard.
Soon after, police officers Lizmarie Almedina, Raphael Mendez and David Flores of the Madison police department joined for their second public appearance in singing the National Anthem.
Just offstage, a table of 16 shiny gold badges were laid out with names of newly promoted sergeants.
Keeping the ceremony moving was the emcee, Assistant Chief Anthony Campbell who summoned those promoted to the dais, where three separate, rank-specific oaths were administered by the mayor.
Receiving promotions in rank were: captains are Anthony Duff, Jeff Hoffman, Julie Johnson, Holly Wasilewski, and Joseph Witkowski. New lieutenants included Vincent Anastasio, Samuel Brown, Jason Minardi, and Darcia Siclari. Sergeants promoted were Shafiq Abdussabor, Craig Alston, Wilfredo Cruz, Craig Dixon, Ronald Ferrant, Gary Hammill, Jacqueline Hoyte, Milton Jackson, Robert Koval, Anthony Maio, Carlos Maldonado, Alberto Merced, Mark O’Neill, Ronald Perry, Eric Scott, and Rahgue Tennant.
After each name was called, family members went onstage to pin and congratulate their newly promoted loved ones.
Each named called brought with it hugs …
… kisses …
… and smiles….
… while others took great pride in getting their letters of assignment.
Holly Wasilewski also received a surprise bouquet of roses along with her captain’s promotion. Wasilewski, a 19-year veteran and district manager who has been working in the Hill section of the city, has earned widespread community trust over the years, including from wanted people who ask that she come escort them for arrest.
In speaking about her husband, Anthony Duff, who advanced to rank of captain, Hill Regional Career High School administrative intern Mia Duff remarked, “He has worked so hard. Our family is very proud. Of course it will mean longer hours and it’s a new challenge, but we’re up for it.”