New Haven – On Thursday, Mayor Justin Elicker presided over a swearing‑in ceremony at City Hall, officially inducting ten new recruits into the New Haven Police Department. The ceremony, held in the council chambers where city alders usually sit, underscored the city’s commitment to community‑oriented public safety.
Recruits pledge service to the city
Chief David Zannelli addressed the class, calling law enforcement “the greatest job in the world” and reminding the new officers of the responsibility they bear both on and off duty. “In the most respectful way I can say, don’t do anything stupid,” Mayor Elicker added, urging the recruits to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Personal motivations and preparation
Among the new officers is 24‑year‑old Emily Alers, a Hamden native who previously worked as a medical assistant. Alers was inspired by her older sister, Tanya, a night‑shift patrol officer who traveled from Manhattan to watch the ceremony. “I wanted to have a story of my own,” Alers said, noting that she was drawn to policing after hearing how her sister helped a distraught mother and de‑escalated tense situations.
Alers’ path was not without obstacles. She failed the initial vetting process in 2025 due to the mile‑and‑a‑half run, but she adjusted her diet, intensified her training, and sacrificed family gatherings to meet the physical standards. “I knew this was something I had to do,” she affirmed.
Community‑focused backgrounds
James Mazzadra, a 32‑year‑old recruit, also highlighted his community service background. After five years working to bring a skate park to Shelton, Mazzadra said he was attracted to policing because of its emphasis on community interaction. “New Haven has a reputation for community policing, and I wanted to be part of that,” he explained.
The remaining eight recruits—Anthony Brissett, Prabhjot Singh, Carlos Mendes, Brian Lawlor, Andy Sanchez, Dillon Mott, Ryan Meagher, and Adriel Atad—each bring diverse experiences and a shared commitment to serving New Haven’s neighborhoods.
Training ahead
The new class will begin a six‑month training program at the police academy this coming Monday. The curriculum includes physical conditioning, legal instruction, de‑escalation techniques, and community‑engagement strategies designed to prepare officers for the varied challenges of modern policing.
Mayor Elicker and Chief Zannelli emphasized that the recruits’ success reflects the city’s broader public‑safety goals: fostering trust between law enforcement and residents, reducing crime through proactive engagement, and upholding the rule of law in a manner consistent with the values of families and faith‑based communities.
Looking forward
As the ceremony concluded, the ten new officers posed for photos with the mayor, the chief, and their families, marking the start of their service to New Haven. Their dedication and preparation signal a continued investment in a police force that prioritizes community partnership and the safety of all citizens.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
