Newtown Police Force Welcomes Two New Officers

By Kendra Bobowick

Two young men stood at rest in the Town Hall South conference room as Police Chief Michael Kehoe called their names. Richard Monckton and David Donahoe were soon shaking his hand as the chief and other Newtown officials welcomed them to the force. On Thursday, October 18, Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia swore in new Officers Monckton and Donahoe.

“They had a lot of competition, and they rose to the top,” said First Selectman Herb Rosenthal.

Chief Kehoe said, “We’re welcoming two young men that we hope will have long careers with us.” The new officers have joined “a great police department,” Mr Rosenthal said. “Our police protect property, put themselves out, and you’re both great additions.”

Police Commission Chairman Carol Mattegat said, “I always hear what a wonderful [police] department it is. I also know you’ll do your best.”

The new officers have work ahead of them, Chief Kehoe warned. “It’s a lot to do, a lot,” he said.

Addressing both new officers, he said, “It’s a learning process and you’ll learn a lot in a small time. We want you to succeed. When you’re successful, we’re successful.” With an understanding for the men’s position, he said, “I am still learning every day.”

Then describing the weight of their service to Newtown, he said, “You are the most visible representative of government in the community, you’re in your patrol cars and in uniform.” Noting what he believes is a unique aspect of their role in town, he said, “We feel you represent the community as well.”

Richard Monckton

“I have no doubt he has earned his way into our office,” Chief Kehoe said. “He is described as focused, and he listens well. He is described highly by his colleagues.”

Officer Monckton and his brother Thomas were deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. The brothers were members of the 1st Battalion 102nd Infantry Regiment of Connecticut’s National Guard. Richard Monckton’s wife Catherine also attended the ceremony to support her husband. Officer Monckton could not be reached for comment.

David Donahoe

“He has gained a lot of knowledge and that bodes well for a candidate to know what’s required and he knows and has probably prepared himself for the job,” Chief Kehoe said.

Officer Donahoe found inspiration for police work in his family. His grandfather was a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent, and his cousin is a New York City detective. “That got me to look at law enforcement as a career,” he said. “It’s meaningful work.”

With a taste of the job in college, Officer Donahoe had completed internships with New Jersey state police and other departments. From his experience he believed that unlike a job that ends at 5 pm, police work is a lifestyle, he said. He said, “You take something from it,” he said. “I like what the job has to offer.” Standing at the beginning of his career as an officer, he said, “I am new and will have to go slowly.” Rather than imagining his future in law enforcement, he said, “I want to be a competent officer before anything else.”