New Officer Brings Police

Up To Full Staffing

By Andrew Gorosko

The newest member at the Newtown Police Department has previously served in a law enforcement role while a member of the US Coast Guard along the Massachusetts shoreline, working on search-and-rescue missions, as well as patrolling fisheries.

Benjamin Mulhall, 29, of Bethel took the ceremonial oath of office as a police officer in ceremonies held August 11 at the police station.

On August 12, Officer Mulhall began a five-month course of study at the state’s Municipal Police Academy in Meriden. He is slated to return to Newtown early next year for a course of field training.

Three other Newtown police recruits — Matthew Pirhala, Paula Wickman, and Joseph Michael — who were hired earlier this year, are expected to complete their police academy studies next month.

Ofc Mulhall said that both a younger brother and an uncle are now police officers. In the past, other family members have served as police, he added.

Following his graduation from Bethel High School, Ofc Mulhall joined the Coast Guard at age 18. He spent four years working in a law enforcement capacity there.

His tasks included search-and-rescue work to help recreational boaters in distress off Cape Cod, as well as checking fisheries for any violations of applicable federal law.

While on board Coast Guard vessels, Ofc Mulhall worked as an “underway engineer,” ensuring that the boat was in good working order as it traveled.

Following his Coast Guard work, Ofc Mulhall studied at the Wyoming Technical Institute to become a mechanic. For the past five years, he has worked as an automotive mechanic in Danbury.

Of his coming career in municipal law enforcement, he said, “This is a whole new experience, for the most part.”

While his work in the Coast Guard involved law enforcement, it was performed from a federal perspective, unlike the municipal sphere within which local police operate.

Ofc Mulhall said he looks forward to the variety of experience which local law enforcement provides, offering a range of activity broader than that found in automotive repair.

“I have to do my job and help the public as best I can,” he said of policing.

His interests include outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping. He especially likes water-related recreation, including boating and fishing. “I’ve always liked the water. I’ve always loved being on the water,” he said.

Commenting on Ofc Mulhall’s hiring, Police Chief Michael Kehoe said, “Mr Mulhall brings to the Town of Newtown a unique combination of experience in the military, maturity, and work knowledge.

“Mr Mulhall was highly regarded by all who had an opportunity to interact with him during the hiring process,” the chief added.

“The Police Commission was very pleased with the quality of the candidates they interviewed and felt that Mr Mulhall will represent the Newtown Police Department well in the finest traditions of law enforcement,” Chief Kehoe said.