Iraq War Veteran Sworn In As Town Police Officer

By Andrew Gorosko

Having spent a year in Iraq as a military policeman with the US Army National Guard, a New Milford man now is taking up the challenges of law enforcement in the civilian sphere, having become a Newtown police officer.

In ceremonies at Town Hall South on March 19, Matthew Hayes, 24, took the oath as police officer from Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia, with family, friends and police looking on.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Officer Hayes said of his desire to become a policeman. He said he hopes that having served a military policeman in Iraq with the US Army National Guard will be useful experience as he enters a municipal police department.

Officer Hayes termed his time in Iraq as a “learning experience,” adding that “it was the best and worst time of my life.”

The policeman is slated to start his police training regimen at the Connecticut Municipal Police Academy in Meriden on March 31. On the completion of that training course, he would return to Newtown in August, after which he would undergo a period of field training before starting to patrol the town independently in the fall.

“I’d like to get my feet wet in all aspects of policing,” he said of his desire to experience the many facets of law enforcement.

First Selectman Joe Borst and Police Commission Chairman Carol Mattegat both wished Officer Hayes good fortune in his law enforcement career.

Police Chief Michael Kehoe noted that Officer Hayes has excelled in the various tests he has performed so far in becoming a peace officer. The policeman will proceed through much training as he becomes indoctrinated in law enforcement, the police chief added.

While serving on active duty with the National Guard, Officer Hayes received many military commendations for his work, Chief Kehoe noted. He also holds the rank of sergeant in the National Guard, Chief Kehoe added.

Officer Hayes is studying to receive a college degree, having attended classes at Western Connecticut State University. He also has worked as a youth counselor at Newtown Youth Services.

The policeman has expressed a desire to serve in a police position such as youth officer or school resource officer, in which he would interact with youths in a school setting, the police chief said.

Chief Kehoe said that Officer Hayes has demonstrated a “a cool, calm demeanor,” exhibiting good communications skills and resilience, plus leadership qualities.

The police chief termed the recruit “a unique individual who will do well as a police officer in Newtown.”

Chief Kehoe said local police will be supportive of Officer Hayes because his success in law enforcement mutually benefits other members of the police department.