Sen. Bradley Joins LT Governor Bysiewicz to Urge
Women and Women of Color to Choose Careers in the Connecticut State Police

MERIDEN, CT – As the deadline to apply for the Connecticut State Police approaches, state Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport) joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and the state’s public safety leaders, including Colonel Stavros Mellekas and Deputy Commissioner Regina Rush-Kittle to urge women across the state to choose careers in state police.

“There are skills, intangibles and attributes women and women of color contribute that are priceless and ensure the safety and protection of Connecticut’s citizens,” said Sen. Bradley, co-chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee. “I commend these state troopers for their efforts to further increase racial diversity and women participation. I implore anyone who wishes to serve and protect the good people of our state to go online and apply to be a Connecticut state trooper.”

“Government should look like the people it represents and that should be at all levels, including our State Police,” Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. “These careers are demanding but they’re also very rewarding and they are good paying jobs with great benefits. If you are a woman who is interested in law enforcement, criminal justice, in helping the community and protecting our great state, then I encourage you to apply to the Connecticut State Police.”

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Division of State Police is currently accepting applications to establish a pool of qualified applicants to fill future vacant State Police Trooper Trainee positions across the state. Under the leadership of Colonel Stavros Mellekas, the department has been running a proactive recruiting campaign since April 15, which included a “Women in Policing” Information Session that attracted nearly 100 women.

“We want our recruiting efforts to yield plenty of applicants who will make our police force stronger,” Col. Mellekas said. “As of today, 459 women have applied for the 2019 State Police Trooper Trainee class. Those women have done their homework and they are ready to join our team. They know that there is no career more rewarding than police service and that the possibilities for advancement in our department are endless. We already have a great team of professional female troopers who are willing and eager to answer any questions applicants may have and we encourage anyone who is interested in learning more to contact us.”

Regina Rush-Kittle who serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is a trailblazer for women in the public safety field. She started her law enforcement career in 1983 with the Connecticut Department of Correction. In 1985, she was hired by the Middletown Police Department as a patrol officer. Two years later, she was hired by the Connecticut State Police, where she rose through the ranks becoming a sergeant, lieutenant, major, and the first female commanding officer of a barracks and district.

“Given the opportunity to start over again, I would choose the same career path,” said Deputy Commissioner Rush-Kittle. “It has been said that law enforcement is a calling and I answered that call several times but the best opportunities were presented to me when I joined the Connecticut State Police. Women add a different perspective to law enforcement. Diversity and inclusion is important and it’s important at all levels within an agency from entry level positions to management positions.”

“Like many other women, I never pictured a career in law enforcement,” said Trooper First Class Kelly Grant. “My plan was to become a social worker but here I am 23 years later, still doing the job I love and encouraging other women to do the same. While it may seem impossible to wear so many hats, it is possible to be a wife, mother, daughter, or a sister and to be a Connecticut State Trooper. It’s also very important for women and girls to see someone who looks like them— especially in male dominated professions—in order to picture themselves doing those same jobs.”

The Connecticut State Police offers numerous Career Opportunities across the state, with opportunities for promotional advancement and geographic transfers. Adding to the attractive locations and upward mobility are excellent compensation and benefits including a full health benefits package, along with additional supplemental benefits and a 25-year Hazardous Duty Retirement.

The agency seeks trustworthy, motivated, driven individuals who are able to work well on their own as well as in a team environment. The department strives to provide superior public safety services for Connecticut and achieve them through its mission. DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology.