The Winchester Police Department proudly announced the hiring of Bryan Failla, Justin Waltzer and Joshua Blass as the newest members of the Winchester Police Department. Mayor Candy Perez, Selectman Liaison Todd Arcelaschi, Selectman Steve Sedlack, Town Manager Bob Geiger, Town Hall staff, family and friends gathered in the P. Francis Hicks Room of Town Hall on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 as the three officers were sworn in by Town Clerk Sheila Sedlack.
Officer Bryan Faila is 25 years old, born and raised in Torrington. Officer Faila graduated from Torrington High School in 2011. Following high school, he attended the University of Massachusetts – Boston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2015. Having previously worked as a youth counselor for the Connecticut Junior Republic, Officer Failla recently graduated from POST 356th Basic Training Session on June 19, 2017. His family joined him as he was formally pinned with the department’s other two new hires.
Officer Joshua Blass, aged 30, is also from Torrington. Officer Blass graduated from Oliver Wolcott Technical School in 2005, having received training in the manufacturing technology trade. Serving in the Torrington Police Explorer Program from 2000 to 2006, Officer Blass also received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northwestern Community College. While employed with the Fairchild Automated Parts Company since 2004, and having served on that company’s Safety Committee, Officer Blass is scheduled to attend the POST Training Academy 358th Class beginning on July 7, 2017.
Officer Justin Waltzer, is 24 years old, and currently resides in Danbury. An All-State Athlete in football, wrestling, and track and field while a high school student at Immaculate High School, his college studies began at Western Connecticut State University. After transferring to St. Anselm’s College in New Hampshire, Officer Waltzer continued playing football and was recognized as Most Improved Player, All-Conference (Northeast 10). After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, with a Minor in Communications, Officer Waltzer played semi-professional football with the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks. Having worked as part of Danbury Hospital’s in-house security over the past four years, Officer Waltzer will also be attending the POST Training Academy 358th Class on July 7, 2017.