Jonathan Arnold was promoted to the rank of Captain and Thomas Steinke was appointed to the position of police officer at a socially distanced ceremony Aug. 17 in the community room at the Easton Public Library. Police Commission Chair Richard J. Colangelo Jr. swore in the two officers.
Police Chief Richard Doyle presided and provided background information on the two appointees. Arnold joined the Easton Police Department in 1999. He is a graduate of Fairfield Preparatory School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Albertus Magnus College. Arnold served four years as an Easton police dispatcher prior to his appointment to patrolman.
In 2000, he was assigned to a special federal task force with the Drug Enforcement Agency for one year. In 2003, Arnold was assigned to the Southwest Emergency Response Team and received a unit citation for his efforts in response to a hostage crisis. He was appointed to the rank of sergeant in January 2006 and is the department firearms and use-of-force instructor.
Arnold has served with the Easton Volunteer Emergency Medical Service since 1993 and is currently the service chief. He will continue in that role. He was recognized by the Connecticut General Assembly as “Volunteer of the Year” in 2005 and received the George A. Ganung Award for his dedication as a volunteer for service to his community.
Arnold has received numerous commendations and awards for his service in the police department and EMS. He is a former Easton resident who currently resides in Newtown. His parents are Easton residents.
“I’ve known Arnold for 21 years,” Doyle said. “In fact I was his training officer. He is loyal, reliable and competent.”
Steinke, a graduate of Sacred Heart University, joined the Fairfield Police Department in 1993 and recently retired after 27 years of service. During that time he served in many roles, including community policing officer, DARE instructor, accreditation officer, emergency services team member, and patrol rifle instructor.
Prior to his police service, Steinke served in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1992 and is presently a member of the United States Army. He was a Military Police Company Commander and holds a top secret security clearance. Steinke received numerous training opportunities while in the Army including crisis negotiation, protective services training and anti-terrorist awareness.
Steinke is the recipient of numerous citations and awards during his police and military careers. He resides in Easton with his family.
“Steinke comes to us highly recommended by the Fairfield Police Department,” Doyle said. “He has vast experience in several important areas and will be a big asset to the department.”
