New police officer eyes long career

Officer James Novak, 38, was sworn in Sept. 4 as a member of the New Milford Police Department.

"Officer Novak is a lateral transfer from the Plainville Police Department to New Milford," said Sgt. James Dzamko.

"Because of his training there, our preliminary plan is for him to have six weeks of field training with a gradually increasing workload," he said.

During field training, Officer Novak will be instructed on NMPD policies and procedures. He will then have a final evaluation for acceptance, Sgt. Dzamko explained.

"I always wanted to be a police officer," Officer Novak said. "My whole family is in police departments in New York City and Sussex" County in New Jersey.

"It seems like a great time to come to New Milford's department," he said. "The department's picked up such a positive charge. It's revitalized since the new chief came. You can see that just as a resident."

Officer Novak said he "can see myself going places in my career here. Just in the three days I've been here I've seen such camaraderie."

He served in the Plainville Police Department for 18 months. He previously had worked for AT&T for 14 years during its transition from SBC to SNET and finally to AT&T.

Officer Novak worked as an installation repair technician and a splicer.

"When I got the job with SBC, I was told I'd be set for life," he said. "When the company downsized, I decided to follow my dream of being a police officer."

Officer Novak has lived in New Milford for 17 years. He moved here, bringing his mother, Mary-Ellen Novak, with him.

He is engaged to be married.

stuz@newstimes.com; 860-355-7322