Anna Tornello has seven years of experience as a police officer. But the newest member of the Wilton Police Department still feels like a rookie. That's because her previous experience came in La Spezia, Italy.
"There is nothing that actually translates over because Italy is Italy, it's like an experience by itself," Tornello said.
Besides differences in the legal systems, she said there are different ways of doing things that she will have to adjust to. During her hiring interview, Tornello assured Wilton Police Commissioner Mark Ketley the transition to America would not be a problem.
"That is my job and I will do it," Tornello said, promising to do the very best she can. And her best is quite good.
The new officer finished her police academy training last week with a better than 97 percent average ranking No. 1 in her class. Finishing at the top of her class makes her only the second member of the Wilton PD ever to do so. Officer Robert Cippola was the other, five years ago.
That performance at the academy has already gained Tornello recognition from important people in Wilton.
"We're delighted to have another officer on our force, particularly one who had some experience in the past and has been so successful at the academy," First Selectman Bill Brennan said.
"I am sure she will serve the town very well as time goes on," Police Chief Michael Lombardo said.
Tornello left Italy six years ago for the United States and served as a marshal before coming to Wilton in February. She has 12 weeks of field training with other officers to get to know the town and department protocol before going off on her own.
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