In a ceremony filled with pride and commitment, Plant City Police Department (PCPD) welcomed two new officers into its police force last week. The swearing-in ceremony, held at police headquarters, brought together community members, city officials and the officers’ families to mark the beginning of a new chapter in their public service careers.
The new officers are:
Officer Stephen Falkenstein, who was born in Ft. Lauderdale but grew up in the Brandon/Plant City area. A 2015 Plant City High School graduate, he started working in his family’s appliance repair business before realizing that his heart was leading him in another direction. After serving in the Army for four years, he returned to the family business before deciding on a career in law enforcement. “I’ve wanted to work in law enforcement since I was a child and was always in the back of my mind,” he said.
Falkenstein, who graduated on Jan. 26 from the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Hillsborough Community College in Ybor City, hopes to be relatable as he works with members of the community.
Officer Damon Kolanowski, who has lived in the area since 2013, graduated from Durant High School. As his contract with the Navy Reserves was coming to an end, he decided to find a career that didn’t require deployments and long stretches of time away from family. “I still had the desire to serve and going into law enforcement was always in the back of my mind,” he said.
Kolanowski also graduated on Jan. 26 from the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Hillsborough Community College.
He was grateful that PCPD sponsored him at the academy. “I like the idea of serving the community where you live so I didn’t apply to any other department,” he said. “I know one person isn’t going to make a noticeable difference but hopefully I can positively influence even one person.”
At the ceremony PCPD Chief James Bradford commented about both officers’ achievements at the police academy. “We were told early on you guys were doing a great job and knowing you were there putting forth your best effort did my heart good,” he said.
Falkenstein graduated with the second highest GPA in the class while Kolanowski earned the Merit Award, which goes to the top overall student.
Having successfully passed a grueling three-week orientation schedule, the officers will now enter a four-month field training program with veteran officers in the Uniform Patrol division.