The Norwalk Special Police Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to appoint Keshawn McDowell as a probationary officer for the City of Norwalk Police Department, with the appointment effective Jan. 9, 2025.

The appointment followed an executive session and brief public discussion. Commissioners praised McDowell’s punctuality and enthusiasm; Lieutenant Galino told the commission McDowell arrived early to sign paperwork and worked with the hiring team.

Commissioners convened a special meeting at 11:02 a.m. and went into executive session at about 11:03 a.m.; the commission returned to public session at 11:31 a.m. and began formal consideration of the candidate. No motions or votes were taken during the executive session, the chair said when the meeting resumed.

A motion to appoint McDowell as a probationary officer was placed on the floor during public session. One commissioner who spoke during debate said they were "good with [the appointment] right now" but asked for earlier discussion in future hiring cases; another moved to second the motion and expressed hope the commission would support the hire.

Lieutenant Galino, appearing in public session, said she was "very impressed. We asked Mr. McDowdle to come in to sign some paperwork, and he was here." Galino added that McDowell arrived at 6:30 a.m. for a 7 a.m. request to sign paperwork and described him as "very enthusiastic." (Transcript spellings of the candidate's first name vary; see clarifying details below.)

The vote was recorded as in favor by the commission. Technical audio issues temporarily kept Commissioner Sumter off the call; after Sumter rejoined and indicated support, the meeting record was updated to show a 5-0 vote in favor of appointing McDowell. The chair congratulated Mr. McDowell and the commission adjourned at about 11:38 a.m.

The appointment is effective Jan. 9, 2025, according to the motion on the record. No other formal actions were taken at the special meeting.

The commission’s remarks at the end of the meeting emphasized community policing and the department’s relationship with the Norwalk community; commissioners offered congratulations and welcomed the new recruit.