“I come from a Sikh family. I speak Punjabi. I’m very proud of my heritage.”
— Manmeet Colon
Manmeet Colon, originally from Mumbai, has recently been sworn in as First Assistant Police Chief of Connecticut’s New Haven city. The Sikh woman has become the first Indian-American and second woman Assistant Chief of colour to rise to the top position, reported IANS.
The Board of Police Commissioners in New Haven unanimously approved the appointment of Colon, 37, who was previously a lieutenant in the internal affairs office, according to The New Haven Independent.
Colon started staying in Queens when she was 11, and studied criminal justice at the University of New Haven.
The new First Assistant Police Chief Colon hoped that her status as the department’s first Indian-American assistant chief inspires others from similar backgrounds to pursue careers in law enforcement.
The Sikh woman has become the first Indian-American and second woman Assistant Chief of colour to rise to the top position, reported IANS
“I come from a Sikh family. I speak Punjabi. I’m very proud of my heritage,” Colon was quoted by The New Haven Independent. She also said: “More important is the mission and the values of the department. To me, it’s all about being fair and impartial. My background, my morals, my family values and traditions. I feel like I bring a lot to the table. I’m glad there’s a space for me at the table,” she added.
Colon’s daughter pinned the new assistant chief badge on her mother’s uniform, as Mayor Justin Elicker then administered the oath of office earlier this month. “A trailblazer, AC Colon is the 2nd woman of colour and the first of Indian descent to serve in the position in the history of the NHPD — and I’m confident she will continue to serve our city w/honor & distinction in this new role,” Elicker tweeted.
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