Here you go, Dad: Ismail Abdussabur with daughter Aminah at promotion ceremony.
As applause filled the sunlit hall of the Canal Dock Boathouse, Aminah dashed across the stage toward her father, newly promoted Detective Ismail Abdussabur.
With careful hands and a proud smile, she placed his new badge around his neck as he bowed his head, eyes closed in a moment of quiet gratitude — her small gesture marking a major milestone in his police career.
That moment stood out during the New Haven Police Department promotional ceremony held Friday afternoon at the Canal Dock Boathouse on Long Wharf Drive. Family, colleagues, and city leaders gathered at the waterfront venue to recognize officers stepping into new leadership roles.
In total, 11 officers were promoted. The officers honored — including new Detectives Abdussabur, Matthew Vernik, Thomas Brunski, and Brandon Way — were presented with their badges by a family member or close friend.
In addition to the four detectives, the new sergeants are Jakub Baliga, Michael Maciver, and Brian Watrous. Promoted to lieutenant were Ryan Macuirzynski, Brendan Hawley, Savannah Smith, and Michael Criscuolo.
The ceremony began with Lisa Brown singing the national anthem and an invocation by Police Commissioner Isaias Miranda. Commissioner Evelise Ribeiro followed with words of encouragement to the officers being honored.
In Miranda’s invocation, he called for divine guidance, courage, and compassion as the officers begin a new chapter in their service. He acknowledged the vital support of the families and loved ones who stand beside them.
“May they be instruments of peace, justice, and order, and may their actions always reflect the highest standard of service, and the highest standards of the New Haven Police Department,” Miranda said.
NHPD Chief Karl Jacobson delivered remarks reflecting on the responsibility and humility required of leadership in roles of policing. He recalled his own hesitation when stepping into his current position as police chief years ago and urged newly promoted officers to lead with integrity and compassion.
“There are a lot of victims that need a voice, and the detectives are the voice to the victims,” Jacobson said. “Give your victims a voice.”
Mayor Justin Elicker followed with remarks before administering the oath of office, reflecting on the sacrifice and determination of officers and their families.
Elicker praised the promoted officers’ dedication, recalling moments where detectives worked multiple homicide scenes back-to-back and lieutenants earned the admiration of their teams.
“The families rely on you not just to do the work or to solve the crime,” Elicker told the officers, “but to be that voice of the police department — to show that we care.”
Both Elicker and Jacobson made repeated mention throughout the night of Thursday’s Police Activity League (PAL) camp in Fair Haven, where the two were doused in green slime by campers during PAL’s inaugural “Slime Day.”
The ceremony, held at 475 Long Wharf Dr., marked a moment of celebration for the officers and their families — and, in Abdussabur’s case, a personal highlight shared with his daughter.
11 newly promoted officers
New Lieutenants Ryan Macuirzynski, Brendan Hawley, Savannah Smith, and Michael Criscuolo.
Newly appointed Detective Brandon Way and family.
