Submitted by Kathryn Russell
(September 6, 2024) — Republican candidate for State Representative in the 36th District, Kathryn Russell, has announced that her campaign has been endorsed by the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police, the state’s lodge in the nation’s largest law enforcement organization.
“It’s a true honor to receive the backing of this prestigious organization that works for the benefit of the women and men in uniform who put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our communities safe,” said Russell, who is running for a two-year term to represent the people of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam. “I am committed to ensuring that the Police have the basic tools they need to provide the safety our residents want and deserve.” Russell plans to strongly support policies that make life in the 36th District safer. “I will do everything I can to push back on legislators who are intent on watering down our criminal justice system and making it more difficult for law enforcement officers to do their job.”
In its endorsement, Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police President Sgt. John Flynn stated that it was clear to his organization that Russell’s platform and agenda is to make Connecticut a better state for law enforcement and a safer state for our citizens. “Our membership believes that as a State Representative, you will be a tremendous asset to the citizens of State of Connecticut and Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers,” said Flynn.
The Fraternal Order of Police is the nation’s largest law enforcement organization, with more than 325,000 members and more than 2,100 lodges throughout the United States. Founded in 1915, the F.O.P. represents professional, full-time officers from all agencies of law enforcement. Active membership in the Fraternal Order of Police is open to all full-time law enforcement officers and retired officers, regardless of rank. Municipal, county, state and federal government officers are eligible for membership.
The Connecticut State Lodge has more 2,400 members and 30 lodges statewide. It has its own Executive Board and Board of Trustees with its own Constitution and By-Laws. The Connecticut State Lodge provides specific programs and assistance needed for the Local Lodges of Connecticut. The State Lodge also assists with many different charitable organizations and groups within Connecticut.
Russell holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Wharton, and currently serves Deep River as Selectwoman. She is a board member of River Valley Transit, serves on the Investment Committee of the Deep River Congregational Church, is a former Deep River Public Library Board member, and served on the taskforce shaping Deep River’s Affordable Housing Plan. Russell is a retired business executive with a significant record of board membership and non-profit volunteer work spanning her business career.
