Sen. Richard Blumenthal honored Milford police for promoting the recruitment and advancement of women in policing.

Blumenthal says the department's "30 by 30" initiative is bringing more women into law enforcement and encouraging other departments to follow Milford's lead.

Officials say the Milford Police Academy has 38 recruits representing 14 cities and towns in the state.

They say these recruits are being trained to positively interact with their respective communities upon graduation.

Blumenthal praised Milford Police Chief Keith Mello for what he calls "this remarkable groundbreaking initiative."

He says, "they're providing an in invaluable roadmap for the rest country on the journey to better policing through the advancement of women."