The Connecticut Council of Police (AFSCME Council 15) and the Connecticut State Prison Employees (AFSCME Local 391) have endorsed Democratic 19th District state Senate candidate Cathy Osten.

“We firmly believe that Cathy’s election to the state Senate is in the best interests of the residents of Connecticut, not just within the 19th Senate district,” said Jeffrey Matchett, executive director of the Connecticut Council of Police.

The council represents more than 4,000 police officers in 60 municipalities throughout the state, including Ledyard and Montville.

The Connecticut state Prison Employees, which represents about 1,800 employees working in state prisons, also endorsed Osten, a retired 21-year state corrections officer.

“She is a true advocate for the concerns of all Connecticut residents,” said Jon Pepe, president of the CT State Prison Employees.

Osten, the Sprague first selectman, is running for the 19th state Senate District seat against Republican state Rep. Christopher Coutu in the district that covers Ledyard, northeastern Montville, Norwich, Lisbon, Lebanon, Sprague, Franklin, Lebanon, Marlborough and Hebron.