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Putnam Police Chief Rick Hayes, center, was named president of the CT police association. Left: Putnam Mayor Anthony Falzarano. Right: State Rep. Daniel Rovero. Courtesy photo.

 

 

Special to the Putnam Town Crier

Putnam Police Chief Rick L. Hayes was inducted as the president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association at the organization’s recent annual meeting.  Hayes, whose police career spans 28 years, was sworn in by 51st Assembly District State Representative and former Putnam Mayor Daniel S. Rovero.

On hand for the ceremony in addition to Rovero was Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano, Putnam Deputy Chief Lee Konicki and Police Department administrative staff Lisa Torgan and Carol Pacheco.  Hayes’ wife Kathy and his brothers Donald and Peter were also on hand to witness the swearing-in.

The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association includes 106 chiefs of police representing 92 Connecticut municipalities, eight universities and special chiefs.  The organization represents more than 6,700 police officers throughout the State.

In accepting the position Hayes noted that his goal is to continue advancing the goals of the organization, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the residents of Connecticut and aiding other government bodies within and external to Connecticut in the administration of justice, ensuring that all are treated equally before the law.  It also strives to provide service to the public of the highest attainable quality by constantly searching for those methods that will keep Connecticut law enforcement in the forefront of public safety issues.

“I’ve served as chairman of the organization’s training committee, which has helped me to bond with many of the chiefs from around the State.  I want to continue to enhance the support we provide to each other in times of need,” said Hayes.

Hayes, who’s served as Putnam Chief of Police since 2006, is a nine-year member of the Connecticut organization, serving on the Board of Directors for the past six years.    In 2014-2015 he served as the association’s 1st vice president.

As president he will preside over the four general meetings of the association as well as meeting with the Board of Directors and executive committee every other month.  He will also work closely with the governmental office legislative committee on policy affecting law enforcement throughout Connecticut.  An additional duty is the swearing in of all new recruits graduating from the Police Academy.

Since becoming Putnam Chief of Police, Hayes has been progressive in implementing a number of new programs and improving on others that were previously in existence.  He’s enhanced the bicycle patrol, formed the department’s auxiliary force, expanded the canine force and most recently has accepted surplus equipment from the Federal government.  In 2013 he was recognized by the Exchange Club of Northeastern Connecticut and the Connecticut District Exchange as a “Connecticut’s Finest” honoree.